Router & cable modem

[bacontaco]

I am planning to get cable internet from AT&T broadband sometime this week. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what hardware is needed to hook up two computers to the connection. I'm not sure if I need a router to hook up the second computer, or is a cable modem and a router the same thing? Does anyone have any opinions as to a quality brand that makes routers or cable modems?

Also, do I really have to pay the extra money to hook up a second computer, or am I correct for thinking that this is what the router is for?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[dmk11]

Router is what you want.

You have cable modem, then you connect with ethernet cable from cable modem to WAN port of router.
Connect your computers on the other ports of the router.

THe cheapest way to hook a 2nd computer up is by installing another network card in your main computer then connect this 2nd NIC with the 2nd computer. Your main computer acts as a 'router' and it has to be up for the 2nd computer to be up.. it's definitely cheaper, but a pain.

I don't know about cable modems, but some DSL modem can also act as a router. In this case, you just need to buy a hub instead of a router to hook multiple computers up. I don't think this will be the case for you though.

Good Luck!

 

[SemperFi]

Router is the ticket. I must agree with dmk it is cheaper to setup without router but a pain, and the main computer must be on for the second to have access. Also router is a cheap firewall.

I have road runner from time warner. the rg-5 coax comes in the house and goes into the modem. From the modem a network cable to the wan of the router. Then both computers plug into the router.

If you are familiar with networking at all a router is like a switch but the port for the broadband has added features like firewall.

I know that around here if you don't have a network card already installed they install a usb modem. These are pretty much useless for a network.

Hope this helps.

 

[bacontaco]

Thanks for all the great info guys! Definitely answered my questions!

 

[olds]

As usual, good answers. I'd add to be sure that if you buy a modem on your own that it is on AT&Ts approved list.

 

[Souka]

Other info.....

if you buy your own modem, let AT&T know and ask for a discounted rate....might save $3-10 per months...varies by region.

Also, AT&T in most areas charges an extra $5 (I think) for additional computers to be hooked up......but....

if you goto the AT&T website www.attbi.com, there's a how-to guide on hooking up a router to a cable modem and multiple computers...... of course they ask that you let them know so they can bill you extra$$....yeah right....

Good luck!