2007-09-23 13:54:54 · 5 answers · asked by NMexican 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
The cheapest solution is to get one machine to connect to the internet and then enable Internet Connection Sharing. This will put it on a local subnet with the IP address 192.168.0.1, you can then configure the other machines to connect to the internet through it.
For this to work, the machines will all need to be networked. You can do this with a network switch, which will be considerably cheaper than a router. If the machines are already networked via wifi or whayever then you won't even need a switch.
*** UPDATED ***
Sorry CollinC (below), but you're wrong. I've done it with a switch plenty of times. I've even done it without a switch...If you put two network cards in the main machine and network it to the other two machines using regular ethernet cables then that works as well, all three machine can access the internet through the one connection. The main down-side is that you're now relying on the Windows software firewall, which isn't as secure as a router is going to be.
2007-09-23 14:05:26 · answer #1 · answered by Mark F 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some modem's- what you have connected to the one computer that can get online now- have built in routers. You would need to have one of those in order for a switch to work. Typical modem/router combo's are Westell 2200, 6100 or cable modem/router Surfboard. You'd find that out by looking at the bottom of the modem/router at the model number. Common only modem's are 6110 and 2100 or 2110. With those you'd need to purchase a router.
Hope that helps!
2007-09-24 00:09:40 · answer #2 · answered by Rachel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a router..it could be either a wired router or a wireless router. It is very simple. If you pick the wired router, then you have to buy the router first and then 3 RJ-45 cables then simply plug them in the router and on the computer (on the NIC). if you chhose wireless then you have to buy wireless adapters for each computer and the wireless router itself.
2007-09-23 21:00:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need a router. A switch will NOT work for shared connection.
2007-09-23 21:15:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You simply need to use a router or switch with a router being the best solution.
2007-09-23 20:58:57 · answer #5 · answered by trea0766 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