Cable Internet Sharing
I would like to share a cable internet connection between 2 - 4 users. I was wondering which is a better option, a router or a hub?
I'm not really looking for firewall or other advance features. All I need is a basic internet sharing solution.
My friend told me that if i use a hub, i need to have one my computer on all the time in order to let others access the net. Is that true?
My friends and I are staying in our university campus and in different rooms. The hub or router would be in one of the rooms and the rest of us will not have access to the hub or router unless the person is around.
So wat i need is a hub or router that let all 4 of us to share the connection without having any computers switched on except the current user's one..
In short, I need to use only the hub or router and nothing else and any of my friends shld be able to connect to the net anytime.
Which one is better taking the price into consideration?
I'm not really looking for firewall or other advance features. All I need is a basic internet sharing solution.
My friend told me that if i use a hub, i need to have one my computer on all the time in order to let others access the net. Is that true?
My friends and I are staying in our university campus and in different rooms. The hub or router would be in one of the rooms and the rest of us will not have access to the hub or router unless the person is around.
So wat i need is a hub or router that let all 4 of us to share the connection without having any computers switched on except the current user's one..
In short, I need to use only the hub or router and nothing else and any of my friends shld be able to connect to the net anytime.
Which one is better taking the price into consideration?
The router is the only one that will allow all to have access without paying for additional addresses from your internet provider. It will also provide a hardware firewall, which is very desirable while connected to a cable connection. I highly recommend the router.
To start with I would browse this site a little bit more. This same question has been asked many times. Linksys has a DSL/CABLE router, that includes a 4 port switch(similar to a hub, only smarter).
http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=23&prid=20
Hope this helps
Matt Defore
http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=23&prid=20
Hope this helps
Matt Defore
Absolutely use the router. My recomendation is the Linksys 4 port router - www.linksys.com.
I use a linksys on my cable and its great. My expeerience with some of my clients that didn't use the linksys (netgear, dlink, etc.) is that the linksys works better.
Harry
I use a linksys on my cable and its great. My expeerience with some of my clients that didn't use the linksys (netgear, dlink, etc.) is that the linksys works better.
Harry
Once the router is set up, it should just sit there and not ever be touched. If you need to configure it, you just enter the router's ip address in your browser and the configuration page will come up.
You might also consider a Wireless Linksys if you can afford it. ITs a little more expensive but you wouldn't have to worry about running wire.
Harry
You might also consider a Wireless Linksys if you can afford it. ITs a little more expensive but you wouldn't have to worry about running wire.
Harry
OK You have a cable modem,
When you turn on the cable modem, the DOCSIS protocol gives your IP a public internet address from your ISP.
So, If you'd like more than one PC to access the internet (like I do), then you need a cable router. I have had great success with my Netgear wireless cable router. This way my pc's do not need a wire connected somewhere all the time.
But since you are in College, maybe you're on a budget, and you can use a regular cable router. Now when you power on the cable modem and the cable router, the router gets the Public IP address from your ISP, and if the cable has a 4 port switch (like most do), you can put 4 pc's on the cable router. You only need to config the router to hand out IP's to your pc's via DHCP. Whatever cable router you get will have directions for that. So now, the cable router will NAT all of your PC's to look like your on one IP address to your ISP and you all can surf the net.
Good-Luck!
When you turn on the cable modem, the DOCSIS protocol gives your IP a public internet address from your ISP.
So, If you'd like more than one PC to access the internet (like I do), then you need a cable router. I have had great success with my Netgear wireless cable router. This way my pc's do not need a wire connected somewhere all the time.
But since you are in College, maybe you're on a budget, and you can use a regular cable router. Now when you power on the cable modem and the cable router, the router gets the Public IP address from your ISP, and if the cable has a 4 port switch (like most do), you can put 4 pc's on the cable router. You only need to config the router to hand out IP's to your pc's via DHCP. Whatever cable router you get will have directions for that. So now, the cable router will NAT all of your PC's to look like your on one IP address to your ISP and you all can surf the net.
Good-Luck!
sbodio - Welcome to E-E. Its common courtesy to provide "comments" unless you know your
answer is the one and only answer and is 300% correct and is what the questioner is
looking for and will fix their problem.
This accomplishes a couple of things: First: it doesn't lock the question allowing
more exposure to other experts allowing a faster fix (many problems require an
interactive dialogue to troubleshoot them properly), Secondly: it gives the questioner
the option to make an award based on the best comment that helped the most in fixing
their problem and it is also is common courtesy to other experts.
Your answer may be correct, and I hope it is, after all the main goal here is to help the
questioner, but when you propose an answer it removes the "accept comment as answer"
button thereby robbing the questioner of the choice to choose which expert helped the most.
If your comment is chosen by the questioner, you will be awarded the points.
