[24hoursupport] Re: Semi Networking
- From: "Ron Allen" <chizotz@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: 24hoursupport@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 03 Jan 2003 20:49:57 -0600
Hi Elaine,
Welcome to the group :)
>I have just joined the group I am hoping to be able to get some
>suggestions on how I can connect two computers to broadband internet via
>one ntl cable modem. Without having to buy another modem and without have
>to make one computer a gateway as in internet sharing, as that means I
>would have to leave one of the computers on fulltime and that is out of
>the question.
You are describing exactly the setup I have, two computers connecting=
directly to a single cable modem. To do this, you need to purchase what's=
called a "gateway router". Some people prefer the LinkSys brand, but I=
have had poor experiences with LinkSys and suggest Netgear. If 3Com has=
entered the home router market since the last time I looked at networking=
hardware, then I would probably suggest 3Com unless it is=
cost-prohibitive. Regardless, Best Buy will likely have what you need.=
Then you just connect the modem to the router and each computer to the=
router and you're in business.
Be sure to get a router, not a hub. Some well-intentioned clerk may try to=
tell you that all you need is a hub and try to save you some money. A hub=
will not do what you want it to do; it merely turns one of your machines=
into a gateway and facilitates the other computer to connect to it. A=
router has the internal hardware and software needed to do what you want=
done. With a router, your ISP assigns an IP address to you, which becomes=
the external IP address of the router. Then the router, which should have=
DHCP server ability built-in, will assign the IP addresses to each=
computer on your network. The last I checked, hubs were running about $25=
and routers were going for about $75, a big price jump but well worth the=
added cost in my opinion.
A router is also great because it adds a physical level of security between=
your computers and the Internet, a hardware firewall in effect. Potential=
hackers will be able to "see" your IP address but won't be able to=
immediately get through to your machines because what they are seeing is a=
router and not a computer. You still need to install software firewalls on=
each machine connected to the router, and I strongly suggest the free=
ZoneAlarm which you can download from http://www.zonelabs.com
Another security issue: as soon as you get the router installed and=
working, look through the instructions that come with it to find out how=
to change the router password. The router will come with a password like=
"password" or "1234" or some other well-know and easily guessed password=
preconfigured. Once you have reset the router password, most hackers will=
not even bother trying to get past it because it isn't worth the hassle.
Hope this helps and good luck. Any other questions, please ask away!
Ron
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