i need a cable modem sharing solution

jw01 · Post by **jw01** » Fri Oct 12, 2001 5:00 pm

I am looking for someone who knows how I can share my cable modem service.

I am not looking to use a network, router, or a hub for privacy issues and I understand how you can set permissions but it has been a big arguement for me and my parents. There needs to be no interaction between the two computers, just from the cable modem split out to the two computers.

I have Road Runner cable-modem service, and they said that using both USB and Ethernet ports of the modem will not work. If there is anyone out there who has made it work, please please let me know! Also, i do not want to run a splitter from where the cable line comes into my house and then to two cable modems because RR has a policy of charging us and extra $45/month. How crazy!!!

I am looking for a semi-low cost solution below $300 and remember, no home network, routers, or hubs.

The two computers are 2000 year model Dells with Pent. III processors both with Windows 98 2nd Editon. They both have 3com NIC cards already installed in them.

Please, anyone who has any solutions or suggestions, reply to this message.

Thank you and have a good day! :-)

colnago1331 · Post by **colnago1331** » Fri Oct 12, 2001 5:44 pm

Why no router?

EDIT:
That asked, the only way I can think of is to put a second NIC in one computer, enable Internet Sharing, run an ethernet cable from the modem into the computer with two NICs, run another cable from the second NIC to the second computer.

jw01 · Post by **jw01** » Fri Oct 12, 2001 8:24 pm

Would that only share the internet? a network would not be setup by doing that? Would it be regular cat-5 or would it need to be a crossover?

No router because that would create a network.

TEH WIN · Post by **TEH WIN** » Fri Oct 12, 2001 8:26 pm

Any way you setup sharing for the cable modem will create a network.. what is wrong with a network????

jw01 · Post by **jw01** » Fri Oct 12, 2001 8:37 pm

Dad doesn't want it. Just cause he's had problems at his company with networking problems. Also, he's very touch about these topics. I start saying things and solutions and he gets mad if he gets confused and then we get in a huge arguement.

I need to totally avoid the networking thing.

Any type of splitting the cable that comes into my house solution? or using both ports on the cable modem. tried that once but didn't seem to work. i had the usb to one comp. and the ethernet just plugged into the modem not even to the other comp. and it didn't work. can the ericsson modem split the signal to both ports of the cable modem?

need some help.

thanks.

TEH WIN · Post by **TEH WIN** » Fri Oct 12, 2001 8:50 pm

Well you are asking for a solution that doesnt exist.. atleast not under 300 dollars.

GET A ROUTER and dont share files... simple as that

Buggyman · Post by **Buggyman** » Fri Oct 12, 2001 10:18 pm

Being a cheapo I am and two PC's (my wife and mine)I don't have a router either.
This will only allow ONE PC online at a time.
Here's what I do.
I have the cable Modem on my computer desk
I have a cat- 5 cable running from my desk to my wife pc in the next room. ( she has a USB adapter and it has a cat-5 hookup on it.)
Both Cat-5 cables meet at the modem.
Whoever wants to go online just power down the modem and plug in their cat-5 cable.
Power it up and ready to go.
Sure we can't be online at the same time.. but hey... she ony goes online early in the morning. I do most of the online stuff at night or after she goes to work.
Find out how many nic's your provider will provision. (mine will do three)
Once they have both pc nicks provisioned you'r home free.
Hope this helps some.

jw01 · Post by **jw01** » Sat Oct 13, 2001 10:33 am

We need both online at the same time though.

Any suggestions anyone?

Thanks in advance.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Sat Oct 13, 2001 10:45 am

Get a router, fake him out by not loading any file and print sharing services, and have different networks so you'll have a harder time finding the other computer in network neighborhood.

Explain that you don't have to setup networking on a router, you'll just load TCP/IP for pure internet access. Technically you can run a pure network on just TCP/IP alone, but you don't have to tell him that. Tell him you will not load file and print sharing services, so there will be no computer browsing happening. Tell him different workgroups too(even though this really doesn't make a difference) just so you'll not see the other computers in the network neighborhood.