I made the same mistake when I first joined EE and someone was nice enough to point
it out to me (Dave I think).
Again welcome and look forward to working with you in the future, a lot of teamwork
is used at this forum, as you will see! :>)
answer is the one and only answer and is 300% correct and is what the questioner is
looking for and will fix their problem.
This accomplishes a couple of things: First: it doesn't lock the question allowing
more exposure to other experts allowing a faster fix (many problems require an
interactive dialogue to troubleshoot them properly), Secondly: it gives the questioner
the option to make an award based on the best comment that helped the most in fixing
their problem and it is also is common courtesy to other experts.
Your answer may be correct, and I hope it is, after all the main goal here is to help the
questioner, but when you propose an answer it removes the "accept comment as answer"
button thereby robbing the questioner of the choice to choose which expert helped the most.
If your comment is chosen by the questioner, you will be awarded the points.
I made the same mistake when I first joined EE and someone was nice enough to point
it out to me (Dave I think).
Again welcome and look forward to working with you in the future, a lot of teamwork
is used at this forum, as you will see! :>)
ASKER
What I want know is whether I can use a hub or switch to share internet connection instead of a router. A router is too expensive and i can't afford it and therefore I prefer to use hub or switch.
My friend told me that I need have assign a host computer if I use a hub/switch and that computer has to to switched on all the time. Is this true?
Also, if I don't wish to pay for additional IP addresses, can several people share the internet connection using just one IP address using a hub or switch?
I know that a router can assign its own IP address but would a hub or switch be able to do it too?
If it's just 2 people sharing the connection, would it make a difference choosing between a switch and hub?
Kumar
My friend told me that I need have assign a host computer if I use a hub/switch and that computer has to to switched on all the time. Is this true?
Also, if I don't wish to pay for additional IP addresses, can several people share the internet connection using just one IP address using a hub or switch?
I know that a router can assign its own IP address but would a hub or switch be able to do it too?
If it's just 2 people sharing the connection, would it make a difference choosing between a switch and hub?
Kumar
If you have a windows 2000 server hooked up to the internet, you can use a hub or switch to connect the other PC's to use the internet. The windows 2000 server would act like a proxy for you. You will have to configure your other pc's browsers to use the proxy address of the windows 2000 LAN IP address. But, since you have a cable internet connection, you need a second network card which must be config'd with your private LAN IP network, ie 10.x.x.x or 192.168.x.x
The private LAN IP's would be your proxy address for the other PC's. The 1st network card would recieve the IP address from your cable provider.
Another solution, if you do not have windows 2000, is to find a download which will enable your win98 pc to act as a proxy server. Still, you need the second network card.
With the two scenarios above you can use a hub or a switch.
If you do not want to pay for additional IP addresses, you cannot use a hub/switch without implementing a solution similar to what I described above.
A hub and switch cannot assign IP addresses.
If it's just 2 people sharing the connection, you will not notice the performance gain of using a switch over hub...even though, technically switches are always recommeded.
Personally, get the Router, it is much much simpler. If you have roommates sharing with you, ask them to share the costs of the router.
The private LAN IP's would be your proxy address for the other PC's. The 1st network card would recieve the IP address from your cable provider.
Another solution, if you do not have windows 2000, is to find a download which will enable your win98 pc to act as a proxy server. Still, you need the second network card.
With the two scenarios above you can use a hub or a switch.
If you do not want to pay for additional IP addresses, you cannot use a hub/switch without implementing a solution similar to what I described above.
A hub and switch cannot assign IP addresses.
If it's just 2 people sharing the connection, you will not notice the performance gain of using a switch over hub...even though, technically switches are always recommeded.
Personally, get the Router, it is much much simpler. If you have roommates sharing with you, ask them to share the costs of the router.
The only thing you will accomplish with a hub or a switch, is physically connecting your two PC's together.
Unless you can get a second IP address from your cable provider, you will need something that will translate a private IP (I.e. 192.168.0.1) to a public IP (I.e. IP Address assigned by your provider). A router serves this purpose, a proxy does the same thing.
Who is your cable provider. I know that mediacom online offers a networking package, for a couple more dollars a month.
Hope this helps
Matt Defore
Unless you can get a second IP address from your cable provider, you will need something that will translate a private IP (I.e. 192.168.0.1) to a public IP (I.e. IP Address assigned by your provider). A router serves this purpose, a proxy does the same thing.
Who is your cable provider. I know that mediacom online offers a networking package, for a couple more dollars a month.
Hope this helps
Matt Defore
Also if your staying in a dorm, running cable might not be an option. You may want to take a look a some of Linksys's wireless packages.
I just re-read through the comments. Just to add a little bit more trying not to tell you the same thing as everyone else has.
