Need Extra Ethernet connection on Modem

[Maccer101]

I have a bog standard Virgin modem with one Ethernet connection. Will be going to 2 PCs in the next month, what is the cheapest solution to add another Ethernet port to the modem?

Bearing in mind that I don't want to network the PCs and that both PCs will be surfing the net at the same time.

thanks

[Funkstar]

You need a router.

That is your only option, and although you don't want to share files between the two PCs, you still need to network them.

Cable router from £15
http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=100031

For a full list:
http://www.scan.co.uk/Index.aspx?NT=1-0-29-216-0

[Ben Rogers]

If you really don't want to network them simply put them in different workgroups or don't share any folders on either PC.

There is a way of doing it without a router using either Windows' built in ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) or by using a proxy server such as CC Proxy on the host PC that connects to the Internet then with a cross-over cable between the two PC's and enter the proxy server details, ip of host PC + port of http proxy into your web browser of choice on the client PC as the host PC would connect directly via the modem but it is a lot more hassle and getting a router is by far, the simplest way of doing it and the most reliable.

[Funkstar]

Following on from what Ben said, for Internet Connection Sharing, the PC connected to the model would have to be on whenever the other PC wanted internet access. You would also need a second ethernet port on the first PC.

Far more hastle than it's worth. And again, this creates a network in your house.

[Ben Rogers]

Yeah ICS is far too much hassle, and thats when it actually works, being M$ this doesn't tend to happen all that often!!

[Maccer101]

Thanks people,

Will look at that Broadnband router on Scan, I should have given more detail in my first post.

The reason for not wanting to network is that One PC will be Vista and the Other will be Ubuntu and I didn't know whether this would cause an issue with connenting them up to a single Broadband router

[directhex]

The reason for not wanting to network is that One PC will be Vista and the Other will be Ubuntu and I didn't know whether this would cause an issue with connenting them up to a single Broadband router

why would it?

where did the "one os per network" rumour come from? it's not the first time i've seen it. at work we run a network with mac, solaris, aix, windows, linux, and more. at home, there's some linux, windows, mac, and lots of games consoles.

TCP/IP is TCP/IP, regardless of the OS

[Funkstar]

The only issues with different OS architectures is when you start sharing files and devices between them. But as far as internet access in concerned, neither will know or care about the other being there.

[Maccer101]

Thanks again, I'm a beginner at this.

So what I need to do is:-

1. Buy the router below that Funkstar found
http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=100031

2. Connect it to the current modem
3. Plug an ethernet cable from each machine into the router
4. Maybe fiddle with the Network settings

And Surfs Up!

This simple?

[s_kinton]

Pretty much, yes. Shouldn't be a great deal to do other than setting up the router and plugging in some cables..

BTW: That is one lovely looking router you've got yourself

[Funkstar]

As long as the router is set to act as a DHCP server (which it should by default) and windows it set to obtain an IP address over DHCP (which is should by default) then all you need to do is plug it in really.

Wired is easy, wireless can be a realy pain in the ass.

[Agent]

Thanks again, I'm a beginner at this.

So what I need to do is:-

1. Buy the router below that Funkstar found
http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=100031

2. Connect it to the current modem
3. Plug an ethernet cable from each machine into the router
4. Maybe fiddle with the Network settings

And Surfs Up!

This simple?

Don't buy that router, its rubbish. I mean really really bad.
A friend had one and you can forget torrents or anything mildly intensive - it just crashes all the time.

Spend the extra few quid and get a WRT or similar. It will save you an amazing amount of hassle in the long run.
The linked one is that cheap for a reason.

[killie99]

Got to agree with Agent, the WRT54GL router is a no brainer at around £40 - change the firmware to Tomato and you have something that would cost over £100 to buy off the shelf.

[Agent]

I use Tomato and its amazing

[Funkstar]

...what is the cheapest solution...

Hence the reply

[Agent]

Its not a solution if it won't work properly

Understand why you posted that one but with routers so cheap its just false economy to go with it.