Can I share an external DSL modem?

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blomando

Member
Feb 19, 2000
39
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I have 2 computers directly connected with a cat 5 crossover cable using the onboard ethernet (both k7s5a MBs). The printer and file sharing work fine, but although the dsl connection shows on the 2nd computer I cannot access the internet on it. In fact, the 2nd computer causes the first (dsl connected) computer to dial up when I have it on, and tells me the first computer is signed on even though I have 'never dial a connection' checked on both computers.

I am using an Alcatel external usb modem provided by bellsouth.net. They sent me an ad saying I could purchase a home networking kit from them and with this and an extra $10. a month, I could share the dsl line. Is there any reason, I can't do this using my own setup?

Any help would be appreciated. This is my first networking attempt and everything has gone smoothly except for the sharing of the dsl connection. :confused:
 
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Angrymarshmello

Lifer
Apr 5, 2000
13,256
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How are you hooking up the first computer (with DSL) to the second if it's a direct connection? (2 NICs in the first computer I'm guessing?) Your best and cheapest bet would be a router (splits the internet connection) - modem plugs into router, two computers plug into router. I don't know what the networking kit from Bellsouth includes but you're much better off buying it yourself - you'll save money in the long run. (A decent hard wired router will run like $29-$39 depending on brand)
 
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blomando

Member
Feb 19, 2000
39
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I have the 2 computers connected with what I believe is the onboard nic's. The cat 5 crossover is connected to the onboard on both.

The dsl on the first computer does not have an additional nic that I am aware of unless its built into the external modem itself. The dsl modem is by Alcatel and it kind of looks like a 'stingray'. The only connections are one line that plugs into my regular phone line and a usb connection that plugs into the first computer. In fact if I want to use it on the 2nd computer only (without sharing) all I have to do is unplug the usb from the first computer and plug it into the 2nd. Hope this makes sense? And thanks again for any help.
 
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Angrymarshmello

Lifer
Apr 5, 2000
13,256
1
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Aww damn, good ol Jack pointed out the obvious (didn't see the external USB part) But he makes a good point - USB modems kinda suck. Unless you really don't care that much about latency and just want to share it, you might want to invest in a new one.

Actually now that I think about it - if your modem only has a phone line jack and a USB port, it's not shareable via the traditional router. You'd need to get another modem that hooks up via normal ethernet, since the router will hook up to the modem via ethernet.

Check out the links Jack posted - I just recently got DSL myself and setup a network for the first time and the links he gave me helped a LOT. Good guy :D
 
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blomando

Member
Feb 19, 2000
39
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Ah! Now I see why it won't work. Thanks to you and 'JackMDS' for the info. My setup is okay I just need to have a dsl that connects via the ethernet with a built-in router like the 2nd or 3rd modems listed in the link from JackMDS for this to work.

Thanks again. :cool:
 
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