Vesuvius · Post by **Vesuvius** » Sat Oct 13, 2001 11:28 am

If you can swing the 6 or 7 bucks it cost for a second IP you can get both computers online without configuring a network whatsoever. I run 2 computers on @home through a network hub. Getting second IP will give you a name for your second computer (usually same name as your first computer with -b instead of -a) hook each computer to the hub, then hook the modem up to the hub and voila they can both get online and yet if you click on network neighborhood the other computer will not show up. Have all file and print sharing off and make sure each computer is configured correctly to run (computer name and workgroup yada yada.) Don't run the networking wizard just set each computer up individually and plug it into the hub.

Just tell your pops that the hub is a splitter for your cable signal allowing you to save money on buying a second modem (parent's always like the saving money angle :P) Hopefully he's a bit out of the loop and won't realize whats going on . Might want to mention to him that being on a cable modem he is technically on a giant network already so adding a few more pieces to it in your home isn't going to make much of a difference.

jw01 · Post by **jw01** » Sat Oct 13, 2001 3:43 pm

vesuvius-

just by plugging the two computers into the hub, will that automatcally split the connection from the modem? do i then just need to set up the software? also, if that is the case, we have a driver disc for the modem and a disc for the actual Road Runner(thats my service) software (its called RR Medic), which one of those do we have to set-up. When the second computer looks for an ip address, which one of the two is assigned to which computer?

thanks for all of your help.

TEH WIN · Post by **TEH WIN** » Sat Oct 13, 2001 4:48 pm

well... hooking it into a hub will do 1 thing, and wont do 1 thing.

it WILL CREATE A NETWORK

and it WONT SPLIT YOUR INTERNET, unless you buy another ip, which costs like 5 - 10 bucks more A MONTH

like i said before... get a router for 80 bucks at buy.com and make sure they do not share files. simple and safe. if he's really paranoid he can put firewalls on both computers

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Sat Oct 13, 2001 5:46 pm

You're actually just as networked if you get 2 sep IP's from your ISP, and connect each computer through 2 hub.

Most likely the same workgroup and IP scope...so they can just as easily see each other in network neighborhood if File and Print sharing services are loaded, or Client for MS is the primary logon.

Really the same exact "networkability" as being behind a router.

Vesuvius · Post by **Vesuvius** » Sat Oct 13, 2001 6:57 pm

mmc I am aware of this (read the first line of my post.) If you purchase the second IP your provider will give you a new computer name for one of your computers (dosn't matter which one uses first computer name and which on uses second.) Set each computer up as if it was going to be the only computer connecting to the modem (except one will have the new computer name.) Then run your cat-5 from each computers NIC card to the network hub, then plug the cat-5 from the back of your modem up to the hub and you're in business. So techinically, yes, you have a network in the physical sense but if you do not enable any sharing (printers or files) and DO NOT run the Windows networking wizard then your network hub becomes a glorified splitter rather than an actual network device.

For all intensive purposes you have no network, just ask your father if he would rather have an extra $10 or so dollars every month on his bill, or if he could relax a bit, pick up a router and slap a free firewall like sygate on each computer to ease his mind.

Tip: Try not to go cheap on the hub, if you get a low grade hub you'll run into more collisions and signal degradation and don't skimp on cables either. Everytime you split a signal you are going to have some loss but using good equipment can minimize that for you.

jw01 · Post by **jw01** » Sat Oct 13, 2001 11:29 pm

Ok, everyone thank you for your help. I am trying to make sense of all of this and I think I now have a solution.

I buy a hub or a router. (any pros cons to each one? which is better for signal strength and reliability?)

Cat-5 from port in modem to port 1 on hub/router. Then Cat-5 from port 2 on hub to NIC in dads comp. and another from port 3 to my comp. Is that correct?

Now do I need to set up any software to enable this or does it automatically happen. I need another IP also correct? My dad said the extra $$$ for that a month ain't that big of a deal for him.

