Question about networks/connecting multiple computers to the internet

[Flightsim]

I am trying to connect two computers at home to the internet. One of them is already connected to the internet with a cable modem (from my ISP) and an ethernet cable. I want to connect another computer to the cable modem so it can access the internet, but the modem only has one ethernet port on it. I don't know much about networks in general and the various network devices, so before I try/buy anything I want to find out what I need.

My uneducated guess tells me that I need to connect some kind of router to the cable modem, and then I can connect my two computers to the router. Am I right? It seems like there are different types of routers out there too, such as wired or wireless routers. How do you know what kind to get or which is best for your needs? Are they difficult to set up/configure?

Also, I saw something for sale on newegg called a "switch", and it confused me because it looked similar to a router. How are these different from routers?

 

[sonoma1993]

you need a router, get somethen like the linksys wrt54g wireless router. Most soho routers are easy to set up.

 

[Eos]

I second a "small office/home office" router such as a Linksys, although I like the GL model with third party firmware installed. DD-WRT to be exact.

A switch will not work because your cable modem does not have DHCP built in. It only allows for one connection. A router allows any internet connection to be plugged into and then distribute that signal (via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)* to up to 253 other computers through wireless or a gaggle of switches.

Modem > router > computer + computer

Bonus: once the router is in place, you can share files between the two computers. Of course, as long as file sharing is done properly.

*DHCP is a fancy way of saying the router gives any device connected to it a unique IP address. Usually in the range 192.168.1.xxx

 

[JackMDS]

The content of the following links will provide you with a basic tutorial about Sharing Internet connection; it is short and to the point. The pages were written by me ages ago. Ignore the prices, and the specific choice of hardware, stick with the principles they are still the same.

Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.aspx?i=105

Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...? - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.aspx?i=48

What do I need for wireless networking? - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.aspx?i=122

The whole thing should look like this, http://www.ezlan.net/network/router.jpg

What is a good buy in these days, http://www.ezlan.net/buffalo.html

Current decent price here, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833162173

 

[Flightsim]

Thanks for the replies... but I still have a few questions left. Does it matter if I get a wireless or non-wireless router? Do I need a special type of network card to use a wireless router? Is there anything a noob like me might need to know when setting up/configuring the router?

 

[JackMDS]

Since Wireless Router cost the same as a wire only Router it buy a Wireless (switch it off if you do not want to use it).

A computer need a wireless card to work wirelessly.

Q: Is there anything a noob like me might need to know when setting up/configuring the router?

A: Read more carefully the content of the links given to you.

 

[tomt4535]

If you want to have a computer connected to the network without a wire plugged into it, then you can use the wireless, if not just turn it off. All depends on how your house/computers/network is set up and how you want it.

 

[lumbus]

Originally posted by: eos
A switch will not work because your cable modem does not have DHCP built in. It only allows for one connection.

I use DSL rather than cable, but I don't see why the same couldn't be true for cable... My DSL modem has built-in DHCP/NAT, so eventhough it only has one ethernet port, it allows multiple computers by just plugging a hub or switch into it. That's not something my ISP advertises though... In fact, they try to get you to pay $5/month for "home networking", which means that they send you a modem/router with multiple ports.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: lumbus
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: eos
A switch will not work because your cable modem does not have DHCP built in. It only allows for one connection. </end quote></div>

The point of the above answers is that you need a Router. If it happened that your ISP gave you a Combo unit that is a Modem and a Router it is really very nice (though most of these combos "s*x"), but it does not nullify the above answers.