Kumarz
"Also, if I don't wish to pay for additional IP addresses, can several people share the internet connection using just one IP address using a hub or switch?"
What you want to do is called NAT (network address translation), the only way to accomplish this is with a router or a proxy server.
"I know that a router can assign its own IP address but would a hub or switch be able to do it too?"
The linksys routers have built-in DHCP servers. DHCP servers assign workstations IP information such as IP address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS, Wins, and various other information. Switches or hubs do not do this, they merely provide connectivity.
I agree with sbodio. Get the router.
Matt Defore
Kumarz
"Also, if I don't wish to pay for additional IP addresses, can several people share the internet connection using just one IP address using a hub or switch?"
What you want to do is called NAT (network address translation), the only way to accomplish this is with a router or a proxy server.
"I know that a router can assign its own IP address but would a hub or switch be able to do it too?"
The linksys routers have built-in DHCP servers. DHCP servers assign workstations IP information such as IP address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS, Wins, and various other information. Switches or hubs do not do this, they merely provide connectivity.
I agree with sbodio. Get the router.
Matt Defore
ASKER
Hi,
Matt Defore: I'll be using Shaw Internet(www.shaw.ca).
Ok.. Just one more thing.. I juz found out that Shaw Internet is providing the 2nd IP add. for free. So I will have a unique add. for each user(There's only two users).
Do you still recommend a router over a switch/Hub?
What I really need to know (and has not been answered yet) is that, do I need to have a host computer always switched on if I use a hub/switch? What if each user have their own IP address assign by the Internet Service Provider, do I still need a host computer switched on all the time?
Kumar
Matt Defore: I'll be using Shaw Internet(www.shaw.ca).
Ok.. Just one more thing.. I juz found out that Shaw Internet is providing the 2nd IP add. for free. So I will have a unique add. for each user(There's only two users).
Do you still recommend a router over a switch/Hub?
What I really need to know (and has not been answered yet) is that, do I need to have a host computer always switched on if I use a hub/switch? What if each user have their own IP address assign by the Internet Service Provider, do I still need a host computer switched on all the time?
Kumar
That's awesome, a 2nd IP for free!
If you use the host computer as a proxy, like, in the examples above, it will need to be switched on.
But, if each PC has their own IP assigned by your ISP, you do not need a host computer on all the time, just your cable modem ;)
If you use the host computer as a proxy, like, in the examples above, it will need to be switched on.
But, if each PC has their own IP assigned by your ISP, you do not need a host computer on all the time, just your cable modem ;)
Yes, the host computer with the second network card will need to be on for the second computer to be able to access the internet. Get the router to solve your problems. It's much simpler to configure and also provides the benefit of a hardware firewall.
If you are able to get the second IP for free, the host will not need the added network card, and will not have to be on. But you're losing the security of the router. You really need some type of firewall when using a cable connection.
I just saw a 4 port Linksys for sale in CompUSA for $40.00. At that price, I would absolutly use the router, and forget the second IP address your ISP is offering.
That was my comment some time ago and it is still my recomendation.
Harry
That was my comment some time ago and it is still my recomendation.
Harry
I agree with HDWILKINS in principle.
If you only need for 2 people now, and can not find a chap router ($40 or less after rebate ), then get a simple hub or switch in the meantime.
You will need to install a firewall on each computer until you get a router.
zonealarm is free from zonelabs.com
I hope this helps !
If you only need for 2 people now, and can not find a chap router ($40 or less after rebate ), then get a simple hub or switch in the meantime.
You will need to install a firewall on each computer until you get a router.
zonealarm is free from zonelabs.com
I hope this helps !
I agree with SysExpert. If you don't install the router, install zonealarm (www.zonealarm.com). The basic package is free and the ZoneAlarm Pro works with the Linksys. On my computer, I use both, the Linksys and the ZoneAlarm. I use ZoneAlarm primarily to stop applications (worms, etc) on my computer from reaching out into the Internet. The router pretty much keeps outsiders from getting in.
SysExpert I was surprised to see a Linksys 4 port for that amount, I spend somewhere over $120 for mine and I only have the 1 port.
HW
SysExpert I was surprised to see a Linksys 4 port for that amount, I spend somewhere over $120 for mine and I only have the 1 port.
HW
Kumarz,
A simple low budget solution would be the following.
1. give 1 pc 2 networkcards (nic's). 1 nic will go to the cable modem, the other nic will be hooked up to a hub (or router) (a hub is cheaper and with 4 pc's you don't need a router)
2. on that pc, run ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) or Wingate, or whatever proxyserver you want to use
3. that pc must be on all the time, if you want everyone to have internet access all the time. (If it's in your bedroom, just tell your roommates they cannot surf all the because you want the pc to be off when you go to bed)
4. on the other pc's, run the Connection Setup Wizard for Internet Explorer, tell it you access Internet over a LAN and that is should find the proxy server itself. If it cannot find the proxyserver, than in the properties of IE, fill out the static IP address of the 2nd NIC of the ICS-PC
ICS/Wingate/... take care of NAT. That's why you need it.
