Is this possible???

[Pers]

Ok i want to set up my (first ) network... I have two computers each with their own NIC card. I am planning on getting a 5 port switch. Anyways, i am gonna connect my two pc's to the switch along with my cable modem. My internet service offers dynamic ip's only. I was told i couldn't share my internet connection with a switch, and that i can only use a router because my ip is dynamic. Is this true?? Is it possible for me to use a switch instead, because it's CHEAPER!!!

 

[TheMabbi]

If you want to use a switch, then yeah, you'd need to use a static IP.

The good news is that if the cable service you speak of is @Home, the IP's aren't really dynamic. Yes you connect using DHCP, but you have an IP assigned to your account. So, if you just check into what your IP and whatnot are, you can set this up using a switch.

However, the bad news is that while you do have an assigned IP, it can change without warning. This doesn't happen often, but it can be enough that if you're relying on a static setup to run your network, it's gonna be annoying having to update it.

The best bet is to bite the bullet and buy a router, let it work via DHCP, and not have to worry about IP's changing.

 

[Pers]

Thank, but unfortunately my service is (going to be) rr. I don't know how they assign their "dynamic" ips, but i hope it is similar to @home. Would a hub be an option? I know several people running their home networks with a hub, yet they have no problems. If i were to use a router, would i be able to transfer files between computers???

 

[TheMabbi]

A hub would be an option, yeah, but you would need IP's for each computer. It's pretty much a switch, just not quite as efficiant. This will work fine if RR will let you get additional computer accounts.

As for transfering files, A hub, switch, or router will all allow you to transfer files between the computers on the network.

 

[Pers]

thanks again....

So i am basically stuck with having to get a router.... Any suggestions on a CHEAP one to get??

 

[Pers]

i was just reading that you could share internet connections via ICS or other internet sharing software. Would this method work with dynamic ip's or would it be as big a headache as using a switch? Also, if i were to use ics, would the computer that has the modem installed always have to be on in order for my other computer to use the internet??

 

[TheMabbi]

First off, you're not stuck with getting a router. You can still use a hub or swith with Dynamic IP's, provided that RR will give you DHCP ID's for your other computers. I'd imagine that they will.

As for ICS, it'll work with dynamic IP's, but yeah, you have to leave the main computer on all the time if you want to always have a connection with the others. It's generaly not worth it IMO.

Basicaly, you can buy a router and get it working with the one IP you have, or you can buy a hub or switch and then pay RR for additional DHCP ID's. If you use ICS, you can use a hub and only have one IP, but again, there are downsides.

 

[kylef]

You've got two decent options (I don't think internet connection sharing is a very good one):

1. See how much they'd charge you for another IP address for the 2nd computer

2. Get a router so you don't need the second IP address

Weigh the appropriate cost of those two options. If #1 is a monthly fee, be sure to take into account about how long you plan on keeping the service. Cable/DSL routers are getting cheaper every day, but they're still around $100... But, they usually have a switch built-in, so you don't need to buy a separate one.

 

[JackMDS]

RR changes IP every 12-36 hours (and it seems to be random).

It is ?Silly? to use the Internet coupled with "IP Sudden Change Anxiety".


You can get this Router, with rebates it comes to $49.


http://www.egghead.com/category/inv/00052149/03987068.htm

http://reno.egghead.com/atcost/rebates/pdf/smc_50ja.pdf


If you prefer Netgear Best Buy will have it over the weekend for $69 (AR).