Sharing Internet Connection Between 2 Computers

Question

Hi, i'm having a slight problem understanding how I can share an Internet connection between two computers.

This will mostly be used for gaming, and more convenient if another family member wants to use the Internet whilst the other one is already in use.

I understand that I need either a Hub/Switch, or a Crossover Ethernet Cable.

I already have the Crossover cable, the problem I'm having, is that I don't have enough places to connect everything. Let me explain.

My Cable modem has 1 Ethernet hookup, and is going into my current PC, which also have only 1 Ethernet hookup.

My other PC, also have only 1 Ethernet hookup.

This is the basic setup I'm going for http://www.gyre.co.uk/images/microsoft_ics_1.png

But if I have Computer 2, connecting to Computer 1 through Ethernet, I don't have any other Ethernet hookup, to go from Computer 1, to my cable modem.

So i'm needing 4 Ethernet Hookups, and only have 3, I'm assuming I MUST purchase, a Hub/Switch in order to share this connecting between another computer?

Thanks for reading.

bacillus · Answer

suggest you get a router which will allow you to use each pc for the internet independent of each other. you plug each pc by ethernet cable into the router.

MattIsBogus · Answer

Thank you for the fast reply.

I was leaning towards a router as well, because I don't understand how it would work with just the crossover cable.

Can you recommend me with a decent cheap router? The computers that are going to be used are: Dell Dim. 2400, and a Laptop Latitude D800.

I also was wondering, do I need to purchase another IP from my ISP in order to share a connection between two computers?

Thanks for your help.

P.S Would this be suitable for what I am looking for?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140018048505&fromMakeTrack=true

Message Edited by MattIsBogus on 08-17-200604:40 PM

jmwills · Answer

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/howto/
http://www.theeldergeek.com/quick_guide_to_simple_file_sharing.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/default.mspx
http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

If you check some of the sites like Tiger Direct or New Egg, you can find some really good deals on wireless routers. One IP is all you need as the router will share that address behind the router. The only problem with the crossover cable is the host machine would always have to be on for the client to access the internet.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Sharing Internet Connection Between 2 Computers

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