is it possible to share one internet connection with a tv cable running between 2 computers?

Question

If not, what is the very cheapest way to hook 2 computers to one Ethernet box? (windows vista & xp with a westell 6100)

Answer 1

I do believe that Vista can share an Internet connection, but you have to put another network card in the computer that is connected to the 6100.

An easier way is to just get a router, I've seen some on sale for as cheap as $25. Connect the router to the 6100 and the two computers to the router.

Answer 2

You have a few options here depending on the cable modem you're using:

1) If the cable modem connects via USB then network your machines with a $5 ethernet cable. Older computers need a crossover cable, but most machines these days will work fine with just a regular cable.

2) If you connect to the cable modem via an ethernet port then buy a network switch, they're about $20. The connection from the modem will go into the ethernet port on the far right, the two machines can connect into any of the other ports.

3) If both your machines are on wifi then just network them up that way and use the ethernet port for connecting to the modem.

4) If you have a spare network card lying around then install that into the machine that connects to the internet and use it to network with the other machine, that will leave your other ethernet port free to connect to the modem.

Whichever method you choose you should now have two machines that are networked and can see each other's files and one machine will still have internet connection. On that machine you now need to enable Internet Connection Sharing, the link at the end of this article has more information. That will put the machine on a local subnet and give it a static IP address 192.168.0.1....you then go to the other machine and set it up to connect to the internet through this address.

There are a few down-sides to doing this. You'll be relying on the Windows firewall, which isn't quite as secure as what a router will provide (but then you've been doing that all along anyway). Your main internet machine will also have to be switched on in order for the other machine to access the net through it. You did say "cheapest", not "most convinent" :)

Good luck.

Answer 3

in short, no. on the spot playing cards can in basic terms be linked to another gadget at any given time. you could't connect with, say, an get right of entry to factor AND yet another on the spot card. it is conceivable to connect 2 on the spot playing cards mutually and create a mini LAN section, that's called an advert-hoc community. The seize is which you're in basic terms able to share supplies available to the two computers. interior of sight (abode windows) report sharing is conceivable, yet something information superhighway appropriate isn't. If between the computers had a separate connection to the internet (via Ethernet or a 2nd on the spot card), your state of affairs can paintings via IP forwarding, often referred to as information superhighway connection sharing. in spite of the undeniable fact that, it is impossible with 2 computers and a pair of on the spot playing cards. Sorry. in case your pc does have a separate information superhighway connection, look up instructions for installation connection sharing. it is especially complication-free to do, yet previous the scope of my answer.

Answer 4

There are net servers that use cable service to hook you up to the net. They give you an external modem that has a cable jack and that's how you hook up. Then you just use a router to set up your other computer.

Answer 5

buy a wireless router