This is definitely not a business solution!
But for sharing internet access at home/dorm it's OK.
If you install a freeware Firewall like Zonealarm or OUTPOST(!) (www.agnitum.com), you may want to endorse light security on the ICS-PC. Additionally install the software on the client pc's and configure the firewall software to give more security.
If you give high security on the ICS-PC, everytime one of your roommates installs internet software on his pc, you have to make adjustments to the firewall on the ICS-PC
Succes,
Willem
A simple low budget solution would be the following.
1. give 1 pc 2 networkcards (nic's). 1 nic will go to the cable modem, the other nic will be hooked up to a hub (or router) (a hub is cheaper and with 4 pc's you don't need a router)
2. on that pc, run ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) or Wingate, or whatever proxyserver you want to use
3. that pc must be on all the time, if you want everyone to have internet access all the time. (If it's in your bedroom, just tell your roommates they cannot surf all the because you want the pc to be off when you go to bed)
4. on the other pc's, run the Connection Setup Wizard for Internet Explorer, tell it you access Internet over a LAN and that is should find the proxy server itself. If it cannot find the proxyserver, than in the properties of IE, fill out the static IP address of the 2nd NIC of the ICS-PC
ICS/Wingate/... take care of NAT. That's why you need it.
This is definitely not a business solution!
But for sharing internet access at home/dorm it's OK.
If you install a freeware Firewall like Zonealarm or OUTPOST(!) (www.agnitum.com), you may want to endorse light security on the ICS-PC. Additionally install the software on the client pc's and configure the firewall software to give more security.
If you give high security on the ICS-PC, everytime one of your roommates installs internet software on his pc, you have to make adjustments to the firewall on the ICS-PC
Succes,
Willem
If you use a router, you don't need all the ICS s**t. And there internet can be accessed all the time. If the router had just 2 port, hook up 1 to the cable modem and the other one to a hub
Regards,
Willem
Regards,
Willem
If you can get a second IP, do that. That is the cheapest solution. Take both of your computers and the cable modem into a hub or switch. If you choose to do this, I stronly reccomend getting a software firewall (ZoneAlarm as mentioned above).
Hope this helps
Matt Defore
Hope this helps
Matt Defore
However, at the present cost of the Linksys, its as inexpensive as any hub and you have a firewall that is independent of the computer.
The reason thats important is that viruses, the nasty ones, when they / if they get downloaded may disable onboard virus protection and Zonealarm. So, having a firewall independant of the PC and any viruses it may have has a value.
Harry
The reason thats important is that viruses, the nasty ones, when they / if they get downloaded may disable onboard virus protection and Zonealarm. So, having a firewall independant of the PC and any viruses it may have has a value.
Harry
I completely agree. Sounds like he wants the cheapest possible solution.
Kumarz please update question.
Matt Defore
Kumarz please update question.
Matt Defore
kumarz, simply put: follow the A/B text:
From the Internet to you via DSL enabled line.
DSL enabled line to:
***either
A - DSL modem in a PC, the server (MUST be on 24/7 for others to access)
A - From Server PC, thru Network card to Hub/Switch
A - From Hub to Other PCs either thru wireless or Ethernet Cable
***or:
B - DSL Router (4port, also must be on 24/7 (3 watts and silent running, one power switch, about 10 seconds fully auto boot up time)
B - from router directly to each PC via Wireless/Ethernet Cable
Option B, no server required, no waiting for server to boot up, no hub/switch required (Router does it). No server crashing (good oold windows!)
Go Option B, get a router. I got one for my small network 8pcs, nobody can mess with it, password locked out, no maintenance, Hardware Firewall, simple, silent reliability.
Paul
From the Internet to you via DSL enabled line.
DSL enabled line to:
***either
A - DSL modem in a PC, the server (MUST be on 24/7 for others to access)
A - From Server PC, thru Network card to Hub/Switch
A - From Hub to Other PCs either thru wireless or Ethernet Cable
***or:
B - DSL Router (4port, also must be on 24/7 (3 watts and silent running, one power switch, about 10 seconds fully auto boot up time)
B - from router directly to each PC via Wireless/Ethernet Cable
Option B, no server required, no waiting for server to boot up, no hub/switch required (Router does it). No server crashing (good oold windows!)
Go Option B, get a router. I got one for my small network 8pcs, nobody can mess with it, password locked out, no maintenance, Hardware Firewall, simple, silent reliability.
