Page 1 of sharing a broadband connection?

hi all

i am new to this so pleese go easy on me :)

i am going to upgrade to the pippex 1mb broadand connection and share it with me mam`s computer downstares, what options do i have?

i am new to this networking and such like so pleese try to keep it simple for me ;) , i don`t like the idea of having a server set up coz i ain`t got a spare computer, it would have to be set up so that one computer can use the net without having the other one on so i was thinking about getting a router but i don`t have a clue how things like this work so any help will be much appreciated.

cheers simon 8)

p.s. feel free to recomend any products to me

can you all use REALLY simple language, he can`t help being a sunderland fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

Yes use a router, I use a US Robotics Broadband router bought from Scan.com for around £40. I have 3 pc`s plugged into it using blueyonder 1mg and they run well with no probs at all. There is a slot for a forth pc also...Each pc has it`s own connection so it is not neccessary to have them all switched on, you can use them individually. You can also plug your printer into it and share the printer, for this you will have to install some simple software.

You will find this the most simple and effective way of doing what you wish to do.

You will have to let your ISP know the MAC address of the router (this information will probably be on the box) before you can connect to the internet with it but you will only need to do this once...


I hope this helps....

John496 - the MAC address stuff doesn`t apply to anywhere except BY.

But yes a router is the way to go. With ADSL you can get a combined ADSL modem and router. I like Netgear stuff personally.

You will need:
An ADSL modem/router eg Netgear DG834
A network card in both PCs
Cat5 cable from the router to each PC

I noticed you said that your mum`s PC is downstairs. This might mean that running cables is impractical. In that case you might want to consider a wireless network. It will cost you more, but will keep the cable runs down. Just remember security and keep the wireless network as tight as you can.

For that you would need:
ADSL modem/router with wireless access point eg Netgear DG834G
A wireless network card in one/both PCs (I`d recommend having at least one PC hard wired though)
Cat5 cable if you have a hard wired PC.

HTH

cheers for the reply`s,

i am not bothered about running cables because the room my mam`s pc is in is directly below mine so not all thay inconveniant.

i am planning on going with the `wired` router but i am unsure on how to set it up when i get one, are they reasonably simple?

cheers si 8)

Routers are quiet simple these days, you usually can log on to them through a web address and Internet explorer, you`ll need a username/password to logon to the router to. You then type in the username/password that the isp gave you into dialog boxes like you typed your post on this forum, save and reset the router then you are done.

The router itself acts like a server so you can have either machine on and it won`t mind - the router keeps you connected to broadband so as soon as your pc boots then you`ll be online.

I suggest going with Linksys products. From reviews that I have read they seem to be the best for networking, and I have a Linksys ADSL/wireless router myself which was very easy to set up

Si,

If you`re planning using a "wired" router, are you going to drill holes thru`
the ceiling. Bear in mind that a RJ45 connector is about 1/2" wide so you`ll
have a rather large hole visible.

If you feel confident enough, you can make your own cabling and thus make smaller
holes. You can get the necessary cabling from most independent pc shops (not PCW)
for about 50p per meter. Always buy at least 5 metres more than you need just incase
you run into difficulties. RJ45 connectors are about 25p each. A crimping tool is £18 from
Maplins (inc. delivery).

For cabling instructions follow this link.

hth

Ste.

is the rj45 connector the same as the normal telephone plug?, cos i have a crimping tool already which i bought to make me modem cable it does the largeish ones and the smaller ones for the modem.

what sort of cable will i need exactly because i am wanting to add up the costs so i can work out the best way.

cheers si 8)

No, it`s totally different, here are a few links:-

RJ45 Connector

RJ45 Crimp Tool

PC W***d do the crimp tool for £19.99, i er got mine from there as the ones in B&Q
were £59 :o

If you ask for Cat5 cable (speeds upto 100Mbits/sec) you won`t go wrong.
Technical name for this cable is EIA/TIA 568A or B.

Cabling costs are reasonable, I usually pay 50p per metre, tho` you can get cheaper if
you shop around. Once again steer clear of PCW***d as they tend to charge megabucks, 25 RJ45 connectors from there are £10 :(

hth

Ste.