wunder13
asked on
True need for second IP address
When I initially went with cable modem service, the provider told me I ABSOLUTELY had to have a second IP address for my second computer to have Internet access. Since that time I have purchased my own modem (Toshiba PCX1100U) and Linksys 5 port Workgroup hub in order to network my two computers. I've become a "little" more IT savvy and now believe I don't actually need a second IP address, but really just a router (instead of a hub)...? Or do I not even need a router? Can I save $7.00 a month (second IP address charge) by just using the hub or router? The service provider "warns" me that if I cancel the second IP address, the second computer may not be able to access the Internet since the provider has now switched to static IP addresses for all users. What is the truth? (I have read previous, related responses of knel1234, pbessman, and stryjews -- impressive interchange, but I'm still confused.) Thanks.
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ASKER
valvoj - thanks for a concise, straight-forward answer.
You have 2 computers connected to the hub each one reciving a public ip from your provider.
If you want only 1 ip to be used by your small network then you have these options:
1-buy a Linksys router connect the external interface of it directly to your modem and the internal one into your hub. Configure your machines to ues the Linksys as a gateway.
2-buy a second network card and install it in one of your pc. That computer will act as a router/NAT device.
Connect one network card directly into the modem and the other one into the hub. Depending on what OS you use on this there are different ways to setup the NATing.
Win98se/Me use Internet Connection Sharing
Win 2000 use sharring the connection (the one on the card connected to the modem)
Linux/Unix use ipchains
I have to mention that if you want access to Internet from your second pc this pc (the one with 2 NICs) need to be on all the time since this is in fact the gateway for that one.
Mishou