I'm having problems networking computer. Can someone help?

Question

Here are the details. My roommate has a cable modem, I don't. I bought an ethernet cable that runs from his modem to my computer and I know I have the cable connected right. Problem is, my computer still won't connect to the internet. It says it has limited to no access. How do I fix this?

Here are the details. My roommate has a cable modem, I don't. I bought an ethernet cable that runs from his modem to my computer and I know I have the cable connected right. Problem is, my computer still won't connect to the internet. It says it has limited to no access. How do I fix this? It should also be noted that his modem only has one ethernet port, so when I want to use the modem I unplug the cord that goes to his comp and plug in mine. This is only temporary til I can afford a router, but that's the situation for now.

Answer 1

His modem has multiple ethernet ports? That is odd, usually the modem has one. The way you hook up multiple computers to a single modem is by a Router or a switch. The Router usually has a switch and a wireless access point integrated into it as a three in one device and usually has a firewall too.

You hook the Router up to the Modem and then hook each computer into a port on the Router, then make sure each computer is on the same Workgroup, and setup security. If each computer is not using the same workgroup name you will not be able to get a connection.

Here is a website which can help you hook up a network with your roommate:

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1427&page=1

Here is a Microsoft webpage which can help you with a wireless network, and you can also access other links from here for overall networking needs:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/wireless.mspx

These links will help you get started. Also, if you are not using wireless the Microsoft site still holds true about the Workgroup and Security information. Both computers must be using the same Workgroup name.

Good luck and have a great day!

Answer 2

Mmmm.....most "modems" only have one ethernet port.
but if that one has two and you are able to connect to it.....i would say reset the modem (disconnect it from power for about 15 seconds and turn it back on) see if that works, if not you might have to buy a "router" and connect the modem to the router, and then you can go from the router to the PCs. (and that should work.)