I cann't share my cable internet connection between two pc running xp using netgear switch. only one connects

Answer 1

It sounds like your computer connects directly to the cable modem using a USB cable. If this is the case, install Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) on the computer to share your computer's Dial-up/PPPoE/ISDN connections with other computers on the network. Look up "ICS" in Windows XP Help & Support or try this more user-friendly article: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/

However, the BEST solution is to install a firewall/router. The cable modem is connected to the firewall/router instead of your computer. The firewall/router shares the Internet connection and takes the place of ICS. You won't have to leave one computer running all the time to access the Internet as with ICS and you will have a hardware firewall running all of the time.
Here is the setup: All computers connect to switch, switch connects to firewall/router and the firewall router connects to the cable modem. In fact, most firewall/routers come with a built-in 4 to 8-port switch so your current switch is not really necessary. My preference for home use is Netgear but Linksys is a close second when it comes to firewall/router/switch manufacturers. They offer good instructions to the non-technical user and many cable and DSL technicians are familiar with them because they use them at their homes.

Answer 2

The modem only has the ability to connect to one IP address at a time, that is why using a switch or a hub will only allow you to connect on one computer at a time.

What you need is a router, which using the WAN port, pretents to be one computer connecting to your ISP, while sharing the internet connection to any other computer connected to it.

Answer 3

A switch will not do it.

You need a router with a built in switch.

You only have one IP to work with and need the router's ability to perform Network Address Translation in order to use private IPs for your LAN, and the public IP for your WAN.

Answer 4

You will need a Netgear Router , not a switch.

Answer 5

Then you do not have your computers set up correctly. Research "how to share an internet connection".