2 computers to ADSL modem

[iceman]

So my computer at home is hooked up via LAN cable to my ADSL modem.

If I want to hook my laptop up as well (via LAN cable), is it right that I need a hub?

It goes between the modem and the computer, so the modem goes via LAN cable to the hub, and then both computers go to the hub via LAN cable?

Any suggestions on what type of hub? Does it have to be powered separately?

I'll head to D.ick Smith tomorrow, based on your recommendations!

Thanks in advance.

[acropolite]

Mike, you'll be lucky to get a hub nowdays, a small 4-8 port switch will do the trick. I would suggest a Dlink DI-524 Wireless router available for around $100 or $150 with an additional USB, PCMCIA or PCI card. That way you will have wireless for those moments when you need it and the DI-524 comes with an inbuilt 4 port switch for your wired LAN. The DI524 can be configured to work with your existing DSL modem/router and is simple to set up. Add a cheapy 5db gain antenna for $19 at Jaycar and you can keep an eye on the forum in the back yard while observing.

[cjmarsh81]

You can get a nice Netgear FS105 5 port switch second hand on Ebay for around $20. Or you can get new cheap ones from computer markets for around the same price. Yes a switch comes with a plugpack for its own power.

Just a thought also. Most ADSL modems have both USB and Ethernet outputs. I understand some of them can be used concurrently. Might be a cheaper option if it works.

[sheeny]

Not sure if you can do this with what you have Mike, but I have my ADSL modem running via USB off my PC. My lappy connects via the LAN and we can use both on the net simultaneously. I don't have a hub/switch.

Al.

[Wombat_In_Space]

Mike if you are going to get new gear to do this I would recomend getting the wireless stuff as you can transfer you large files from you lappy well out the back imaging, or check the forum during those cloudy moments well viewing/imaging.

Dlink or Netgear are the best choices for home users.

[h0ughy]

yes mike cheapest way, hub and some cable to link in with

[Dennis]

With only 2 computers, you can use a cross over cable (usually yellow in colour) to connect the laptop to the desktop and then use internet connection sharing, where the laptop "passes through" the desktop using its internet connection.

I used to do this before installing my Linksys Wireless Router, and it worked fine, including printer sharing, although the desktop PC had to be powered on for the laptop to access the internet.

Cheers

Dennis

[Octane]

Mike,

Get yourself a Linksys WRT54G, and you won't be sorry.

What type of DSL modem have you got? If you are prepared to have one machine connected via USB cable and the other via Ethernet cable, then all you'd need to do is turn NAT on the modem (firmware).

Do note that depending on who your ISP is, they may not give you technical support (if you run into issues later on), as they may deem a NAT'ed connection a non-standard configuration.

Regards,
Humayun

[iceman]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Armed with knowledge, will trot into D.ick Smith today.

I'm working from home tomorrow, so I don't want to wait to go to the next computer fair or buy something off ebay.

[Striker]

Go with Wireless Mike.

I have the linksys wireless 4 port router and as you know I have it hooked up to my observatory via a wireless PCI card costing around $30.....it's the way to go.

[iceman]

I just bought a D-Link wireless 4-port router. $128.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Striker]

Congrats Mike.

Did it come with a lowepro bag....lol

[sheeny]

Cool!

Gotta go wireless myself one day!

Al.

[acropolite]

Good choice Mike, skype me if you need help setting it up. Don't forget to set encryption.

[iceman]

psst, hello!?

Yay, I'm connected from my PC through the router to the internet :)

Took some time initially, the default admin password (of "blank") didn't work!!

Now to turn the laptop on and see if it "plugs and plays" :)

[iceman]

Well hello again!

Now i'm on the laptop connecting via wireless!

How cool is this.

Now I just have to test the range..

[acropolite]

Mike, if you want more range Jaycar have the 5db Gain antenna (CAT. NO. AR3270) for $20. I bought one on Tony's recommendation in this thread (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=9396&highlight=jaycar).

