Connecting Mac and PC to single address network?

Question

I'm at University where we're only allowed one IP address and I have two computers. I can't use a router, but I've heard from some tech guy that if you have two nic cards on a pc, you can plug a pc into the network, and plug another machine into the other nic card and route the internet to the second. Is this a valid method of networking?

Like I said, I'd really love to use a router, but it's not an available option. I've thought of turning my PC into a server and plugging my mac in that way, but I'm not particularly sure of how to do that.

I'm not sure if I could use a switch either... \

thnx

Answer 1

You can do this, it's called Network Bridging. It's easy to do in Windows XP, but I can't tell you how because I only have a Mac here.

Try this:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/hnw_understanding_bridge.mspx?mfr=true

Answer 2

Wait a minute, I actually have a question. How do you have the change linked on your community? Do you have a router with numerous ports? identity the change linked to between the router ports? you won't be able to apply a change in this style till you manually set an IP handle on each distinctive device. in case you employ DHCP to get an IP handle for each device, and the instruments are not linked to a minimum of something that provides an handle (like a router), you will in no way get better than one device to artwork. i'm variety of guessing right here considering which you weren't sparkling on what different hardware you have and how issues are rigged up.

Answer 3

Can you run it in a wireless environment?

If not, you could get a ethernet hub found here: http://www.netgear.com/Products/Switches/EthernetHubs.aspx

This lets you plug in two ethernet cables (or more depending on the hub you purchase) and then run two computers from one ethernet port.