Broadband Modem Question

[SgtBuddy]

How do broadband providers handle people with multiple computers?

I have 4 (5 when Windows isn't crashing) computers in my apartment.

I use two primarily, one playing Everquest (Lanys, Gilender 30th Druid) and one surfing (Quest hints, and downtime). The others are used to practice networking stuff, alternate OS fun and one file server.

I want my cable modem (Comcast) to go into a Netgear RT314 Gateway/Router and then connect 4 computers together.

I am pretty sure the installation is Do-It-Yourself, so no waiting from 8am-5pm for the installer dude.

I guess my question is what's to keep one guy from getting access and sharing it with 8 people nearby?

Sgt Buddy
Tyndall AFB, FL

 

[Russ]

<< I guess my question is what's to keep one guy from getting access and sharing it with 8 people nearby? >>



Nothing.

Russ, NCNE

 

[ScottMac]

Nothing at all, except it violates your contract, and make you criminally liable if you're caught...just like sharing cable TV with your neighbors.

FWIW

Scott

 

[Russ]

Scott,

It's not a criminal issue, it's a civil issue, and few broadband providers even address it in the TOS anymore - other then to say they won't provide tech support for it.

The difference is that adding multiple users to a broadband connection cannot be held to be theft of services, because the service is generally metered so adding users does not mean more bandwidth is taken.

Pirating cable is theft.

Russ, NCNE

 

[SgtBuddy]

The broadband companies (Comcast in particular) have no problem with multiple computers in the same household?

 

[Sukhoi]

But wouldn't it be illegal if you RESOLD the broadband access or cable TV?

 

[SgtBuddy]

I am sure it would be, but my case is just one person with 4 computers. Unfortunately, if they can tell you are subletting the connection to others, my case will raise the same flags (4 computers on one connection)

I am sure some of you have broadband access and have more than one computer. Has the provider officially Okd it?

 

[Russ]

SgtBuddy,

I have broadband with 25 systems/nodes connected. Not only that, I've setup quite a few small businesses with multiple stations on the same DSL connection. I don't know about your provider, but Qwest couldn't care less.

Hell, they even have a separate LAN division to support it, if you have the right account with them.

Russ, NCNE

 

[SgtBuddy]

Found this while surfing around my daily spots





<< A word about ISPs and their policies. As you can see, your cable modem attaches directly to the router. In most cases, that means that you will have to share the MAC address of your router with your ISP. Savy ISPs will know if you are using a router from the MAC address, so you might want to check with them first to see if this is even allowed. If not, all is not lost, as you can spoof your MAC address should you choose to. >>






Full RT314 Review Here:
http://www.arstechnica.com/reviews/01q2/netgear/rt314-1.html
RT314 Gateway/Router Review

 

[vegetation]

It's sort of self-controlled in a way. Sure, you could share, even charge, for your connection to others who live near you, but you end up being technical support to all of them. And trust me, there is no money to be made here that's worth one's time.

 

[Sukhoi]

A lot of routers let you clone the MAC address from a NIC on your LAN, so I don't think it's a problem anymore with your ISP knowing you're using a router from its MAC address.

 

[nape]

The only problem with multiple computers on one cable connection is the upstream cap 🙁

 

[HansXP]

My cable Internet provider, Adelphia, has a 1-computer limit specified in the contract. I think it all depends on the company.

 

[Sukhoi]

Dang it, Adelphia does? I swear I read the whole TOS and AUP and didn't see anything like that in there. Oh well. I suppose there's really no way for them to know if you use a router, especially if you clone the MAC of a NIC.