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Cable Modem Routing

Started by Kest Sep 19, 2006 at 4:43 PM 17 replies 1k views
Original Post
Kest
Kest
Is anyone clear on exactly how this setup works? I have cable that runs from our normal TV cable box to a modem. Then a USB port (it was connected via ethernet cable, but that cable port on my modem malfunctioned) connects that modem to my PC. I want to route this cable connection to two PCs. I've heard from a few people that I need special equipment to diverge the connection (from my modem or from the cable box is unclear) to both. Could anyone share specifics about this? The name of such a device, for example. And how it works. Both computers have Windows XP. What would stop me from simply splitting our cable (with a normal cable 2-way splitter), buying a second modem, then connecting both PCs up exactly the same way? Would there be a problem doing this? I really appreciate any help. I would also appreciate any dumbing down of explainations, because I'm not very proficient with hardware. Thanks.
Moe
Moe
If I understand things, you have a usb connection from your cable modem to your PC? Normally, you would run the ethernet out from the cable modem into a switch, and hook each computer up to the switch using regular network cable.
Kest
Kest
Quote:
Original post by Moe
If I understand things, you have a usb connection from your cable modem to your PC? Normally, you would run the ethernet out from the cable modem into a switch, and hook each computer up to the switch using regular network cable.

Does this require setting up a software server of some type? Are there advantages to using this setup other than not having to buy a second modem?
Moe
Moe
Quote:
Original post by Kest
Quote:
Original post by Moe
If I understand things, you have a usb connection from your cable modem to your PC? Normally, you would run the ethernet out from the cable modem into a switch, and hook each computer up to the switch using regular network cable.

Does this require setting up a software server of some type? Are there advantages to using this setup other than buying a second modem?

If I am thinking of things correctly...

No, it does not require any sort of software server. As far as hooking up two cable modems to one line, I don't think it will work. My guess is that they would interfere with eachother. Every setup that I have seen has the output network cable from the cable modem hooked into the input for a switch or a router/switch combination. Everything else then plugs into the switch (or router/switch combination).
Kest
Kest
So I need an ethernet switch. Thanks very much, Moe.
Sneftel
Sneftel
Not just any switch. If your cable modem doesn't provide NAT capabilities, you'll need a router/switch combo capable of doing it. An example is the Linksys BEFSR41.
Antisheep
Antisheep
The two modems most definitely would not work. =P

I think this is the type of thing you're looking for.

But if the ethernet port on your modem is fried or broken, you're going to have to get another modem...
________________________Quote: OluseyiI knew of a "Christian" couple in Nigeria who named their child "God's End-time Battle Axe." I kid you not.
Coward
Coward
Quote:
Original post by Sneftel
Not just any switch. If your cable modem doesn't provide NAT capabilities, you'll need a router/switch combo capable of doing it. An example is the Linksys BEFSR41.

Given that his ISP allow two different MAC-adresses to connect at the same time, wouldn't a HUB be a much easier (and cheaper) option?
Don't Temp Fate..
Kest
Kest
Quote:
Original post by Sneftel
Not just any switch. If your cable modem doesn't provide NAT capabilities, you'll need a router/switch combo capable of doing it. An example is the Linksys BEFSR41.

NAT being Network Address Translation? Is there any obvious way to discern this? Or would I need to find my modem manual?

Thanks for bringing that to my attention.
Moe
Moe
If there are only 2 machines on the same network, then I think a HUB would be fine. Too bad I haven't seen any hubs advertised for sale in a while (example: here). Most people seem to be going the router/swtich way.

I am not sure how NAT would come in to play. I really don't have that much networking experience.
owl
owl
Make it easy: Just plug a 2nd ethernet card in the computer connected to cablemodem and connect the second computer to it.

Note: Remember that you'll need a crossed-cable to connect two computers directly. Just ask for a "crossed UTP cable to conect two computers directly".
[size="2"]I like the Walrus best.
Sneftel
Sneftel
Quote:
Original post by Kest
NAT being Network Address Translation? Is there any obvious way to discern this? Or would I need to find my modem manual?

The easiest way is to check your computer's IP address (type "ipconfig" in the command prompt and look for the line(s) labeled "IP address"). If the IP begins with 10, 172.16, or 192.168, your modem is doing NATing and you just need a regular ol' ethernet hub.
Coward
Coward
Quote:
Original post by Sneftel
The easiest way is to check your computer's IP address (type "ipconfig" in the command prompt and look for the line(s) labeled "IP address"). If the IP begins with 10, 172.16, or 192.168, your modem is doing NATing and you just need a regular ol' ethernet hub.

You're sure it wont work without NAT capabilities?

Mine doesn't provide such, and I can't connect to the internet with two machines. But I can access the logon page of my ISP from both and it tells me I can buy another license or disconnect my other PC.
Don't Temp Fate..
Sneftel
Sneftel
Quote:
Original post by Coward
You're sure it wont work without NAT capabilities?

Mine doesn't provide such, and I can't connect to the internet with two machines. But I can access the logon page of my ISP from both and it tells me I can buy another license or disconnect my other PC.

Yes, certain modem/service combinations allow this. But as you've seen, it requires the purchase of an additional IP allocation. Very few people need the capabilities of separate public IP addresses.
Kest
Kest
It doesn't look like my modem performs NAT.

So I need a router/switch combo with NAT capabilities. There still seems to be a lot of variety. The different number of ports seems to be one variable. And it looks like four is as low as that goes. That's just referring to the number of ethernet connections, correct? I don't need wireless. Are there any other issues I need to worry about?

Do these things have a noticable effect on connection speeds depending on the types or models? Or in other words, will an expensive switch give me faster connections, or is the difference minimal? From what I've seen so far, the prices range from $20 to $80 (USD). Does that sound about right? That seems like a big range for minimal differences.

Thanks again for the help. You guys are saving me hours of headache.
Sneftel
Sneftel
Your assumptions are pretty much correct. There are plenty of extra features to pick and choose from (most of them mostly useless), but the basic functionality is the same for all of them, and speed won't really vary much. Personally, though, I would be suspicious of a router costing only $20.
Kest
Kest
I may have seen the $20 price on a used or non-NAT device.

Would you say the typical price would be around $50? Or closer to $80? It's difficult to determine, as most of the places where these are purchased are claiming they are on sale.
Sneftel
Sneftel
$50 is about normal, I'd say.

Look, buy this thing (and I'd suggest that you buy it from that site).
snisarenko
snisarenko
Quote:
Original post by Sneftel
Personally, though, I would be suspicious of a router costing only $20.


I don't know.. I used to have a $20 NetGear router with an internal printer server, and it worked like a charm. Now I have an $80 D-Link, without a printer server and it a piece of sh**t.

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