I am assuming I need to set up the RR Medic Software no my comp.(thats the software that assigns my IP and holds all of my config settings)

Lemme know! thanks

Prey521 · Post by **Prey521** » Sun Oct 14, 2001 3:00 am

Damn, it must suck having lamer newbie parents HUH? I'd slap my dad and tell him to stop being such a newb.

colnago1331 · Post by **colnago1331** » Sun Oct 14, 2001 10:06 pm

Originally posted by jw01
I buy a hub or a router. (any pros cons to each one? which is better for signal strength and reliability?)

Get a router, then you won't have to pay for the extra IP address. Even though pops is fine paying for it, he might like this in the end.

Cat-5 from port in modem to port 1 on hub/router. Then Cat-5 from port 2 on hub to NIC in dads comp. and another from port 3 to my comp. Is that correct?

Actually, it'll be Cat5 from modem to WAN port in router. Cat5 from port 1 to dad. Cat 5 from port 2 to you.

Now do I need to set up any software to enable this or does it automatically happen. I need another IP also correct?

No extra IP necessary with router (see above). You'll have to enable TCP/IP for your NIC and your dad's NIC in the Networking control panel. The router should come with instructions on how to do this.

I am assuming I need to set up the RR Medic Software no my comp.(thats the software that assigns my IP and holds all of my config settings)

Actually, the RR Medic software does not hold/assign your IP address, etc. When you get a router the instructions will tell you how to acces its control interface, which will be via Internet Explorer (you'll type in an address something like 192.168.1.1). Your router will then handle the IP address, etc.

IranianHobo · Post by **IranianHobo** » Sun Oct 14, 2001 11:20 pm

Get cable and DSL access

.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Mon Oct 15, 2001 6:49 am

Originally posted by Vesuvius
So techinically, yes, you have a network in the physical sense but if you do not enable any sharing (printers or files) and DO NOT run the Windows networking wizard then your network hub becomes a glorified splitter rather than an actual network device.

For all intensive purposes you have no network, just ask your father if he would rather have an extra $10 or so dollars every month on his bill, or if he could relax a bit, pick up a router and slap a free firewall like sygate on each computer to ease his mind. some loss but using good equipment can minimize that for you.

The same holds true for getting a router. It's still just TCP/IP, with a multiple IP/hub solution, (BTW, I'd use a switch, not a hub, better for splitting and keeping smooth traffice), but anyways, with the multiple IP solution, the two computer will get the same IP scope, say 64.1.2.3 and 64.1.2.4....so it's just unique WAN IPs, if you loaded File and Print services....BAM...you're networked. But with this solution, you're not protected, have to get stuck running annoying software firewalls (no savings in money there, plus the extra IP per month eventually equals the cost of a router in 6 - 8 months)

If you go with a router. you get hardware NAT for a firewall, you get a switch instead of a hub, and you treat TCP/IP the same way as above, except it's simply internal LAN IPs, like 192.168.1.100 and 192.168.1.101. You're dead equal to the above example as far as being networked is concerned....you don't need to file and print share unless you load those services.

Like I said in the beginning, WAN IP scope...LAN IP scope....you're in control of either one being networked with sharing or not....it's really that simple.

Vesuvius · Post by **Vesuvius** » Mon Oct 15, 2001 11:17 am

Well some people say routers some people say switches and some people say hubs. Personally for only 2 computers a hub should be fine as long as you pick up a decent one. Although your dad may be more comfortable with a router that has a built in hardware firewall.

jw01 · Post by **jw01** » Mon Oct 15, 2001 2:46 pm

Does the linksys line of routers all have built-in firewalls?

Just double checking my steps here:

1. Modem port to WAN on router
2. 1 port on router to dad's comp.
3. 2 port on router to my comp.
4. setup router software on dad's comp.
5. does anyone know the exact steps here for software for
the linksys router?
6. what do I set-up on my computer?

No need for extra IP. Is there anything I need to tell my cable company?

Anything else I should know? Suggestions, comments?

Thanks you guys. :-)

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Mon Oct 15, 2001 2:58 pm

Originally posted by jw01
Does the linksys line of routers all have built-in firewalls?

