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If you would like to share your broadband internet connection with another computer, you have a number of solutions, and many variations of them. It all depends on how much you want to spend, what you already have and what you want to do with the network.
Variation on above, except buy a small network switch/hub and run cables to that instead of direct.
Plus points: as above and the hardware can be used as the network expands.
Negative points: as above.
Kit required: Network card for each machine, standard Ethernet cable for each card, network switch/hub
Cost: As above, plus £40 for the switch.
Summary: Very popular solution especially if you have more than two machines, but with the cost of hardware falling all the time, more flexible solutions are within reach.
Instead of a hub/switch, use a wireless access point. You will need one machine with a network card in it to connect to the WAP.
Plus points: wireless - no cables to annoy other people in the house.
Negative points: wireless - potential security issues. Range might also be a problem.
Kit required: Network card for one machine, wireless network card for the other machines, wireless access point.
Cost: WAP will cost about £40, wireless cards will cost another £40 per machine.
Summary: Although a little more expensive, very easy to setup and the hardware can be used in any future network expansion. If you are considering this option, also consider the other wireless options below.
Fit network cards to both machines as before and also buy a broadband router from Linksys, Dlink Netgear and others. Wire your machines in to that and share the connection that way.
Plus points: built in firewall, machine independent (the other doesn't have to be on) can add extra machines easily, or an Xbox. Good solution for cable modem customers.
Negative points: Cables will have to be run between the machines. If you are on ADSL you may have to buy a new ADSL modem, to get one that connects via Ethernet.
Kit required: Network card for each machine, standard Ethernet patch cable for each card, broadband router device.
Cost: As before for the network cards and cables. ADSL router will cost anything from £40 upwards. If you have to get a new ADSL modem - you might have to pay around £30 for something suitable.
Summary: Probably the best solution if you don't want wireless. You can always add wireless later via a separate WAP (see above)
Buy a separate wireless access point and connect it to the router solution as above.
Plus points: as above, plus you are wireless - sit in the garden and surf. No cables!
Negative points: as above and you have to buy a wireless card for the laptop.
Kit required: Network card for one at least machine, broadband router device, wireless network card for the other machines, wireless access point
Cost: as above, plus £60 for the WAP and another £30 for the wireless card.
Summary: Probably one of the more expensive options. Although as before, it is a good solution that includes the wireless option.
Buy an ADSL router with built in wireless.
Plus points: as above and less bits of kit.
Negative points: as above.
Kit required: Network card for one at least machine, broadband router device with built in wireless, wireless network card for the other machines
Costs: as above, but the router will cost from £50 in this configuration.
Summary: A good solution if you want wireless and is a little cheaper than no 5. Best all round solution for cable modem users.
Buy a new ADSL device that contains the modem, router and optionally the wireless access point in one box. Linksys, Netgear and Dlink do these.
Plus points: as above
Negative points: as above. Not suitable for cable modem users.
Kit Required: Network card for one at least machine, ADSL modem/router device with built in wireless, wireless network card for the other machines
Costs: As above, but the router will cost from around £70.
Summary: Probably the best all round solution for ADSL users. You get wireless, ADSL, firewall, sharing all in one box. Keeps the number of cables around reduced, and you don't have many devices all fighting for power.
Notes:
- Remember with the wireless solutions you don't need to buy wireless for your desktop PC, as you can use cables and locate the device next to your desktop.
- Costs of the kit can vary depending on the models, manufacturers and suppliers chosen.
- Most broadband routers and wireless access points come with one Ethernet patch cable to allow you to connect straight away.
- You cannot share an AOL connection using many of these techniques. The only way to share an AOL connection would be to create a network and then use some proxy software on one machine that has the AOL connection installed on it. This is because of the proprietary software that AOL insist on you using to connect to their network.
It has been suggested that AnalogX proxy software available from here: http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/network/proxy.htm has worked quite well with sharing AOL, but it hasn't been tested by Amset IT Solutions.
Update: 03/11/03. It is being reported in a couple of locations that you can connect to AOL without their software - i.e. standard dial up networking. This would allow you to use Internet Connection Sharing to allow more than one computer to connect to their service.
See this thread on DSL reports for more information: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,8276526
Again this solution hasn't been tested.
Hardware Vendor Links
These are in no particular order and open in a new window.
03/11/2007
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