Need some home computer networking clarification.?

Question

I have Verizon DSL and the customer service and tech support both online and on the phone have been freaking useless. They don't know what they are talking about.

I have one computer, hooked up to DSL via a Westell 6100 Wirespeed Dual Connect. I have a second computer, in the same room, that I also want to be able to access the internet.

My primary computer is hooked into the modem via the USB connections. I keep reading that even with dual connect it is best to have a router. I GET THAT. But, that's not gonna happen for about a month or so. In the mean time...yes or no...can I hook up this second computer through the Ethernet connection that is also on the modem. If yes, will both computers be able to be online at the same time? Also, if yes, other than doing the network connection wizard (i have windows xp) anything else I need to do?

And when I do get a router, do I have to contact Verizon (oh god please no!) or can I just take care of everything myself?

Answer 1

No, you can only have one connection live at time from the DSL modem even though there are two jacks.

And yes, you can do the router yourself. Ping me and I will help you.

Answer 2

You can connect the two computers via Crossover cable and use the computer connected to the internet as the Gateway computer. This in effect makes the computer connected to the modem your router. Here is a MSKB article that explains the method.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/russel_hni.mspx

The modem you have has a router w\NAT built in. All you will need is a hub or switch to connect wired, or a Wireless access point to have Wifi.

If you choose to install a router you will have to bridge your modem so that the aftermarket router can enable DHCP which will assign IP adresses to your computers.
Here is the documentation that describes your modem.
http://www.westell.com/content/sales/bc90_6000_6100_6110_ug.pdf

Answer 3

With all the responses you have received, some very good, some good and some, oh well; you could not but be confused. So, to get a good feeling about what you need and what you don't, if you have windows XP, click on help and type Home wireless networking or something to that effect and you will find all the information you need to get yourself a little more informed. Print the instructions so you have them for further reference.

Also, you can go to Google or Yahoo search and type something about home wireless net working to get more information, so you get a better idea of what you need, what to do and what it will cost you, if any.

If you want my advise, forget about DSL and, if it is possible for you, call your cable company and ask them to tell you what you need and how much it will cost you. You could also do that, by going to Best Buy and pick the brains of the geek squad.

Good luck

Answer 4

Miss Lei,

Even with your 2 PCs hooked to an usb with a classic DSL modem you won't be able to get online on the same time.

You can use the USB but you need to match the exact same internet settings than the fisr PC connected to the modem , but again both PCs can't connect on the same time.

I know you don't want to hear about wired or wireless router but so far it is your best bet. If you have one you will be able to have both PCS online on the same time without any issue. You can get yourself a VERY cheap router on ebay or Amazon.

When you get the item let me know and I will walk you through the installation.

Joe.

Answer 5

I think you should be able to use them both, just not simultaneously, and you may have to do things like reset the computers or reboot the modem between uses. I'm sure that tech support will tell you that they don't support this kind of usage, which is presumably why they've been so unhelpful. When you get the router it is very easy to setup you shouldn't need verizon at all. Just plug them both into the router and plug the router into the cable modem.

Answer 6

you can only have one connection from the modem, you can use the Ethernet port or the USB but not both. I would use the Ethernet port and connect to your network interface card. USB was not designed for that use "although" it does work, it's not optimum.

You do not have to contact Verizon when you get a router...

Answer 7

I used to have a Alcatel modem that connected by USB. I had to switch to a Westell (which was what my ISP was now distributing for modems) because it was ethernet and not USB. Although there are routers that support USB, it was much easier to switch the modem.

Here's a Microsoft article on Internet Connection Sharing without a router:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/bowman_02april08.mspx

Also, another link describing Internet Connection Sharing, routerless:
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1429&page=2

The solutions that don't require a router, require a switch or a hub. There's no method I know of that you can use without *some* piece of additional hardware. You *might* be able to pull off Internet Connection Sharing by linking the two computers together by Ethernet cable, from one network card to the other. Don't quote me on it though.

Answer 8

No, you can not use both ports on the device simultaneously. One or the other. The USB port is there just in case you don't have an ethernet connection on your PC. They are not for 'sharing' the device.

Without a switch/hub/router, there's no way to have both machines on the same network, and thus impossible to share the internet.

Trust what you are hearing, YOU NEED A ROUTER.

Answer 9

Only Verizon's tech support will be able to tell you if you can use both connections on your modem simultaneously. I doubt it, but you never know. For what it's worth, I've found their tech support to be pretty good.

You will be able to set up your router yourself; it's not difficult. In the meantime, you should be able to use Windows XP's Internet Connection Sharing to share the Internet connection from your primary computer with your second computer.

Answer 10

Between the switch and the computer will be 1 Gb but between the Router and the switch will still only be 100 Mb. If you are just doing a lan party for gaming, then you could unplug the switch from the router and then they would all be 1Gb. However, you'll have to manually assign IP address. I think however they should all be able to bypass the router and just use the switch.