Using a cable modem connection with more than one computer.

[MrChupon]

Well, thats what I've been doing the past 7 months with my AT&T Broadband Cable service. I have two computers on the same desk, and the connection runs from the wall to the cable modem to a 8-port hub, and finally to each of my computers. They each get their own IP address via DHCP, and all has been well.

Well, today I get a letter in the mail from AT&T... saying that:

"As a result of recent changes to the AT&T broadband internet network, some customers may be currently recieving additional IP adresses without subscribing to our "Multiple IP Service"

The letter goes on to tell me that if I want them to give me more than one IP address at a time, I will have to spend $4.95 a month extra for four more IP addresses.

My question to the anandtech crowd is this: Is there anything I can do besides giving them the money? Can two computers share the same IP and function properly?

I'm rather pissed off at AT&T right now. They imply that i'm receiving Multiple IPs for free due to some sort of mix up on their part, and try and guilt me into an extra 5 bucks a month for "recieving a service that I am not subscribed to". Well, its been 7 months, and they never advertised a "Multiple IP service" to me in january when they came to hook up the cable modem and saw 2 PC's on my desk.

Has this happened to anyone else?

 

[TheOmegaCode]

It sounds like you already NAT setup. As long as the NAT box translates the non-routable IP's back into the IP that AT&T gives you, there really isn't much they can do about it.

 

[JackMDS]

You were lucky for seven month, you save yourself 4.95 X 7 = $34.65

You can take this money and buy yourself a shiny Cable/DSL Router.

Need to understand more read this?

AT - FAQ . Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

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

 

[TheOmegaCode]

Ooh, I assumed that you had some sort of NAT setup. If you were getting IP's from AT&T then will want to get a cable/dsl router like Jack MDS suggested...

 

[MrChupon]

Thanks for the FAQ's

ok, So if I go and get a cable router for 80-100 bucks, and hook it up, it will be able to serve me 2 IP adresses even though AT&T wants to charge me for taking more than one?

Sounds like a plan....

Is there a lot of setup involved in a router?

 

[JackMDS]

It is very simple to set-up, and it is only $40-$60.

Example:D-LINK DI-604 CABLE / DSL ROUTER WITH 4 PORT SWITCH .