2 PCs sharing one broadband connection? Need help.

Question

Hi there, I have an dim8400 and just bought a dim9150, so I wanna get my connection ready for when it arrives.

I’m currently using a Netopia Cayman 3341 Ethernet/usb ADSL Modem/router,

I use the Ethernet connection currently, the problem is, it only has one Ethernet connection port, so I won’t be able to hook up my new PC to it as well when it arrives.

So I’m planning on buying a new router/modem, I have no idea of what I need, or what’s best for my set-up, I basically want to run the 2 PCs through the same broadband connection for browsing the internet and also playing games, I don’t want/need to share any information between the 2 PCs.

a few questions…

-Is a wired Ethernet connected router/modem better (i.e. faster/slower/more stable etc.) than a Wifi router/modem?

-I’m also confused on what connection a wifi router/modem uses, Ethernet or usb?

Can anyone recommend good, affordable brands? And what things should I look out for when buying a multiple port router, as I’m confused by the terms hub, and switches.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer me :)

Message Edited by aob on 12-18-2005 11:51 PM

aob · Answer

Thanks for the reply, one question, using a wifi router/modem with a desktop; what is used to connect the PC to the wifi router/modem since your not using the PC's internal ethernet adapter? is it a usb device? and if so is there other options to a usb device?   Thanks once again! : )

Greg16 · Answer

'-Is a wired Ethernet connected router/modem better (i.e. faster/slower/more stable etc.) than a Wifi router/modem?' wired is usually faster and more stable than wifi, but you would hardly know the difference if you are just using the internet. '-I am also confused on what connection a wifi router/modem uses, Ethernet or usb?' A router takes the Ethernet connection from the modem, and 'splits' it into four or more Ethernet ports that you can plug computers into. A wifi router is a wired router that has wifi integrated, so you can connect wirelessly instead of plugging in. I suggest the linksys wrt54g: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124010

Greg16 · Answer

USB device: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833130111 or PCI (expansion card): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833156141

beneteau · Answer

My 2¢----also, if you are planning to share a printer on the network, you will need a router with a "print server". Make sure the router/print server has the appropriate type of port for your printer.

_Paladin · Answer

aob,

I am going to offer several other suggestions that Greg16 has perhaps overlooked.

First, since the Cayman 3341 has both an ethernet and USB port, you can use both simultaneously, according to the Quickstart Guide. So provided the location of each PC can accommodate a USB or ethernet cable, you do not need to purchase anything else.

Second, If you are willing to use ethernet for both PCs, you can get an inexpensive 5 port switch, like the Linksys EZXS55W. It will connect via ethernet to the Cayman 3341 and will "split" the signal out to its 5 ports. The PCs would connect to the LAN ports on the switch.

Since the Cayman 3341 is already providing a routing function, you don't want to introduce a second router. You could use a Linksys WRT54G, but you should configure it to disable the routing (that is, the gateway functionality), thereby turning it into a 4 port switch/access point. This is fairly easy to do and would provide wireless service as well as wired service. The Cayman 3341 would still be providing routing for the network.

Greg16 · Answer

Not necessarily, you can set up one of the computers to share its printer in windows.

Greg16 · Answer

Are you sure a switch will work? I know my modem wont give me more than one IP address, so I have to use a router.

_Paladin · Answer

aob, '...all I have to buy is a multi-port switch? is that correct?' - Yes, that is all you need.  Use a standard, straight-through ethernet cable to connect the ethernet port in the Cayman 3341 to the 'uplink' port in the switch.  The remaining LAN ports on the switch will be used to connect computers.  There is no signal loss using a switch.  One of the functions of the switch is to redrive the signal, directly to the designated device.

Greg16 · Answer

There will be no signal loss. Ethernet is digital.

aob · Answer

Thanks for the help, I don't think I'll be sharing a printer or information between the two PCs, as I have no real need to, but I'll keep that in mind :smileyhappy:.

I'm also thinking I won't go down the wifi route, and just use two Ethernet connections to hook up the PCs.

So, if I want use my current existing Netopia Cayman 3341 one-port ethernet ADSL Modem/router, all I have to buy is a multi-port switch? is that correct?

Is there any "signal" quality loss when using a switch to split the signal? as apposed to me just buying a entirely brand new 4-port modem/router?

Greg16 · Answer

Ok, great.

_Paladin · Answer

Greg16,   The Cayman 3341 is an ADSL Modem/Router, performing both functions.  This type of device is typical in the UK.  It has a DHCP server and a NAT firewall.  It assigns private IP addresses (in the range 192.168.1.xxx) to attached computers.  A switch will work fine.  A typical DSL modem in the US usually assigns one public IP address to the connecting device, thus the requirement for a router when connecting multiple devices.  Google 'Netopia Cayman 3341' for lots of information.

aob · Answer

'Yes, that is all you need.  Use a standard, straight-through ethernet cable to connect the ethernet port in the Cayman 3341 to the 'uplink' port in the switch.  The remaining LAN ports on the switch will be used to connect computers.  There is no signal loss using a switch.  One of the functions of the switch is to redrive the signal, directly to the designated device.'   Awesome, thanks for the help, I was just utterly confused before tonight on what the actual use/difference of switches and routers etc. were.   I think I'll be purchasing a switch, seems to be the most suitable option for me, thanks :smileyhappy:

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

2 PCs sharing one broadband connection? Need help.

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