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how hard is it to share a dsl connection?

S

Stifko

Diamond Member
Hey whats up?

I am gettin a roommate and he has a computer too. He mentioned that he wants to get online and I have earthlink dsl service. What do we have do do to share the connection? Will a hub be enough? Just plug the hub into the dsl modem and our machines into the hub? Is there any configuration things we gotta do too? Thanks a lot!
 
You could go 2 ways...get switch (also known as a hub) and your roomate will have to have a NIC in his computer and you will need 2 NICs. One for the DSL connection (unless your modem is a USB type) and the other NIC is for your connection to the switch. Depending on your OS...like XP makes it real easy with its Internet connection sharing.

The other way would be to get a router..easy to setup.
 
router seems to be the easiest route to go... if you're going to be using a switch/hub, whichever pc is connected to the dsl service (since this pc will need 2 NICs, 1 connected to the dsl modem, the other connected to the switch/hub) will have to be on if your roommate wants to get on the internet from his pc.
 
Question #1: What kind of DSL "modem" are you getting?

If it's truly a router (ie it runs DHCP & NAT locally), then you most likely won't need a separate router. A hub or a switch should work fine.

If it's closer to a modem (ie PPPoE), then you will need a router of some sort.

Viper GTS
 
A switch and a hub are different. Say you have a 100mbps switch and a 100mbps hub with 4 computers pluged into each. On the hub, each computer has 25mbps to work with (the 100mbps is shared between all computers on the hub), and on the switch each computer has a full 100mbps to work with. A switch also knows which computers are connected to which port, so it dosen't have to send a packet of information out to every computer connected to it in order for the packet to reach the destination computer. This also cuts down on data collisions. Just clearing that up for anyone who might have gotten the wrong idea from stockjock's comment 🙂

Other than those differences, a hub and a switch are pretty much the same thing. Basicly, a switch is like a smart hub.

A router is basicly used as a connection point between two different networks. Its a really smart switch 🙂
 
Here is the deal:

If you do not get a router and just plug the DSL modem into your hub, then when both you and your roommate connect to the internet, you are each going to be getting an IP from your modem. Most modems will not allow this, but even if your modem does, most ISPs frown on users getting multiple IPs unless they are paying for them.

There are 2 options for the router. The easiest is to buy a hardware router. The prices on these things have become so cheap, it's really the best solution any more. If you do not get a separate router, then 1 or your computers will have to become a router. You put 2 NIC cards (1 goes to the DSL modem, 1 goes to the hub) in this computer, then use some kind of routing software. Win98SE and WinXP have ICS built in, otherwise you can use software like WinGate, NAT32, and a host of others. The major downside is that the computer acting as the router must be on in order for the second computer to access the internet.

In reality, with the price of routers becoming so cheap with the proliferation of broadband internet connections, it is really the best way to go. They are pathetically easy to set up and they don't draw a lot of electricity being on all the time. The only thing you have to watch out for is if your ISP does not want you connected 24/7 you have to unplug your router periodically in order to truly disconnect from the 'net.
 
Thanks a lot everyone ! I already have the DSL modem and have had the service for about a year now. Its a WestTel WireSpeed. This guy isn't moving in untill April 1st probably, so I will hold off untill then. Maybe he will spring for a router, b/c I am really broke now. Thats why I am getting a roomie in the first place. The router idea does sound like the simplest and best way to go. You all are a tremenous help and thanks again. As far as the ISP frowning, thats fine w/me. As long as they don't know and won't charge me extra. We will be sharing an IP, right ??? This service is $5o/month anyway !!! I will keep my eyes peeled for a hot router deal and please feel free to lemme know if one pops up.
 
If you get a router, make sure your fine with him looking through your stuff. Otherwise, disable sending and transfering files to each other. You can still share Internet that way, and play games together.
 


<< If you get a router, make sure your fine with him looking through your stuff. Otherwise, disable sending and transfering files to each other. You can still share Internet that way, and play games together. >>



yeah, disable file and print sharing.. and if applicable, change sharing/security permissions.. and if you're running win xp/2k you can use local security policy to prohibit access to your pc from the network.
 
I am still using win98se, and I dunno what his OS is. He didn't call me today so maybe he is not moving in after all.
thanks though
 
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