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Sharing a broadband connection?

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6 replies

by seaweed

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Suppose my Win XP pc is connected to ADSL broadband. My wife buys a laptop and wishes to share the connection, but is not intrested in a home network. I know that each machine could be configured to this ISP, and could take turns at using the broadband service by simply disconnecting one from the modem, and connecting the other in its place. Is it possible to obtain an additional IP address from the ISP, so that the laptop, using a separate modem, could be used simultaneously, from a splitter in the ADSL copper line?

6 replies

by andrew chandler

I've also been trying to share an internet connection between two computers.

The easiest way to do this is purchase a broadband router. This will allow two computers to use the same broadband connection simultaneously.

by normh3

As mentioned before, the broadband router would be the way to go. It's easy to set up and does not require you to have both computers in the same workgroup to operate. I have never heard of anyone piggybacking 2 DSL modems on the same phone line, but if it is possible I am sure the provider would charge you monthly for a second service.

-Norm

by softcorp.us

Hello...

"...but is not intrested in a home network..."

Sharing the network connection is the best way to go. I recommend the Linksys WRT54G broadband router for this. It's inexpensive (<$60), powerful, very easy to set up, and reliable.

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"...I know that each machine could be configured to this ISP, and could take turns at using the broadband service by simply disconnecting one from the modem, and connecting the other in its place..."

It is typically not as easy as this. The MAC address of the computer attached to the broadband modem must typically be registered with the ISP before it can be used. Switching back and forth is typically not just a matter of reconnecting cables.

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"...Is it possible to obtain an additional IP address from the ISP, so that the laptop, using a separate modem, could be used simultaneously, from a splitter in the ADSL copper line?..."

I've done this with a cable modem and it works just fine. This will not work with a single ADSL line. You will need two ADSL lines and two modems.

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-----Steve Jackson

CEO/CSA
Software Corporation (Softcorp)
http://www.softcorp.us/probono
Advanced pro bono tools and utilities free for personal use

by bennyblanco

CHEAPEST way to do it is buy a crossover cable set-up internet connection sharing on the machines and ur sorted!I wouldnt cut up ur adsl line!

by wlbowers

Oh good grief.

They are going to charge you for additional ip addresses. And they have to be used with a "home network through a hub"

If you use a second modem they have to run a second phone line to that modem. That's gonna double your phone bill.

You can use one computer at a time.

But for less than $30 bucks you can get a router/4 port switch on ebay and run both at the same time.

Keep it simple

Lee

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