How to add a router.

KevinJarvis · Post by **KevinJarvis** » 01 Jun 2009, 21:22

Ok, I've researched this a bit on the internet and it doesn't seem to be too hard.

I have cable internet hooked to my main computer. I have another computer in my garage that I want to hook up without paying a 2nd internet fee.

Does anyone have any real life suggestions, hints or tips on doing this?

Post by **Weescotty** » 01 Jun 2009, 21:33

No additional ports on the cable modem?

Pic of the rear, or model number would be useful.

Post by **Firebird** » 01 Jun 2009, 22:43

A router would effectively replace the modem.

The cable from the wall would go into the main ADSL socket on the back of the router. The cable from your PC would go into one of the individual ports. Once you set the router up, you should then just be able to add a cable from any other PC into one of the other sockets.

Now as the other Kev said if you are talking about adding another connection to the modem you would need another port on the rear of the modem. The chances are that it won't have one so the only way you can do what you want to is daisy the 2nd PC to the first and share the connection. Trouble is that you would need the main PC on as well.

I have had both connections over time, and would recommend getting a router. I use a 3Com OfficeConnect model that has 4 wired connections and up to 255 wireless connections. If they are cheap in the UK they have to be even better in the US.

Each model is different but they all now tend to be web based setups and you have to supply your ISP provider details to make the connection.

maddog65 · Post by **maddog65** » 01 Jun 2009, 23:25

Defintely a router. I have my computer and my sons PC and PS3 hooked up plus I run wireless for my laptop so the wife doesn't get to made when I am doing beta testing and downloading.

KevinJarvis · Post by **KevinJarvis** » 02 Jun 2009, 03:10

My cable modem does have another port to which I should be able to connect a router.
I would need to go wireless since the 2nd computer is actually in the garage about 20 feet away thru a wall.
I don't think I would have any trouble with that do you?

Post by **Firebird** » 02 Jun 2009, 07:01

Firstly does the second 'puter have a wireless network system built in?
If not then you will need to buy a card for it.

Does your main 'puter have a wireless connection built in?
If yes, then you could get an entirely wireless router, if not then you will need a wireless/wired router.

Why would you add a router to the modem?
I am not saying that you can't but it will complicate your network. Just replace the modem with the router. Its simple and straight forward.

One other thing I forgot to mention is that quite a few routers have a hardware firewall built in, like mine, very useful and saves you having to have a software firewall on all your PCs.
My router is on the third floor of my house and my laptop can connect to it from the ground floor or the garden. You will be OK.

If you would like more info on how a router is set up, I have put the pdf user guide of my one on the beta test ftp for you. I will remove it tomorrow.

KevinJarvis · Post by **KevinJarvis** » 02 Jun 2009, 13:25

My 'main' computer is old enough that it doesn't have wireless installed.
The 'other' computer is not quite a year old and does have a card already installed.

So if I add the router to the main computer I don't need the cable modem..?? That would be nice.

Thanks guys.

Post by **Firebird** » 02 Jun 2009, 16:06

Kev, if you read the pdf it will explain a bit more but essentially the modem isn't part of your PC, think of it as being closer to being an extention of your phone socket. Your PC is connected to the extension of your phone socket.

The router is the same, it just allows more connections to the one socket plus it allows traffic between the PC's easier.

KevinJarvis · Post by **KevinJarvis** » 02 Jun 2009, 16:16

Steve,
I don't have the access codes to that site anymore.

Would you mind sending it to kjarvis001(@)gmail.com

Thanks

Post by **Firebird** » 02 Jun 2009, 16:17

Will do.

Post by **Weescotty** » 02 Jun 2009, 22:04

You said you have cable, not DSL?

If so you need a combined Cable modem/router. Do not get an ADSL one, it won't work!

To add wireless to it just plug a Wireless Access Point into it.

A pic of the ports on your current modem would help.

KevinJarvis · Post by **KevinJarvis** » 03 Jun 2009, 00:19

My modem will accept 1 each of these types of USB cables.

The computer also has what I believe to be a network card. But how do I know if it's wireless or not.

Vista has the ability to find a wireless connection. Do I just run that app and see what happens after I have the router set up?

Post by **Weescotty** » 03 Jun 2009, 01:15

OK -
If you are definately on cable you will need a cable modem/router. They typically come with 4 ports.

Not seen many wireless ones, but you could always plug a Wireless Access Point into one of the network connections on the new modem/router.

If you have wireless, Vista will find any wireless networks close to you.

KevinJarvis · Post by **KevinJarvis** » 03 Jun 2009, 02:48

Thanks for the help.
I'll probably being giving this a go in the next few days.