hey, I don't know much about home networking, but here's what I need to do...

I currently have broadband internet at my house. the cable comes in from the outside and is split on the inside, one goes to TV the other goes to the cable modem, which then of course, goes to the computer. I want to set up another computer in the house with broadband internet. what's the best way to do this?

thanks!

 

The easiest way is to go buy yourself a DSL/Cable modem router. This is essentially a hub (usually 4 or 10 ports) that allows you to plug your cable modem into it, and then as many computers as it has ports.

It then acts as a firewall and DHCP server, allowing you to share your internet connection between the multiple PC's. They're really easy to use and only about $150 or so.

Clark

 

One option: Get a wireless router to hook to the cable modem whereever it is, then you can network any number of computers anywhere in your house on the same account. Router is less than $200 and wireless cards for each client from $40 to $100 for a laptop.

 

A hub will not act as a firewall but a router will. Router serves as a physical barrier between your computer and the Internet.

 

The cable/dsl router is the way to go. Once you install it you will need to call your cable provider and give them the MAC (Machine Access Control) id # which will be on a sticker on the back of the router. Their cable modem is currently setup to talk to the MAC id of your network card in your computer and they will need to switch it in their system before it will work.

 

You can also use a piece of software like WinProxy if you have 2 or more systems with conventional network cards and don't want the expense of buying wireless hardware or router.

http://www.ositis.com/

 

Check out the Linksys products. The 4 port switch/router is around $100 and the wireless 4 port switch/router is $160. PCI card for the wireless are about $90. I'm not sure what the PCMCIA cards run for. The cool thing about the linksys wireless is that you can still use standard network cable for PCs close to the router (as it is still a 4 port switch) and wireless for more remote PCs. I've setup many of these for my clients and have had no issues so far.

FYI - They also make an 8 port version.

 

Kodos,

He might not have to call his provider with the Mac address. My cable modem just acts like a DHCP server and really doesn't care what is connecting to it. I didn't have to change a thing at all.

Clark

 

redleader,

If you don't keep your computers on 24/7 and aren't paranoid about "hackers", I recommend just buying a simple hub or switch (or borrow one from work ). Then you just plug in the cable modem into the hub's uplink port, and the two computers to available ports on the hub.

I'm assuming you use ATT Broadband, so you might have to pay $5/month for an additional IP address (handed out by DHCP). You might also get 1 extra IP free, so you might want to call ATT and check (although they seem to be very incompetent at tech support).

The benefit of no firewall is that all your software will work without hassle. This includes peer-2-peer programs, chat, games, etc. Seems like you're just asking how to share the internet access, not how to be protected.

 

Definitely get a Broadband router. Make sure you get one that can clone Mac Address, you may need to do that. Depending on how much you are willing to spend and the distance between the computers, you can choose to go with Cat-5 cable or wireless. Checkout this site for good deals http://www.techbargains.com. I've seen wireless access points for less than $100 and wired routers for less than $60. Good luck. Feel free to PM if you have more questions.