Router/Wireless questions?

Question

There are 2 computers in my house. One is currently using broadband, one is using dial up. I am thinking of getting a router so both computers could use the broadband but I have a few questions regarding this.

1. Does the "host" computer have to be switched on and connected to the internet for the other comp using the router to connect?
2. Does the host comp have to install any software?
3. Does the host comp have to have a minimum connection speed (i.e 1mb)?
4. Does using a router slow down the host comp's connection at all?

Any help (and any other important info) would be very helpful. Many thanks.

Answer 1

No, no, and no, and yes the speed will decrease as the connection is shared between 2 PCs. This however wont be noticable unless you have a brat child who sits and downloads crap from P2P sites all day!

Answer 2

To avoid cables all over the place a 'wireless modem/router' is favourite, The router has its own software and has to be set up, obviously by a computer; and it stands alone, always connected. Each computer needs to have a wireless network adaptor to connect, I favour the 'Belkin' USB adaptor which is easy to set up and about £24. Routers and adaptors are available from Argos. Two computers will not slow your connection and each can connect individually; and normal Broadband will do. Hope this helps..

Answer 3

1 - no the host does not have to be on the router supplies the high speed to the other computer
2. no software if using windows xp or vista - only need on other versions in order to share files and printers
3. no minimum speed as long as you have an ethernet card
4. the router splits and enhances the signal to the computers - no loss of speed that you will be able to notice

The router shares the connection between computers - there is no "host" computer as you call it. Good Luck

Answer 4

a million. the main considerable computing device could be on or off while using the router for the 2nd computing device 2. the main considerable computing device desires some application to run the router, besides the undeniable fact that it is regularly very hassle-free, requiring little or no HD area 3. the main considerable computing device could have any speed, however the swifter, the extra beneficial (i exploit roadrunner w/ a router for all 3 computers) 4. while all the computers are all using internet in any respect, theoretically, it would decelerate, yet I even have in no way had that difficulty as long as you have a stable router (netgear is fairly stable) 5. you may setting up the full ingredient via your self (in case you already understand how!) setting up that variety of ingredient is fairly straight forward. What you pick to do is this: plug the cable from the wall to the internet field (adjustments cable from television cable to ethernet), from the field to the router, and whether it is a stable router, from the router to the 1st computing device, so as that one is hardwired and the different computing device(s) are instantaneous. in basic terms determine you have instantaneous taking part in cards on your different computers.

Answer 5

You hook up your router to the broadband modem. Then hook up both computers to the router. Both computers will run at the same speed because of the broadband. There is no "host" computer. Both computers need to be at least windows 2000 or greater. Other than that, you should be good. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any problems. Good luck!

Answer 6

No a router connects directly to the ADSL modem (or you can get a combined ADSL modem and router). Then you can connect either directly to the ethernet ports on the router or by wireless. There is no need to designate a PC as a "host", as you would have done in the old days of "internet sharing"

Answer 7

I think if you use a switch and use a star connection to connect all 3 up.