Paul
ASKER
Paul,
Say I decide to use a switch. Do i still need to have a server to be on 24/7 for others to access if every user have their own IP address assigned by the internet service Provider.
Kumar
Say I decide to use a switch. Do i still need to have a server to be on 24/7 for others to access if every user have their own IP address assigned by the internet service Provider.
Kumar
If you get a second IP from your provider, and take all your computers and dsl modem into the switch, you do not need to have your computer on all the time.
In order to share a cable connection between 2-4 computers you must do one of three things.
1. Get an IP address from the cable provider for each machine and connect the cable modem to a hub or switch.
2. Install ICS on a host machine to share the connection to the other machines through a hub.
3. Use a Router. In your case, it should be a router with a built in switch, but if not, a router connected to a hub or switch will work.
If you are not running a router, you should install a firewall on all of the PCs to protect them from intrusion.
Harry
1. Get an IP address from the cable provider for each machine and connect the cable modem to a hub or switch.
2. Install ICS on a host machine to share the connection to the other machines through a hub.
3. Use a Router. In your case, it should be a router with a built in switch, but if not, a router connected to a hub or switch will work.
If you are not running a router, you should install a firewall on all of the PCs to protect them from intrusion.
Harry
You only have two classes of answers (prices at the end)...
You want to "share" an internet connection.
1) get multiple IPs from your ISP
2) use existing IP from ISP with NAT product / software
for 1) see the cost of additional IPs
for 2) see requirements / restrictions / advantages / disadvantages / headaches / etc that come with any NAT product.
Lots of "Cable/DSL" modem Routers are NAT/Routers NAT is one method for providing firewalling (which in itself is not a bad thing). It can break some applications, but I have found that the majority of programs with with little or no effort.
Many "Cable/DSL" modem Routers also have builtin switch/hub (4 port is typical). They run $100 or so for commercial over-the-counter (aka application NAT/firewall).
You can also try (if you have junk laying around) to build a "free" (cost, not effort) firewall solution. I use at home BBIAgent (www.bbiagent.net) with an old (used to be 486-DX4-100) and two ISA NICs. You will still need to purchase a hub or switch but that is less than $50.
If you are REALLY cost senstivive you can get a 2nd network card ($20) for a modern (recent OS) machine and a hub ($30) and have one machine really on the internet and also "sharing" the internet via the 2nd NIC to the hub out to the remaining machines.
WindowsXP has ICS (plus a firewall) Internet Connection Sharing.. Linux has IP Masquerad. If you don't like to mess around, this Windows ICS is best / simplist.
I am Linux savvy and did this in the past and migrated to BBIAgent (a Linux product) because it uses a floppy disk (no hard drive) and the computer really silent. The fan in the HUB is louder! (plus I had the old parts laying round)
You have two choices. and the NAT choice you have several. 1) external application NAT (DSL/Cable Modem Firewall/Router)
2) dedicated PC (BBIAgent or something like that)
3) ICS / Masq concurrent machine
#3 has one disadvantage.. It is on the REAL network and is subject to attacks (DoS, etc.) plus if that machine is off/down... the WHOLE network is down. I prefer a dedicated machine...
But part of your concern is cost...
There is no answer but to see what path you want to go. You main end up just purchasing additional IPs for each machine as you stated firewalling isn't a concern..
--Doug
You want to "share" an internet connection.
1) get multiple IPs from your ISP
2) use existing IP from ISP with NAT product / software
for 1) see the cost of additional IPs
for 2) see requirements / restrictions / advantages / disadvantages / headaches / etc that come with any NAT product.
Lots of "Cable/DSL" modem Routers are NAT/Routers NAT is one method for providing firewalling (which in itself is not a bad thing). It can break some applications, but I have found that the majority of programs with with little or no effort.
Many "Cable/DSL" modem Routers also have builtin switch/hub (4 port is typical). They run $100 or so for commercial over-the-counter (aka application NAT/firewall).
You can also try (if you have junk laying around) to build a "free" (cost, not effort) firewall solution. I use at home BBIAgent (www.bbiagent.net) with an old (used to be 486-DX4-100) and two ISA NICs. You will still need to purchase a hub or switch but that is less than $50.
If you are REALLY cost senstivive you can get a 2nd network card ($20) for a modern (recent OS) machine and a hub ($30) and have one machine really on the internet and also "sharing" the internet via the 2nd NIC to the hub out to the remaining machines.
WindowsXP has ICS (plus a firewall) Internet Connection Sharing.. Linux has IP Masquerad. If you don't like to mess around, this Windows ICS is best / simplist.
