Broadband Problem

[ajbrun]

Here's the problem:
Right now on the PC I'm typing this on, we're connected to broardband. However, I have just built another computer, and before I buy modems, I need to know a few things :

1. Could I use broadband on both PC's at the same time if it was needed (without buying hubs/routers etc)?

2. I'm guessing that if you can use both at the same time, the speed would be haved .

My dad says that you can't use the same line at the same time because of some "single point" thing, but I thought that one of the features of broadband was the ability to connect lots of stuff onto the same line, and share the speed equally .

Thanks

[ekundo]

i'v got my ntl broadband running with 2 computors, i just got a huge crossover cable connecting them together and sharing the net connection. easy peasy

[acidrainy]

Without additional equipment it is possible. Providing you at least have a network card (NIC) in both computers and a long enough piece of cross-over network cables.


I'm guessing you have an USB modem at the moment? If not, you may find that you will need to purchase a second NIC for the computer with the modem (as if its not USB it will be Ethernet)


It is fairly easy to setup, but tell us what kit you have and I will be able to give you a better idea of how to go about things.


As for the speed, the connection speed is shared, but only if you are both using it at once to download files say. If one computer was not getting used on the Internet, the other will get full speed access. There are other factors that play role in this, but generally this rule is accepted.

[ajbrun]

i have a USB modem and i don't think there's any network cards yet

I want to do this REALLY REALLY cheaply

[Flibb]

pc world sell network card for £5. Hopefully link works
http://www.pcwcomponentcentre.co.uk/invt/13537

you need 2 of them. How far apart are the computers?

[acidrainy]

i have a USB modem and i don't think there's any network cards yet

I want to do this REALLY REALLY cheaply

This should cost under £20 to do properly

Depending on how far computers are you could be talking only £10-15 (including 2 network cards and a twisted network cable)

[Spud1]

you can do it this way - with ICS and a Xover Cable but its not the best way. the pc that has the modem connected has to be on all the time, and although not by much the second pc will have slower speeds as its connection goes through the first pc then the modem etc - its another hop. Also this limits you to just 2 PCs...what if you want 3?

best way is with a router/switch/modem all in one device - you can get them cheap (About £30, check out the usual shops). I went wireless though, cost about £200 for the router, 1 PCI wNIC and 1 Laptop card. Pricey, but netgear make some quality kit - i get a nearly full connection 60ft from the router, aint tried further yet but tis good =)

[GreenPiggy]

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=48449

Assuming you have ADSL of course then this is probably the best value solution for a router.