How do I use cable modems usb for internet

[Palvarez9504]

I was wondering if it is possible to use the cable modems usb port for the internet, thanks.

 

[Fardringle]

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking, but I'll take a shot at it...


Are you asking if you can use the USB port on your cable modem to provide Internet access to your PC, or are you asking if there is a way to use it to SHARE Internet access to multiple PCs?

For one PC, yes, that's exactly what the USB port on the modem is designed for. Just plug it in to an available USB port on your PC and follow any configuration instructions your Internet provider gave you for their system.

For sharing to multiple PCs, yes and no. You can connect the USB port on the modem to one PC and then use Internet Connection Sharing from that PC to provide Internet access to other PCs on your network, but the PC connected to the modem will have to be turned on whenever any of the other computers need to use the Internet. You cannot connect the USB port on the modem to a router for Internet sharing (at least, not any router that I have seen). For that type of set up, which would be preferable over an ICS set up, you'll need to use the Ethernet/LAN port on the cable modem and connect it to the Internet/WAN port on a broadband (cable/DSL) router.

 

[amdskip]

If you are plugging straight into a pc and not a router it will work. Most likely have to use your ISP's/modem's software to get it to work. I would hook it up via cat 5 over usb if I had a choice.

 

[vailr]

To clarify: use the USB port OR the ethernet port, but not both at the same time.
Using the USB port requires a device driver, from the manufacturer's web site.
When switching between modem ports, you need to: unplug the power, re-configure the
wiring, then re-connect the power.

 

[keeleysam]

Why would you want to use USB? It HOGS the CPU, and is slower than ethernet.