networking with cable modem

[DrPizza]

Hello, I've tried to find the right answers, but seem to have found several answers with conflicting info. I'm new to networking and I'm not sure which is the right solution for me.

I'm going to network 2 (maybe 3 soon) computers together in my house. I have cable internet access with an RCA modem hooked to the faster of the two computers. I believe I only get 1 IP address through my ISP (without paying more).
1. It is possible to network the computers so that both can share the modem, right?

2. Can I just use a regular hub, with a network card in each computer, and be able to access the internet from both simultaneously? (Software solution from Sygate?)

3. Do I need the extra cost of a special cable router?

I'm looking for a more economical solution. I don't want to slow down the cable access, at least not too much to my computer, but would like the kids' computer to be able to share files and access the internet. Mine: Athlon 1GHz, win98.2 Their's: Pentium 166/Win95. Upgrading their computer to a faster MB/processor is also going to occur.

Any advice, or links to quality sites would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[salsal]

The easiest way is router with switch. I use D-Link 704, a cable/DSL modem router with 4 port switch (for 4 computers). Set everything to DHCP and with one NIC in each computer you are done. Only one IP address needed. It has NAT firewall and everything inside is invisible to internet. Look in Hot Deals forum and you can find good deals in routers.

 

[Dan]

I set things up the same way as salsal, using a Linksys 4-port cable router. I've got WinXP Pro on both systems. The network was very easy to configure. One plus if you go with a router: one system doesn't have to be on for the other one to have Internet access.

 

[LukFilm]

If you have Win2k or WinXP, it's really easy to set up in software. You don't need a router if you have only two computers, all you need is a cross-over cable (to connect your two computers together) and another cable to run it from the cable modem into the faster computer.

 

[DrPizza]

Thank You!

 

[googly]

Be Aware though that with a cross-over cable both computers have to be on at the same time. If that works for you, fine - but a router lets you have the computers be independent.

 

[Thegonagle]

The router is the best way to go. A lot of very nice things have been said about the SMC 7004ABR. It has a built in 4 port 10/100 switch and a bunch of other stuff.

Here's a link to it for sale. I can't vouch for the reliability of this company, but that's a fair price with shipping.

 

[Mustanggt]

If you get a good router with 4 ports you dont even need a switch.

 

[Rob9874]

When I posted this today, I was looking for someone to link me to a previous post, like I'm doing now. Whoever responded to my question provided some very useful information. Hope this helps. Funny we asked the same question on the same day.