I want to surf with EITHER computer!.Is my ISP misunderstanding me

[Davbaron]

I hope this question is in the right place . Apologies if it isn't .
I have two computers; one for gaming and the other for everything else. I used to have both connected to the Internet through a switch box via my one USB external modem. I could connect no problem with either. Now, when using the non- gaming computer, attempts to connect through the switchbox are met with a message words to the effect that I ?cannot connect through a network? or ?the computer is not answering- try later ?
But if I put the USB lead from the modem directly into the PC, then connection is accepted by the ISP.
Each Pc uses windows 98SE. And obviously the same ISP settings.
Connecting to my ISP using the switchbox used to be no problem. Since disconnecting the computers to effect some hardware repairs, I have had the present situation.
The impression I have, from the message received on trying to connect via the switchbox, is that my ISP regards my second computer as a networked one? And so won?t allow the connection?
Do they think I should have two accounts with them ? one for each computer?
I would want the gaming computer connection for games and the associated downloads etc ,obviously; but I don?t want to clog it with other ordinary surfing stuff, if I can avoid it? .
Is there some particular setting I should have to enable me to surf with either as before?
I had some replies to this on the network forum, and the replies suggested that what I was asking was that I wished to network the computers together and that maybe the switchbox didn?t work.
I'm not sure I made myself clear. I don't want to network the computers. When I first used the switch box, designed to link one usb unit to two computers, then I was able to use either computer to dial up my ISP.
And it worked no problem. It works on computer "b". The connection is made and kept.
When I turn the switch and use computer "A" then all seems to go well and then it's as if the ISP rejects my connection attempt saying connection is being made through a network!! ( which it seems they don't like !)
After a few days not using computer A I tried it and got thru. Connection was made and then after a few minutes it seemed they realised that they had allowed connection and then I was disconnected, and then couldn't re-connect.
So this tells me that the switchbox is physically working OK - I wonder if some settings in the dial up could be done, so the ISP doesn't worry about what it sees as a networked connection!!??

 

[JHeiderman]

The device you want is called a Router. It allows you to hookup two computers (or more) to one Cable modem and use them at the same time.

You could buy a router that has multiple network connectoins already built in (a router + intergrated hub/switch) or if you already have a hub/switch you could just buy a single port router for the hub.

The problem you are having is that your cable modem is getting confued when you change the connection on it on the fly between two computers. Many cable modems need to be reset to handle that properly.

Hope that helps.

EDIT
My apologies.. too many assumptions on my part. When you said USB external modem I assumed cable modem... If you got a serial modem then the router info would still apply as long as it had a port for a external seial modem.

- j

 

[ObiDon]

I might have misunderstood but it sounds like he has a 56K USB modem and is sharing it between two computers with some kind of funky cable

 

[Soybomb]

Doubtful, the customer is usually the one who misunderstands You shouldn't need two accounts for that, but it sounds like whatever funky switch you have in there for the usb modem is causing you problems. Why not spend $30-50 on networking them? It'd be alot easier and you'd find it more useful

 

[croxz]

It seems like a malfunctioning switch to mee. Have you tried switching the two computers around (A&B connections) to see which one is connecting to the internet in that situation?

 

[ripthesystem]

also agree that I doubt it's the ISP in this case.
Try what croxz said and switch the comps around to see what happens in that case.
Also- does your switch have and external plug for power or an On/Off Switch? If so you may want to try turning off the switch power for about 10seconds before you try to connect with the other computer.

ripthesystem