Just double checking my steps here:

1. Modem port to WAN on router
2. 1 port on router to dad's comp.
3. 2 port on router to my comp.
4. setup router software on dad's comp.
5. does anyone know the exact steps here for software for
the linksys router?
6. what do I set-up on my computer?

No need for extra IP. Is there anything I need to tell my cable company?

Anything else I should know? Suggestions, comments?

Thanks you guys. :-)

Home market routers, such as Linksys/NetGear, yes...they all have a basic firewall in how they work...NAT.

Your steps..
1)Yes
2)Yes
3)yes
4)Done through web browser to routers IP address...can be done through any computer connected to it.
5)Yes, but the instructions included are very easy and layed out for home nebie in laymans terms.
6)Nothing, these routers are administered through a web browser of any computer connected internally to them...or externally if you turn on that feature (off by default for obvious security reasons). So no extra software needed.....just Internet Exploaded version 5 or higher, or Nutscrape Navigator 4.6 or higher.

jw01 · Post by **jw01** » Mon Oct 15, 2001 3:09 pm

Cool thanks. I'll print out all of these post to help me.

Now will I need a 1-port router or a 4 port. I'm guessing a 4 port because I have two computer. But what would the need be for a 1-port router?

Thanks you guys. I'll be sure to post my question here again if the need arises.

colnago1331 · Post by **colnago1331** » Mon Oct 15, 2001 5:47 pm

Originally posted by Vesuvius
Well some people say routers some people say switches and some people say hubs. Personally for only 2 computers a hub should be fine as long as you pick up a decent one. Although your dad may be more comfortable with a router that has a built in hardware firewall.

Actually, a hub won't allow simultaneous connection to the internet unless they get the extra IP. At $10/month, the price difference between a hub and a router will pay for itself after only 3 or 4 months.

jw01
You do not need to tell your ISP anything. In fact, don't tell them anything.

Compman15 · Post by **Compman15** » Tue Oct 16, 2001 4:07 pm

That is so gay why you can't do it. I would say **** the modem all along if he is going to be that stupid about it. He probably will only let you go on at certain times.

JmE · Post by **JmE** » Tue Oct 16, 2001 10:41 pm

FYI: being on the internet means your Dad is on a network!!! (the biggest)

Anyway, I wouldn't run RR medic. I don't think it is required anymore and I have seen it cause some problems. It does NOT assign you your IP.

You didn't say what RR system you were on. Some actually give you two IP addresses included in the standard package (like my RR).

Check with your provider and see if 1 or 2 IP addresses are standard or drop me an email at eicher@usa.com and I will check. If your ISP does give 2 IPs in the standard package, you just need to buy an inexpensive HUB or switch (a switch would be better) and connect the modem and two computer.

As far as connecting the two with 1 IP address, I would get one of the routers with a built in 4 port switch (like LinkSys). They are cheap (around $70) and you only need to buy one piece of equipment. I would recommend putting your father's LAN IP in the DMZ so that there is less of a chance of have any connectivity complaints after the router is in place.

Good Luck!
-JmE-

(Man I must be a sloooowwww typist. All this has been said by others before I was able to hit POST! It's rough getting older...)

Sid · Post by **Sid** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 12:14 am

Get a router. Your ISP can only see the router. One bill to pay no matter how many systems you have on it.

You can tell your dad that it won't cost him a single penny more! I'm a dad and ALL my kids have cable modem access! Wouldn't have it any other way!

rbones151 · Post by **rbones151** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 12:57 am

I used to do the Road Runner Computer Installs. Get a router, don't tell Road Runner about it and just follow the instructions they gave you when you hooked it up. It's real easy. Don't touch RR Medic, it's crap, just throw it out.

jw01 · Post by **jw01** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 10:08 am

-JME-

what does DMZ stand for?

JmE · Post by **JmE** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 1:01 pm

Originally posted by jw01
-JME-

what does DMZ stand for?

DeMilitarized Zone... It's very close to putting your father's IP outside the router. It lessens the chances that he will have problems with applications that he uses now on the web. If his applications are limited to browsing and email, it is not that important to put him in the DMZ. However, I figure since he had so many "networking" problems at work (the problems were most likely blamed on the network, however, the network might have just been a scape goat) the DMZ would be the "safe" bet.

