Help! Hooking my laptop up to my cable internet?

Question

I just got a Toshiba M115-S1061 laptop and am trying to hook it up to the internet via my existing cable internet connection. I have a desktop pc that is currently hooked up to this connection. The people at Best Buy told me to get a Linksys EtherFast 5-Port 10/100 Workgroup Switch which I did. I hooked the line from the cable modem to that, then ran 1 ethernet cable to the desktop, then another to the laptop. The desktop connects to the internet but the laptop doesnt. What do I need to to? Help!!!

I figured I needed a router. Thanks!

Answer 1

In answer to your question, the person you spoke to a Best Buy was wrong. You need a router instead of a switch. And no, you do not need to call your cable company. The IP address of the modem is registered, not the PC. The Toshiba 1061 should have a wireless connection. You can get a wireless router at Best Buy for $49. Get it when you return the Switch and tell the person that you are returning it to that another Best Buy Employee told you to return it.

And in answer to ThunderS. - Not all Best Buy employees are MIS people, but some are. I'm Novell certified and do Best Buy as a part time Geek Squad CIA op.

Answer 2

Well, you can use a switch, but you will have to enable Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) on your desktop. This isn't hard to do; here's a detailed tutorial with screenshots:

(Assuming you're running Windows XP)

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/serverbroadband.htm

However, it would in the long run be less of a hassle if you had a router. Go back to Best Buy and tell them they sold you the wrong product. They should let you exchange it for a router no problem.

EDIT: In response to a previous answer, I do not think you need to call your cable company.

Answer 3

look on the bottom of the unit that u got from best buy.I dont recall linksys making a etherfast 5 port 10/100 switch...I i have one of those units and it is a 5 port etherfast hub.if thats the case connect it and away u go. I did just look again and it's a etherfast 10/100 5 port workgroup hub model EFAH05W..this is what they should have sold u.If they did sell u a switch give it back to them and laugh..(I do not like best buy) network admin.

Answer 4

You actually need to call your cable company. I'm pretty sure you need a router, not a switch, but you still need to call. Your desktop's IP Address is registered with them and will automatically connect. That's why you don't need a password every time. Once you have the router etc. set up you need to call them to register the router instead of directly to the computer. They will walk you through it.

Answer 5

yes as they said you need a router but it think once youve got the router properly pluged into the cable modem just turn off the modem and the router, turn on the modem then turn on the router to they can sync and the router should get an ip adress. if this was dsl somtimes you need to go into the settings of the router and tell it your user id and password so that it will send them like you did when you went thought the process on the pc to get it to know this to allow it to get the ip address form the modem.

hope this helps ;)

Answer 6

Take the switch back and get a router. Most have 4 switch ports on them anyway.

Set your laptop up for dhcp once you get the router and you should be ready to go...

Answer 7

Keep in mind why those guys work at Best Buy and not for themselves or a large IT department! They know next to nothing about computers and networking, they are just there to take your money.

You need a router and not a switch.

Answer 8

You need a Router, not a Switch.