How do i get broadband on two computers?

Question

i have a modem with only one lead that we use for our internet connection. i want a second cable so i can use broadband on my laptop at the same time someone is using the internet on the first computer. would i have to get a different modem or something?

Answer 1

You need a router

Answer 2

ask for help

Answer 3

haha easy you need a router and another wire for inthernet or wireless router to get a usb thingy! :]

Answer 4

iteresting question i have stared it because i have the same problem going on with my two GranDaughters. One is useing a desktop and the outher one just got a wreless laptop for home schooling.

I was thinking a router and thats what i am checking into this week end.

Good luck

Answer 5

I'd suggest buying yourself a modem for your connections.

The router would connect to the TOWER PC.

The laptop will either have an inbuilt internet connection, or you will have to buy a connection stick [usb]

I'd also suggest this router:

[in the sources]

Answer 6

Router

Answer 7

Hi

I have a Smartax 882 ADSL Modem (supplied by Carphone Warehouse for their Talktalk network). It has both an Ethernet input and a USB input which apparently can both be used at the same time. So it is effectively a 2-input router. Instructions can be found for this on the internet but I don't think TalkTalk support it.

Maybe there are other ADSL modems that work in a similar way.

I hope this gives you an avenue to explore.

Adge  

Answer 8

You have to get a network hub. Then the modem is connected to the hub uplink and the two computers are connected into the ports. There are various one and sold practically everywhere.

Answer 9

Getting a router is part of the answer.  Part depends on what you have on or in both computers.  Most computers these days do come with a network card or a wireless card.  First you need to determine what you have.  If you have 2 desktops you likely have the ability to use a wired router.  Look at the back and if you have a network card you will see what looks like an over-sized phone jack this is an RJ45 jack.  A standard cat 5 cable will attach directly to that card and into a wired router.  If one of them does not have one you will need to purchase and install a network card to use a wired router.  Any computer store can do it for you and will probably do it fairly cheap.  It is not complicated for anyone who is not afraid to crack their case.  Just make sure you are grounded and handle the card only by it's edges.  You can purchase a cheap grounding strap at most computer stores for 5 to 10 dollars.

The second route is wireless.  This will take additional hardware on desktops but if you have laptops you may already have it built in.  It is slower but gives you more freedom.  If you decide you want the computer in the living room rather than the bedroom you don't have to buy a new cable and route the thing through the house or walls.  On desktops you will need to either buy an install an air card or buy a USB air card.  On a laptop if it is not already built in you will probably get a pcmcia card.  I personally use a combination network where I have my main computer direct wired to the router and my other 3 computers have air cards and a wireless router.

Answer 10

Use a wireless router. I like Linksys. Get one that  has LAN ports. Heres an example of one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...

You then run your ethernet cord from the modem to the WAN port. I suggest you just run the tower next to it off a LAN port--dont need wireless since the towers right there. You then use a wireless card for your wireless rig. I, again, prefer Linksys. Can use a PCI card but there are some nice USB wireless adaptors out that are very convenient cuz you dont have to go into the case to put a PCI card in.  They look like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...

Most USB adaptors look like pen drives but I prefer one like this because, with a pen drive type USB adaptor you are limited to whatever signal youre getting right at the USB port while one like the one above can be moved around til you get the strongest signal.

If you're using DSL you may want to just get a wireless DSL modem as it will serve as the router too. Make sure it has LAN ports too. Actiontec and 2wire make nice wireless DSL modems and I've set up lots of networks with the Actiontec GT701-WG.--Great modem.

With your main computer hooked up with an ethernet cord its easy to go into the GUI for the wireless and turn the wireless on and off. I have a wireless laptop and I dont like sending my signal, even thou its encrypted, out when I'm not using the laptop so I turn the wireless on when Im gonna use the laptop with one of my wired rigs then turn the wireless off after using the laptop. Netgear makes nice gear too.

I use this PCMCIA card in my laptop:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...

althou a USB adaptor would work too and I would recommend to then use the pen drive type adaptor on a laptop if you were to go the USB route. You can set the wireless up either thru Windows or with the software that comes with the wireless, not both. I prefer to use the software that comes with the wireless devices but just a matter of preference, either will work fine. Just be sure you encrypt it.

Answer 11

Before going out to buy a router, make sure that your modem doesn't already have wireless capability.  If your modem has wireless capability and you have a wireless card included in your laptop then you should be able to connect them.  Just read the manual for the modem, or look up where to find the manual for it online. Do the same for the laptop.  If you don't have wireless capability, then you are going to have to purchase a router.

Answer 12

Before you go ordering on the internet, http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.d...

Just walk in and buy one.  It's made by the same people (Cisco) who make almost all the routers on the internet.  (I don't remember how long ago I bought mine, it's been running for so long.)  Just plug it in and it's ready to go.  Ignore the man behind ... I mean ignore the CD.  Just plug the router in.  Follow any instructions for your *computer* for connecting to the internet - Windows Wireless Zero (which is Windows' way of connecting) actually is better than Linksys' connection program.  (Hey, Microsoft has to get at least *one* thing right - right?)  The only *setup* the router needs is to set up sopme security.  It's in the manual.  I use MAC address filtering, but WPA security is pretty good too, and it's easier to set up.  (Write the password down and tape it to the router - not over the holes, the router needs those open to keep cool.  If anyone gets close enough to the router to get the password, there are easier ways - like resetting it - so it's still safe to keep a written copy of the password.  And it's a lot easier than resetting the modem and all the computers if you forget it.)

Answer 13

You would need a router which is quite cheap, and most are plug and play meaning you just plug in your broadband line and then plug in a cable from the router to each computer.