home network running, but can't share DSL connection........

[gamjohn2]

Thanks to the advice of members of this board, I was finally able to enable file sharing between my computer and laptop thru a hub. But I am having problems with DSL sharing between the 2 comps.

Originally, after completing the network, I just plugged the two comps into the hub and the DSL line into the uplink port. This did not work!! When I tried to switch the cables back to have only the main comp access the internet, it did not work. I found out later that the modem wasn't able to see my NIC when the "Obtain IP address automatically" was NOT checked.

Then I read that additional software might be needed for the internet sharing to work. I would like to set it up so that any comp can access the internet without having to have a specific comp running. It is my understanding that this cannot be done with proxy and NAT programs. Any suggestions on what to do next?? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

gamjohn2

 

[JackMDS]

Read slowly the content of the following Links:

Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

<a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.
anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=48">Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?</a>

 

[gamjohn2]

I have read those links, but which ICS should I use so that any comp can access the internet without having a specific machine on?? Also, how can I tell the difference between a straight cable and a crossover cable??

 

[JackMDS]

I don't know what authentication scheme your ISP uses (if it is PPPPOE, your flexibility is limited).

Using a Hub limits you even more, you want the work of a Router, then get a Router.

As for CAT5: CAT5 Straight, Crossover. What is CAT5, which one should I Use?

With the info in this link, and some tech imagination, you can id the cable.

 

[gamjohn2]

A question about Windows ICS.........

My main comp is running Win98 (NOT SE). My laptop is running WinME. Thus I can't install ICS on the main machine, but does it really matter?? If this does require keeping one comp running at all times, it really can't be my laptop. Does it matter which machine ICS is installed on??

 

[dbx]

you either need a router that has nat on it, or 2 network cards in a windows computer and run ics or nat.

 

[Night201]

Save yourself the aggravation and pick yourself up a linksys router. Connect the DSL to the WAN port, your 2 computers to the other LAN ports, configure the router with your login info, set your computers to obtain IP addresses and you're all set to go. Contact me if you need help setting it up. It's pretty straight forward.

 

[gamjohn2]

Thanks for all of the advice, members!!!! Looks like I gotta go router shopping. I just hope there are some deals out there.

 

[tkoller]

You never stated what make and model your DSL hardware is. If it is a Cisco 675/678 it does NAT and will manage your connections through a hub. No new hardware is needed.

 

[DIRTsquirt]

another option would be if you had a 486or better bare tower hanging around... all you need is a floppy drive 16mb of ram motherboard and chip. no harddrive required but a 40 or 50 mb hard drive makes it nice. no keyboard mouse or monitor is necessary/
if you got one laying around go to www.freesco.org and dl the proggy.. it will run from the floppy and will do all you will ever need in router.