View Full Version : BT Broadband 2MB on 2 computers
Hi,
First post on this forum so hope for some good answers.
I am very confused about how routers/network cards and internet connection splitting works and would like some help.
****I DO NOT WANT LINKS TO OTHER SITES!!!!****
I have BT Broadband 2MB and I am currently using it on a Dell Dimension Desktop PC using Windows XP.
I have a laptop PC arriving either tomorrow or during the week and I want to and need to have them both connected to the same internet connection.
I understand this is possible by using a router or network cards. I have been onto the BT Broadband website:
http://btbroadband.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/btbroadband.cfg/php/enduser/cci/btb_adp.php?p_sid=R*Dx_3Vh&p_faqid=641
The second method they list there is applicable to me as I am using BT Voyager 105 USB ADSL Modem.
I do not understand anything about that second method apart from network cards which I don't understand either.
So can someone look on that link at the second method and tell me what it means for me as I do not understand a word of it.
rotorcraig
20th Nov 2005, 18:23
Windows XP comes with a feature called "Internet Connection Sharing". That's what the second method is referring to.
You need to connect the two PCs with a network cable.
Then you need to run the "Network Setup Wizard" on both PCs - you will find it in Control Panel.
On your existing home PC (with the broadband modem) select the Server option - the narrative says something like "this PC is directly connected to the internet and others can share it's connection".
On the new laptop PC select the Client option - the narrative says something like "this PC is not connected to the internet, but shares another PCs connection".
There are some good pages on the web that describe how to do this in more detail, but you seem very sure that you're not interested in reading them so I shan't post the links :( :confused:
RC
I would like to see the links but I have done more research and found that it is possible to do this with a 'crossover' cable and then ICS (Internet Connection Sharing).
Cheers
rotorcraig
20th Nov 2005, 19:21
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/ics_xp
Cheers,
RC
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/russel_hni.mspx
On there if you scroll down it says 'how do I connect 2 computers together?'
This is what I will/want to do - can you confirm that I need a crossover cable and ICS and why would I need the ethernet card?
If you look at the diagram it shows you what you need but why would I need an ethernet card and would I need one for each computer?
CBA_caption
20th Nov 2005, 20:16
Ditch the the BT modem, and buy an ADSL wireless router. Mine is a USR one. Plug the PC into one of its ethernet ports and go wireless on the rest. I've got a wifi printer too, banish all cables!
CBA
Looks simpler set up on the wires system only linking 2 computers so can't see need for wireless and extra cost.
rotorcraig
20th Nov 2005, 22:24
The crossover cable is a network cable, and needs to be plugged into a network socket on each PC.
An ethernet card is a network card - you install it into a PC if you don't currently have a network socket and you need one.
But many modern PCs have network cards built in to the motherboard, ie they come with a network socket already.
If so, you don't need to spend more money on an ethernet card.
RC
Ok thanks for your help. Both PCs have network slots so should be ok.
Cheers
joe2812
21st Nov 2005, 07:49
BT do a wireless modem router which is quite good.
Why not have the PC wired into the router and the Laptop accessing wirelessly, seeing as the PC won't be going anywhere but the laptop may?
Most laptops come with built in wireless cards but even if yours doesnt it is a simple procedure to slot one in.
Background Noise
21st Nov 2005, 08:06
Do you want to be limited by cable connections? Is your laptop already wireless capable?
You can link the computers wirelessly for as little as about £15-20 per connection - a wireless pci card for the pc and a wireless pcmcia card for the laptop - and then share the internet connection but both computers would have to be on.
seacue
21st Nov 2005, 11:48
Does 261A have the following equipment:
BT modem which has one USB socket
PC which has one RJ-45 Ethernet Socket and at least one USB socket
Laptop [LT] which has one RJ-45 Ethernet socket
The minimal scheme would then be to have PC communicate with the world through its USB connection to BT and have LT reach PC by Ethernet and then through PC to BT and the world.
What would need to be purchased would be one crossover RJ-45 EThernet cable to link LT to PC.
rotorcraig has given instructions on how to set up the PC and LT.
Simplicity would argue strongly against wireless in my opinion - since that would open up the can of worms about encryption and keys, workgroups, etc, etc, which 261A won't have to face with the simple crossover cable. Wireless without encryption will be unintentionally providing a neighbourhood WiFi hotspot. 261A can learn computer networking at a later date.
YMMV
seacue
I have a
Dell Dimension Desktop PC which I am currently using as my only computer at the moment and it is on BT Broadband 2MB.