I am Linux savvy and did this in the past and migrated to BBIAgent (a Linux product) because it uses a floppy disk (no hard drive) and the computer really silent. The fan in the HUB is louder! (plus I had the old parts laying round)
You have two choices. and the NAT choice you have several. 1) external application NAT (DSL/Cable Modem Firewall/Router)
2) dedicated PC (BBIAgent or something like that)
3) ICS / Masq concurrent machine
#3 has one disadvantage.. It is on the REAL network and is subject to attacks (DoS, etc.) plus if that machine is off/down... the WHOLE network is down. I prefer a dedicated machine...
But part of your concern is cost...
There is no answer but to see what path you want to go. You main end up just purchasing additional IPs for each machine as you stated firewalling isn't a concern..
--Doug
DX_400 - Welcome to E-E. Its common courtesy to provide "comments" unless you know your
answer is the one and only answer and is 300% correct and is what the questioner is
looking for and will fix their problem.
This accomplishes a couple of things: First: it doesn't lock the question allowing
more exposure to other experts allowing a faster fix (many problems require an
interactive dialogue to troubleshoot them properly), Secondly: it gives the questioner
the option to make an award based on the best comment that helped the most in fixing
their problem and it is also is common courtesy to other experts.
Your answer may be correct, and I hope it is, after all the main goal here is to help the
questioner, but when you propose an answer it removes the "accept comment as answer"
button thereby robbing the questioner of the choice to choose which expert helped the most.
If your comment is chosen by the questioner, you will be awarded the points.
I made the same mistake when I first joined EE and someone was nice enough to point
it out to me (Dave I think).
Again welcome and look forward to working with you in the future, a lot of teamwork
is used at this forum, as you will see! :>)
Thanks
Harry
Quote shamelessly stolen from stevenlewis
who shamelessly stole it from Dave, HW
answer is the one and only answer and is 300% correct and is what the questioner is
looking for and will fix their problem.
This accomplishes a couple of things: First: it doesn't lock the question allowing
more exposure to other experts allowing a faster fix (many problems require an
interactive dialogue to troubleshoot them properly), Secondly: it gives the questioner
the option to make an award based on the best comment that helped the most in fixing
their problem and it is also is common courtesy to other experts.
Your answer may be correct, and I hope it is, after all the main goal here is to help the
questioner, but when you propose an answer it removes the "accept comment as answer"
button thereby robbing the questioner of the choice to choose which expert helped the most.
If your comment is chosen by the questioner, you will be awarded the points.
I made the same mistake when I first joined EE and someone was nice enough to point
it out to me (Dave I think).
Again welcome and look forward to working with you in the future, a lot of teamwork
is used at this forum, as you will see! :>)
Thanks
Harry
Quote shamelessly stolen from stevenlewis
who shamelessly stole it from Dave, HW
kumarz its in your interest to reject the above answer until you want do make your own decision as to who (if anyone) helped you.
Harry
Harry
The question is he wants to evauluate the options. The answer is a detailed evaluation of the options. NOT TO PICK A SOLUTION / DIRECT but what options are available. Once topic was cost eval per direction. I gave him that.
If this is a forum that is basically comments only. I will sadly mark all reponses as comments.
--Doug
If this is a forum that is basically comments only. I will sadly mark all reponses as comments.
--Doug
Kumarz,
No, if you have a router, none of the PCs need to be designated the Server.
A PC does NOT have to be on 24/7 for the others to have internet access.
Only the Router
The Router acts as the server. IT connects to ths ISP, and has it's IP address assigned by the ISP (either dynamic or preset, depends on ISP, but all routers support either). The router acts as the DHCP server - handing out IP addresses to each PC conected to it.
All the PCs access the internet on that same IP address given to the Router by the ISP.
This is part of the hardware Firewall. Say for eg a hacker tries to acces your (or your mates' computer, from the internet. They will not see anything past the Router (unless you plant a trojan on your PC orsumthin, but antivirus software takes care of that)
The router i have works fine for MSN, email, online gaming, browseing, big downloads, 8pcs simultaneous operation - i havnt encountered a single problem.
If you wanted to setup a webserver on one of these pcs, you'd need to setu port forwarding on the router, which isnt all that simple, but not too crazy either.
Only the router (a box about the size of a network switch) needs to be on all the time)
Other cool stuff is that you can add as many ppl easily to your broadband connection as you like, provided you have network conections for them - ie, you could connect a Hub (say 8 port?) to one of the 4 ports already on the Router so having up to 11 ppl on your network.
Hope this helps,
Paul
No, if you have a router, none of the PCs need to be designated the Server.
A PC does NOT have to be on 24/7 for the others to have internet access.
Only the Router
The Router acts as the server. IT connects to ths ISP, and has it's IP address assigned by the ISP (either dynamic or preset, depends on ISP, but all routers support either). The router acts as the DHCP server - handing out IP addresses to each PC conected to it.
All the PCs access the internet on that same IP address given to the Router by the ISP.
