proprietary hardware to keep me from sharing a broadband connection? was re: networking a satellite connection

[WannaBeGeek]

Just got the PCI card for my satellite modem, which will be installed this week. Instead of Ethernet, looks like they are using just regular coax cable (like the kind that the cable company uses to send a tv signal).

I had my heart set on buying a router to split the connection without them knowing--even had the router picked out. Now I'm wondering if I won't be able to share the connection after all.

My question is: is there anything I can do to share the connection (again without tipping of my isp, who want me to buy a prohibitively expensive "server" before I can do this) if they are using coax cable to deliver the signal? If a router won't work (it has to go BEFORE the signal enters the host computer, right?) is there hardware/software that does the same job? I was really looking forward to the built-in-firewall/privacy features I could get through a netgear router; will I have to do without them, or can I configure the router to do its job after the signal enters the host computer?

 

[purplehayes]

You can still share your connection. You'll just need to install a 2nd NIC in your computer. You can then run a cable from there to your other computer (crossover cable) or to a hub (straight through cable) and then plug your computers into the hub.

You may be able to use a router but you'll have to wait for someone else to respond to tell you how.

PH

 

[mgpaulus]

Can you tell them you have to have an external modem, because you dual boot Linux & Winblows?? Most PCI type cards are not supported under Linux, so the only way to support linux is to use an external modem, and then use a supported NIC. Try that argument on your Service provider, and see where it gets you.

If that doesn't work, then you can share your connection out. As mentioned previously, you need a NIC, which will connect to your local LAN. Then you need some software, like SyGate 4.0, which does NAT translation, and you should probably get some personal Firewall software. Everything I read points to Norton Personal Firewall being the firewall of choice for personal broadband machines. I'm using the Netgear RT311 on my Sprint broadband wireless, and like it, but you can do it all without a router.