Need help getting my DSL connection to work on my Network

[Wynner3]

For the past 1 1/2 years (off and on) I have been trying to get my 1 internet computer that has a DSL connection to hook up to the network so I can share the DSL connection with one of the computers I have upstairs. Out of 5 computers, only one has a DSL internet access but it's not on the network. Everytime I have added another network card to that computer, the network works fine but then the DSL connection is lost for some reason. I have a Router but I can't seem to figure this thing out because the instructions don't help. I was wondering what the easiest effective way of putting the DSL computer on the network while leaving the connection intact and being able to share the speed with another computer. If you can help, thank you.

I forgot to mention that, the computer with the DSL connection is running WindowsXP Professional, my computer is running WinMe, another computer is running WinXP Professional, another one with WinXP Home, and one other with Win98SE.

 

[JackMDS]

Your info is very sketchy, so consider the following as a shut in the dark.

If you installed the DSL, you have already ID, and PassWord (write them down).

Start Internet browser, and make sure that the option menu is set to connect through LAN (the original DSL is installed as a Dialup).

Log on to the Router, in the PPPOE menu type username and password. Make sure PPPOE is checked. Set the router to obtain IP automatically (unless you have a static account).

As long as you don't switch off the DSL Modem, and the Router you are connected "forever" (the computer can be switched off). If you switch them off, when you switch them on again, it will take a minute, and the Router will automatically will connect to the DSL ISP.

You can uninstall WINPOET and Netscape (or whatever software they dished you).
Or you can leave them installed; (The software PPPOE appears as another DialUp connection, in the Browser).

The Router's PPPOE capacity is independent from the Computer, and it keeps the connection alive.

Working through the Router should yield faster smoother Internet connection.

For general info:

AT ? FAQ: The Basic Options to Share Internet Connection (Internet Sharing 101)

AT ? FAQ: Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

 

[Terrapin]

Jack:

If one goes the "Cheap Way", does the main computer that is connected to the Net via Cable Connection, have to act as a server?

Just got a New PC (OS is XP PRO). I have an onboard NIC, and added a second one. No conflicts; but also haven't hooked up my cable or LAN yet.

If I plug the Cable Internet line coming from the cable modem, into the Onboard MB NIC, I should have internet access. I go into this NIC properties and unlike WIn98, I can't find IP, MASK, or anything like that to confirm if its set as static, or not. For my Cable Modem it should not be static.

If I then use the Cat 5 Cross Over cable to run from my OLD PC (OS Win98), to my other NIC adapter in my NEW PC; will that work, and will I have to set my NEW PC up as a server for my OLD PC to have access to the NET and for us to play games as a LAN and share files?

I'm very confused, as I have never setup any type of LAN before. This is merely an attempt to give my son access to the net via my connection, and to be able to play LAN games with him.

Thank you,

Terrapin