This is part of the hardware Firewall. Say for eg a hacker tries to acces your (or your mates' computer, from the internet. They will not see anything past the Router (unless you plant a trojan on your PC orsumthin, but antivirus software takes care of that)
The router i have works fine for MSN, email, online gaming, browseing, big downloads, 8pcs simultaneous operation - i havnt encountered a single problem.
If you wanted to setup a webserver on one of these pcs, you'd need to setu port forwarding on the router, which isnt all that simple, but not too crazy either.
Only the router (a box about the size of a network switch) needs to be on all the time)
Other cool stuff is that you can add as many ppl easily to your broadband connection as you like, provided you have network conections for them - ie, you could connect a Hub (say 8 port?) to one of the 4 ports already on the Router so having up to 11 ppl on your network.
Hope this helps,
Paul
Say Kumarz, sorry mate, i didnt actually answer your question, did i...
If you use a switch, a pc DOES have to be on 24/7 for others to access the internt.
You'll use a DSL modem of some description hooked to your pc, then your pc hooked to the switch. so if your PC's off, the DSL connection is unavailable to anyone else.
Whereas the router hooks to each pc directly, not via your pc.
mmkay?
other ppl have talked about miultiple ip addresses and stuff from your ISP, but thats way more complicated that you need.
The only expnse you're gon have is the router, not additional IP addresses from your IP, or seperate accounts or nuthin.
hope this answers your question this time.
Paul
If you use a switch, a pc DOES have to be on 24/7 for others to access the internt.
You'll use a DSL modem of some description hooked to your pc, then your pc hooked to the switch. so if your PC's off, the DSL connection is unavailable to anyone else.
Whereas the router hooks to each pc directly, not via your pc.
mmkay?
other ppl have talked about miultiple ip addresses and stuff from your ISP, but thats way more complicated that you need.
The only expnse you're gon have is the router, not additional IP addresses from your IP, or seperate accounts or nuthin.
hope this answers your question this time.
Paul
http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=23&prid=20
Go to that link, that is the product you should buy. I got mine at www.buy.com.
You need to use a router because it will be on all the time and your friends can all connect to the net any time they like.
Just put the cable connection into the WAN port, and connect you and your 4 friends thru ports 1-4.
A hub will do you know good without an extra dedicated PC with 2 nic cards. Same goes for a switch. Just get the router and all your headaches will be over.
Go to that link, that is the product you should buy. I got mine at www.buy.com.
You need to use a router because it will be on all the time and your friends can all connect to the net any time they like.
Just put the cable connection into the WAN port, and connect you and your 4 friends thru ports 1-4.
A hub will do you know good without an extra dedicated PC with 2 nic cards. Same goes for a switch. Just get the router and all your headaches will be over.
Walt-the-IT-Guy - Welcome to E-E. Its common courtesy to provide "comments" unless you know your
answer is the one and only answer and is 300% correct and is what the questioner is
looking for and will fix their problem.
This accomplishes a couple of things: First: it doesn't lock the question allowing
more exposure to other experts allowing a faster fix (many problems require an
interactive dialogue to troubleshoot them properly), Secondly: it gives the questioner
the option to make an award based on the best comment that helped the most in fixing
their problem and it is also is common courtesy to other experts.
Your answer may be correct, and I hope it is, after all the main goal here is to help the
questioner, but when you propose an answer it removes the "accept comment as answer"
button thereby robbing the questioner of the choice to choose which expert helped the most.
If your comment is chosen by the questioner, you will be awarded the points.
I made the same mistake when I first joined EE and someone was nice enough to point
it out to me (Dave I think).
Again welcome and look forward to working with you in the future, a lot of teamwork
is used at this forum, as you will see! :>)
Thanks
Harry
Quote shamelessly stolen from stevenlewis
who shamelessly stole it from Dave, HW
answer is the one and only answer and is 300% correct and is what the questioner is
looking for and will fix their problem.
This accomplishes a couple of things: First: it doesn't lock the question allowing
more exposure to other experts allowing a faster fix (many problems require an
interactive dialogue to troubleshoot them properly), Secondly: it gives the questioner
the option to make an award based on the best comment that helped the most in fixing
their problem and it is also is common courtesy to other experts.
Your answer may be correct, and I hope it is, after all the main goal here is to help the
questioner, but when you propose an answer it removes the "accept comment as answer"
button thereby robbing the questioner of the choice to choose which expert helped the most.
If your comment is chosen by the questioner, you will be awarded the points.
I made the same mistake when I first joined EE and someone was nice enough to point
it out to me (Dave I think).
Again welcome and look forward to working with you in the future, a lot of teamwork
is used at this forum, as you will see! :>)
Thanks
Harry
Quote shamelessly stolen from stevenlewis
who shamelessly stole it from Dave, HW
I already know that.
