home server for cable modem help

[jimmybop]

I'm about to install a 2nd eathernet card into my computer so I can split the cable modem connection to the other computers in the house (at the moment, we can only use one at a time...) Any one know of any good free softwear to download to use as a server off of this computer that splits the connection (along with runing AIM, and ICQ)???

TIA!

 

[nativetxn]

I have no idea what you just said Just thought I would bump this back to page one for you

 

[MineeBaby]

my fiance and I share the same cable modem...we have a hub to plug the cable modem into, and then two wires come out of the hub and connect to the computers. Its actually really easy..much easier than trying to run a server. Arthur (fiance) is a network administrator, and he would be the first to tell you to just get a hub or a router to split the line...you dont lose much if any bandwidth either. good luck!

 

[jimmybop]

we are currently useing a hub, but the cable modem wont let it run off 2 computer at the same time.... and we already have the spare eathernet cards.... sewww

 

[Towncrier]

I second the suggestion that you purchase a cable modem router. We ended up getting a Netgear Cable Modem Router for $70 on sale at Best Buy. The router contains a firewall and configures quite easily. This way, the whole network doesn't go down when the routing PC is rebooted. If you have the cash, I would suggest looking into this sort of solution.

 

[jfulcer]

I third towncrier's suggestion. I ran the server/routing configuration for a while, and switched over to a cable router. Much easier, Much faster, and much easier to setup. It took me almost a week to get the two-ethernet solution working.

NOW, if you are thinking about running a wireless network, check this out here. . It's a 22 Mbit wireless Gateway router. I wish I hadn't just purchased my router, I would have bought this instead...

 

[MineeBaby]

By default, your Internet service provider will only give you one IP address. Each ethernet card requires its own IP address..meaning you cant have one IP address for two cards. In order to get around this probelem, products like cable modem routers will allow you to take the IP address that your internet service provider allows you to have and create "ghost" IPs. So, the hub/router takes your IP address and creates a virtual private network which allows everyone to share the same IP address. You need to make sure that the HUB you are using is also a router.

If you are still interested in making your computer the server of your home network, look up "internet connection sharing" in your help files for your windows operating system and it should help you set it up automatically...if that doesnt work, go to microsofts help page and look up "internet connection sharing" there. Windows provides its own "program" to do this, so you shouldnt need to download any shareware or freeware.

 

[SuiteDisney]

We also have use a cable router and have 3 computers running off it fine.

 

[Grog]

I currently have two computers running off a router. Another good thing about doing it this way, is that you can shut down either computer without it affecting the other. With a computer acting as a server, it would have to be running in order for the others in the network to be running as well. I also like the built in firewall part of the router. My Black Ice software used to record about 100 hits a day (mostly harmless). Now it is down to zero.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

The cable modem router is definitely the way to go. The wireless version is even cooler. I have Cat 5 cable through the house but I added the wireless system so I could take my laptop out to the pool.
We have had a number of customers try the internet connection sharing thing with limited success. It is built in to Windows XP and 2000 so if you are running either of those you don't need any other software.

 

[Tina]

Another vote for the router. We use the Linksys wireless router. We can log on anywhere in the house, yard, and even the neighbor's house! Its awesome - although we were a pretty sad sight the first night we had it running. Picture this, if you will: DH sitting in the recliner, surfing the net on his laptop, me sitting on the couch, surfing the net on my new laptop, all while watching The Screensavers on TechTV. Guess who doesn't have a social life!!

 

[jimmybop]

I DID IT! I DID IT!

i used the networking softwear included on Windows ME... it may not be as good as a router... but... its goin to get the job done! (now i dont have to wait for my parents and my brother to be done w/ the computer so that i can DIS!)

now only if i can get a network wire ran up into my room

 

[Zurg]

I ran the two nic card thing for a while it ran ok but wasn't as stable as the router thing.I have seen them for less than 50.

much more stable.