DSL and LAN without a Router?

Question

Before I got DSL I could network my Dimension 2400 directly to an old Compaq by using a 'crossover' cable.  Now that I have DSL, the NIC connection is tied up, and even if I disconnect the DSL and hook up the LAN, I can't connect to the LAN with this approach.  So I installed a 3Com Ethernet card, but still no luck - the LAN connection refuses to acquire an ip address for the Dimension.  Dell tech support says I need a router.  Is this really true?  I hate to get this involved with a simple network to an old computer, but I want to run Windows 98 on this and share files quickly.

volcano11 · Answer

Using a router will make things a lot easier and save you hours of frustration. Still, what are you trying to do can be done. Which computer is making the connection to the dsl modem? If it is the Windows 98 computer, then it has to be Windows 98SE, as previous versions of Windows 98 do not have internet connection sharing. Have you enabled Internet connection sharing on the network card that is making the connection to the dsl modem?

Steve

Mac67 · Answer

Yes, I remember setting up the internet sharing at some point, but have to admit I don't remember at this point exactly how I did it or to check it.  Can you steer me in the right direction?  Thanks

volcano11 · Answer

Go to Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections. Right click on the network connection that is making the connection to the modem and select Properties from the drop down menu. Click on the Advanced tab and then put a check mark in the box next to "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's internet connection".

Make sure that this box is not checked on any other network connection on this computer. You may have to reboot after you make this change. On the Windows 98 computer, make sure that Internet Connection Sharing is not enabled. It's been a while since I used Windows 98, but I think you right click on Network Neigborhood, select Properties from the drop down menu, then look through the list of installed components. If Internet Connection Sharing is listed, remove it.

Steve

volcano11 · Answer

Yes, it should work.  But, please answer my questions - Have you enabled Internet connection sharing on the network card that is making the connection to the dsl modem?   Steve

Mac67 · Answer

It is the Dell that connects to the DSL modem.  I am trying to hook the Dell to the DSL and/or the LAN.  As I stated, before I installed the DSL I could very easily network to the Compaq.  Now, it is impossible.  I am trying to figure the logic of what is happening.  Shouldn't the Dell support both the NIC (preinstalled) connection as well as an ethernet card?

Mac67 · Answer

More on previous message:  The Dell is new, with Windows XP.  The Compaq has Windows 98.  I am trying various setting changes to the Ethernet card in the Dell.  So far, no luck

Mac67 · Answer

Well, I think I have to give up on this... The last suggestion did not work, and then my DSL connection went out. I had to call Verizon and they ran me through several tests. Finally they had to lead me through installation of a new account. Now my Network Connections shows a Broadband connection to Verizon using a "WAN miniport PPPOE" as well as a high-speed connection to Broadcom 440x....Disabling either of these cuts me off from the DSL. Using system restore to go back a couple of days did not help this problem, so I have to live with this configuration.

I don't know if the presence of the ethernet card caused this problem or not, but it is rather suspicious that I was dickering with the settings on it at the time the DSL went out. Looks like a router is the only way now.

jmwills · Answer

With a DSL connection, you will have two connections live at the same time.  One being either a PPPOE or PPPOA for the connectivity of the modem and the other from the NIC acrd to the modem.  Save you sanity and get a router.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

DSL and LAN without a Router?

Was this post helpful?