how can i use the internet on both of my home computers?

Question

i have a computer on the top floor of my house and one of the ground floor. WHat are the ways that i can allow them both to use my optimum online internet service? I heard that I can do it with Ethernet cables and wireless. how do u do it and which way is better? How much will this cost me?

Answer 1

You could get a wired switch or router and connect it to your modem, then run Ethernet cables from the switch to the individual computers. Depending on the type you get you might have to set up your DCHP settings on the router but there is usually a wizard to help you with that. Another option is to buy a wireless router(I recommend staying away from the router/modem combo's) and get wireless adapters for each of your computers. I'd suggest going with a Wireless G network, as the N protocol hasn't really been around long enough. One major benefit to wireless networks is that they are very easy to add computers to if you want to expand your network. You also avoid the clutter or wires. One drawback is that depending on your security software, you do have a vulnerability with someone being able to hack into your wireless network. I'd suggest going wireless as it is much easier to configure and add. And your free to move the locations of your computers without having to worry about the cables.

Answer 2

There are 4 things you can do.
1) Purchase a router and buy 2 long enough ethernet cords to connect both comps to the router.
2) Get a wireless card on both your comps and a wireless access point.
3) Get a second modem and second IP address from your ISP (Some people do that, its more expensive but unlike routers they don't share internet speeds between each other).
4) Exchange your current modem for a Wireless modem [I don't know how many ISP's offer this but I know Bell Sympatico High Speed and Highspeed Ultra do (not Bell South or the new AT&T)]

For method 1 purchase what I have listed and follow the manual that comes with your router, its very easy to install, most routers are plug and play.

Cost: $75-$275 (as the price goes up the quality of the hardware goes up)

Method 2 is a bit more complicated as you need someone who knows computers very well to install the wireless cards for you, but setting up the WiFi network is fairly easy.

Cost: For 2 desktops (this is towards the lowest pricing):
WiFi cards x2: $110
Wirless Access point: $70
total: $180 cdn (plus tax)

Method 3 is all done by your ISP so you don't have to worry, BUT in a the long run this will be more expensive as you will have to pay about an extra $10 for the rental of the second modem and IP address but it also has its benefit as I have listed above.

Cost: Internet Service monthly cost + $10 (minimum)

Method 4 is alos handled by your ISP (mines atleast!!), they install the wireless cards for you in your computers (but you have to purchase them) and sets everything up, Sympatico High Speed charges the one-time $79 fee and with Sympatico High Speed Ultra its free if you choose the option when you sign the contract or purchase their service. with them.

Cost: Free-$79 (depending on service you choose)
I will list method 4 monthly and onetime costs for Bell Sympatico Internet:
1) Sympatico Dialup (56kbps): $9.98/month (wireless upgrade unavailable)
2) Sympatico Basic Lite (128kbps): $19.95/month (wireless upgrade unavailable)
3) Sympatico Lite (512kbps): $24.95/month (wireless upgrade $79)
4) Sympatico High Speed (1000kbps-5000kbps): $44.95/month (wireless upgrade $79)
5) Sympatico High Speed Ultra (5000kbps): $50.95/month (wireless upgrade: optionally free)
6) Sympatico Optimax 10 (10000kbps): 79.95/month (wireless upgrade: free-must take service)
7) Sympatico Optimax 16 (16000kbps): $99.95/month (wireless upgrade: free-must take service)

Answer 3

you can wire them with ethernet cables or via wireless.
for convenience, you should look at wireless.
http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Wireless-Network

you will need a wireless access point/router and a wireless network card for each computer.
you can keep your one computer wired and the other wireless, just by placing the access point close to your access point/router.

for parts
www.newegg.com
www.dealnews.com

I am partial to linksys for the home.