[Dennis]

Hi Mike

When setting up your wireless network, you should do the following to prevent other wireless users accessing your network:


Change the default Router password
Disable SSID broadcast
Change the default SSID name
Enable MAC address filtering
Limit the DHCP addresses to the number of devices you have
Turn on WEP or WPA encryption if going wireless

I know of a couple of guys at work who have discovered the wireless networks of neighbours who have basically open networks, akin to hanging a network cable outside your window and putting up a sign saying “please connect..”

Cheers

Dennis

[iceman]

Thanks Dennis.

Already done 1, 3 and 6. Will do the others..

and then go wandering down the street with the laptop and see who I can connect to :P

[sheeny]

Thanks for the tips Dennis.

I haven't gone wireless yet myself but whe I do, its good to know this stuff.

Al.

[cjmarsh81]

If you can use WPA not WEP. It is much more secure.

[sheeny]

Hmmm Mike you've sown the seed...

So...

I have a DLink ADSL Modem connected to my PC via USB. My laptop has wireless built in, but I connect to it by ethernet at the moment.

If I was to buy a wireless router/switch like Mike has, what else do I need?

Thanks,

Al.

[iceman]

That's all I needed, just the wireless router.

If your modem is only USB, i'm not sure how it would connect to the router??

My laptop just worked.. it had wireless built in and it recognised the network. I just had to change my proxy settings in IE because it's configured for the work proxy.

[sheeny]

Yep. My modem is just USB.

I was planning to wait until we move out of town (hopefully in the next 12 months or so to get some dark skies:D ) then look at what I need to go wireless + adsl/isdn/satellite depending on where we move to... my thoughts were an adsl modem/router if we went adsl, but I don't want to do that just now in case we move to somewhere where I need to go ISDN or satellite...

Maybe I should just be patient for now!:P

Al.

[Dennis]

Hi Sheeny

My Motorola SB4200 broadband modem (as supplied and installed by Optus) supplies both Ethernet and USB interface connectivity to quote: “ensure compatibility with almost any PC network-ready computer system”.

I use the Ethernet cable to connect the modem to the Linksys router. Here is some tech stuff from their data sheet:


USB for Windows 98/2000/Me
Supports up to 32 users (1 via USB and up to 31 via Ethernet)
Ethernet and USB connections are bridged allowing LAN traffic between USB device and Ethernet LAN
10/100BaseT Ethernet (auto sensing)


Therefore, I presume you would plug the USB cable into your desktop PC and then other devices connected to the desktop via a router will be able to access the internet? Just guessing here as I have never used the USB connection.

Edited:
From the Motorola FAQ:
Can I attach a USB hub to support multiple users?

No, the USB port will support only one user. If you need to support multiple computers you need to use the Ethernet port and a hub/switch.

Since the SB4200 has both Ethernet and USB connections, can I use both to attach multiple computers?

Yes. The USB port will support only one user and the Ethernet port (with a hub or switch) can support multiple users, to a maximum of 31 attached computers. Please check with your ISP or Cable Operator to see how many users they allow on cable modems.


Cheers

Dennis

[acropolite]

If the modem is USB only you can still connect the Wireless router to the PC (via ethernet) and use ICS in XP to share the connection from the USB to the wireless router or access point. I had to set one up this way to share a USB only satellite connection. From memory I had to set a fixed IP in the wireless router (Dlink) and point the router to the client machine as a gateway address.

[wraithe]

you could always get a wireless adsl modem router...generally come with 4 ports and the wireless as well...makes life easy...anything within easy reach goes via eth0 and the rest use wireless...no headaches and no excess equipment...

[sheeny]

Yep. Thanks Wraithe... that was my plan if we move somewhere where I can still get adsl. I don't really want to lash out on another adsl modem for possibly less than 12 months use:( .

Perhaps better to wait and see.

Thanks anyway guys!

Al.