The answer is 300% correct.
And if you have to walk on egg shells to use that feature than why is it available?
The only option then should be to post comments.
Did you ever think of that?
The answer is 300% correct.
And if you have to walk on egg shells to use that feature than why is it available?
The only option then should be to post comments.
Did you ever think of that?
Like I said, welcome to EE.
Your solution about buying a Linksys has been mentioned half a dozen times before your posting. No only should you not have posted this as an ANSWER you should have give credit to those above you that already suggested it.
kumarz - can I suggest that you reject this answer.
Harry
Your solution about buying a Linksys has been mentioned half a dozen times before your posting. No only should you not have posted this as an ANSWER you should have give credit to those above you that already suggested it.
kumarz - can I suggest that you reject this answer.
Harry
hey walt-the-IT-guy,
I'm right with you, strange the "answer" option is available when all people do is ridicule the "answerer"
I'v just joined EE, answered, i mean, commented to a handful of questions, and seen the "300%" comment a lot of times, and the adivice to give comments a lot more times.
maybe EE shoudl remove it, to stop all this squabbling
it's a bit petty...
I understand the camaraderie here, it works well, but there's a lot of bickering.
anyway...
buy the router Kumarz! end all this arguing!!!
I'm right with you, strange the "answer" option is available when all people do is ridicule the "answerer"
I'v just joined EE, answered, i mean, commented to a handful of questions, and seen the "300%" comment a lot of times, and the adivice to give comments a lot more times.
maybe EE shoudl remove it, to stop all this squabbling
it's a bit petty...
I understand the camaraderie here, it works well, but there's a lot of bickering.
anyway...
buy the router Kumarz! end all this arguing!!!
ApostlePaul ,
Thank God someone understands me.
Everyone is trying to be a boyscout all the time.
Thank God someone understands me.
Everyone is trying to be a boyscout all the time.
Walt-the-IT-Guy,
This is the second time I've left a message for you regarding this matter.
It's custom to post your suggestions as a Comment, rather than as an Answer because of the following:
The main one is that by posting an Answer, you move the question from the Open Questions queue to the Locked Questions queue. That makes it less likely that the Asker will get input from a number of Experts.
EE is a site based on collaboration; the idea is to get as many ideas as possible as a resolution to the problem. You should only post an Answer when you are absolutely, 100% certain that yours is the ONLY completely accurate solution, AND that it doesn't duplicate or paraphrase someone else's suggestion. Please pay special attention to the second half of the last sentence.
The Asker sees a button (even on rejected answers) that says Accept This Comment As Answer, so if yours is the best suggestion, it is likely to be selected, and you'll get the points and the grade.
Netminder
CS Moderator
This is the second time I've left a message for you regarding this matter.
It's custom to post your suggestions as a Comment, rather than as an Answer because of the following:
The main one is that by posting an Answer, you move the question from the Open Questions queue to the Locked Questions queue. That makes it less likely that the Asker will get input from a number of Experts.
EE is a site based on collaboration; the idea is to get as many ideas as possible as a resolution to the problem. You should only post an Answer when you are absolutely, 100% certain that yours is the ONLY completely accurate solution, AND that it doesn't duplicate or paraphrase someone else's suggestion. Please pay special attention to the second half of the last sentence.
The Asker sees a button (even on rejected answers) that says Accept This Comment As Answer, so if yours is the best suggestion, it is likely to be selected, and you'll get the points and the grade.
Netminder
CS Moderator
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Netminder, CSModerater,
Is it worth putting a little note right beside the "Answer" option saying something like:
"ONLY use after reading 'tips on Comments and Answers' ?"
(Just a thought? not an argument... wimper wimper)
Paul
Is it worth putting a little note right beside the "Answer" option saying something like:
"ONLY use after reading 'tips on Comments and Answers' ?"
(Just a thought? not an argument... wimper wimper)
Paul
ApostlePaul,
I wish.
N
I wish.
N
Get a life...
What are you a traffic cop?
What are you a traffic cop?
Walt-the-IT-Guy you really do have a bad attitude.
Walt-the-IT-Guy,
Nope, not a traffic cop. Just someone who's been around Experts Exchange for several years, understands how the site works, appreciates the reasons that the "Answer button" DOESN'T get used, and tries to make it possible for people to get good answers to their questions.
N
Nope, not a traffic cop. Just someone who's been around Experts Exchange for several years, understands how the site works, appreciates the reasons that the "Answer button" DOESN'T get used, and tries to make it possible for people to get good answers to their questions.
N
ASKER
this is what i was looking for... A breakdown of the 3 devices..
Thanks Techno Mage
Kumar
Thanks Techno Mage
Kumar