Any computer in the DMZ loses the benefit of the router's firewall, so, I generally recommend running ZoneAlarm on the DMZ computer. It is free for personal use and can be found at http://www.zonelabs.com

Hope this helps. If you need any assistance when the time comes to set up the router, please feel free to email me. (I just helped a kid from another forum our last Saturday over the net. I enjoy helping people out.

)

Again, good luck, broadband is worth the effort!
-JME-

jw01 · Post by **jw01** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 2:40 pm

Now how do I put him in he "DMZ"? still don't really understand what this does and the point.

jw01 · Post by **jw01** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 2:46 pm

Another question. What would happen if I just hooked up the router to the modem and both computers(modem to WAN, port 1 to comp., port 2 to other comp.)? Would anything change on either computer as far as them being able to access the internet?

Also, does Win98SE automatically detect the router when the computer is restarted/booted up?

Just curious.

Thanks.

JmE · Post by **JmE** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 2:58 pm

Originally posted by jw01
Now how do I put him in he "DMZ"? still don't really understand what this does and the point.

Do you have a router yet? Where exactly you set the IP of the computer in the DMZ depends on the make/model of router.

Simply put, if a computer is not in the DMZ, it may not be able to use some internet based applications depending on the router and the application. There are many ports used to connect computers together over the internet. With a NAT router, all of these ports come to the router and it decides where to route the information on that port. If a computer is not in the DMZ, it might not get the data on a specific port. If a computer is in the DMZ, it gets the ports. It is very similar to the computer being on the net without the router (with a some exceptions).

If you would like to find out more about NAT, DMZ, and the like, there are many places to find out on the web. Also, there people with far more knowlege on the subject on this board that could probably help.

Remeber, you really don't need to know a lot of particulars right now to use it or to make a decision about if you should put your dad's IP in the DMZ.

-JmE-

JmE · Post by **JmE** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 3:04 pm

Originally posted by jw01
Another question. What would happen if I just hooked up the router to the modem and both computers(modem to WAN, port 1 to comp., port 2 to other comp.)? Would anything change on either computer as far as them being able to access the internet?

Also, does Win98SE automatically detect the router when the computer is restarted/booted up?

Just curious.

Thanks.

If you would please answer my previous questions about if your provider gives 2 IP addresses and what router you have it would make answering some questiosn easier...

-JmE-

jw01 · Post by **jw01** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 1:12 pm

I called them up and hey said they give me only one IP address and that it is dynamic, not static. Also, we don't need to put my dad's computer in the DMZ cause all he uses is netscape and thats all for internet applications.

Also, we will be getting the newest Linksys 4-port Cable/DSL router. Please let me know about my post re: just hooking the cables up.

Thanks.

JmE · Post by **JmE** » Sun Oct 21, 2001 11:13 pm

To hook up the Linksys:

Connect the cable modem to the WAN port on the router. Plug one computer in one port of the switch (ie #2) and the remaining computer into another port on the switch (ie #3).

Power up the modem. Wait until the modem stabilizes (depending on model, may gave a cable light that blinks until it has an IP). Then power up router. Then power up the computers. Leave the modem & router powered from then on. Power computers up and down as you normally do.

If you do not wish to run static IP addresses on the computers, no further seup is really required except to set the computer to obtain IP address automatically. If they have been running on RR already, they are probably set up already.

If you wish to run static IP addresses (ie 192.168.1.xxx), there is more setup involved. If this is the case, I would probably have you email me directly.

If your RR requires your MAC address registered (from your NIC), then that is a little more involved and I would probably have you email me. You can tell if thiis is the case by if you have been able to surf RR when you plug your computer into the modem in place of your father's computer. If you could surf (ie different NIC, different MAC address), then your RR isn't using MAC addresses of the NICs...

-JmE-

SG Broadband Community

i need a cable modem sharing solution

i need a cable modem sharing solution

You can do this...

suggestion.

mmc

Re: mmc

...

Re: ...

Sharing

I wouldnt run RR Medic