I want to
Share the internet connection to a
Dell Inspiron 9300 Laptop PC which is currently in a box (brand new).
I want the simplest internet sharing connection between the two computers.
They both have network slots built in so am I right in thinking that no ethernet card/s are required (ethernet cards and network cards the same or what!?)
I am going to do this by using a crossover cable and internet connection sharing on windows XP.
The only question I have is as the 2 computers both have network slots, are ethernet cards or network cards required or are ethernet and network cards completely different?
rotorcraig
21st Nov 2005, 21:38
If you already have network sockets on both PCs you don't need any additional cards!
Just buy an RJ-45 crossover network cable, and plug it in.
RC
You say buy a RJ-45 crossover network cable but will this one work?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/203-8562160-6745511
Cheers
rotorcraig
22nd Nov 2005, 18:33
That link doesn't work but search in Electronics & Photo for ...
Patch Cable Crossover
... and pick the colour and length that you want!
(Trust this doesn't fall foul of any PPRuNe rules - other electronic and photo retailers are available!)
RC
Patch Cable Crossover?
Does it have to be Patch cable crossover because I search for 'crossover cable' and it comes up with different results at different prices.
rotorcraig
22nd Nov 2005, 20:44
Yes that's fine too.
I am trying to link the desktop and laptop together to make a network at home using a crossover cable which I have just bought.
I am trying to set it up using a crossover cable as demonstrated in this link: (UNDER CONNECT 2 COMPUTERS) http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/russel_hni.mspx
I want the desktop to share its connection to the internet through the crossover cable using internet connection sharing on this link: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/crawford_02july01.mspx
It says that I need to get network cards? Do I or not?
'Turning on ICS manually is almost as easy as using the wizard except that you need to create the bridge for multiple network cards before enabling ICS. (See an earlier column, Building Network Bridges for more information on how to use the bridging capability in Windows XP.) ' (From above link).
What does this mean?
I have been onto this link to find out:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/crawford_02april22.mspx
Apparently I need a network interface card!? Where can I buy one of these!?
Will I need to set up anything on the laptop as in change the settings etc.?
All replies appreciated.
261A
Saab Dastard
28th Nov 2005, 18:41
261A
When I wanted to learn to drive a car I paid for driving instruction. When I wanted to learn to fly an aeroplane, I paid for flight training.
Have you considered buying a book to help you with learning how to use your PCs? Or evening classes? Or even hiring someone to set it up and explain it to you?
Just a thought.
SD
shuttlebus
29th Nov 2005, 00:08
261A
As metioned by someone above, ditch the BT Router.
ICS should be avoided like the plague and although I am sure there are many who have got it to work, there are many good reasons why it should not be used (Security, problems with AV software, problems with Windows XP SP2 firewall to name but a few... oh and needing to have the first PC on if you are using a USB cionnection to your router as well.)
I have several computers sharing a netgear router here, both by cable and wireless (cabled PCs via a switch as well). It is fairly easy to setup if you start off with the basics and then build up a secure setup. The secret is to take it a step at a time.....
Go to a certain large PC Emporium where you can currently buy a Netgear Wireless ADSL router/firewall for around £70 on special offer. (DG834GT or similar)
Get a network cable for the desktop.
When you get home again, first log on to your router and get your login. (BT don't use a password for access) The login is usually
[email protected] (or a few variations), where xxx is a number.
Plug desktop into new router and login. Setup BT login in router setup and then plug in ADSL line.
Before going any further, get this to connect to the internet first.
Then get wirelss working for laptop. Alternatively use another cable.
Sorry, short and sweet answer, but it is rather late...
If you want ot go down this road, I'm sure there are some of us who will help hold your hand....
Regards,
Shuttlebus
P.S. Since I can't determine if your PCs have network ports, I won't gaurantee you end up spending nore than the cost of the router....
Thanks for your reply shuttlebus.
So far now I have succesfully got myself a LAN network and it has connected both computers no problem.
All I want now is the Internet Connection Sharing!
I have spent £10 on a crossover cable so I am not prepared to 'ditch' it and buy a router which is £50!!!!!
So can someone tell me how to enable internet connection sharing on WINDOWS XP, with a Dell Dimension 5000 sharing the internet connection of BT Broadband 2MB to share with a Dell Inspiron 9300.
I would be grateful for websites that are easy to follow with step by step guides. Or just replies with how to enable ICS would be much appreciated.
261A
BOTH computers have network \'ports\' or \'slots\'.