2 computers to ADSL modem

iceman (Mike) · #1 17-05-2006, 06:34 PM

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 (Phil) · #2 17-05-2006, 06:44 PM

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 · #3 17-05-2006, 06:51 PM

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 (Al) · #4 17-05-2006, 07:31 PM

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 (Darren) · #5 17-05-2006, 07:39 PM

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 (David) · #6 17-05-2006, 07:50 PM

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

Dennis · #7 17-05-2006, 08:11 PM

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 (Humayun) · #8 18-05-2006, 02:28 AM

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 (Mike) · #9 18-05-2006, 08:01 AM

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 (Tony) · #10 18-05-2006, 02:51 PM

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 (Mike) · #11 18-05-2006, 03:09 PM

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

Thanks for the help guys.

Striker (Tony) · #12 18-05-2006, 03:38 PM

Congrats Mike.

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

sheeny (Al) · #13 18-05-2006, 04:14 PM

Cool!

Gotta go wireless myself one day!

Al.

acropolite (Phil) · #14 18-05-2006, 07:58 PM

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

iceman (Mike) · #15 18-05-2006, 09:21 PM

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 (Mike) · #16 18-05-2006, 09:44 PM

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 (Phil) · #17 18-05-2006, 10:02 PM

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.

Dennis · #18 18-05-2006, 10:15 PM

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 (Mike) · #19 19-05-2006, 06:54 AM

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

sheeny (Al) · #20 19-05-2006, 08:00 AM

Thanks for the tips Dennis.

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

Al.