Broadband (again)
 

I've been asked a question by a neighbour, and I've no idea of the answer.
Is it possible for 2 people to connect to an ISP (broadband) using 2 separate broadband modems. it is a long way between the 2 computers, and I don't think a wireless set-up would work properly, and they don't want to network the 2 computers.
The 2 users would be signing on (to AOL) with different screen names.
They have an AOL supplied broadband modem, and if the 2 modem set-up is okay, they will buy another modem.

Thanks for any info

419

In an nutshell and assuming one broadband account (With two users) over one adsl-enabled telephone line:

yes, but not at the same time (i.e. they'll have to take turns loggin in/out etc.)

Hope this helps,
Charles

They could use the building's electrical supply cabling to make a network so computer 'B' can connect to computer 'A' and share its internet connection. That way both computers can access the net at the same time.

They'd need to buy a powerline network device for each PC. The gizmo takes the PC's network traffic & superimposes it over the standard electrical wiring in the building to be received by the other PC's gizmo.

They're available in the UK & US but not sure of the price.

Yes you can log onto different accounts from the same line with adsl. As long as it is the same ISP ( is to do with the routing on the BT IP network) But why youd have to pay through the nose for 2 ADSL accounts.

Much easier to buy a ADSL router and then run CAT5 Ethernet. It is capable of a good signal without significant signal loss up to 100 meters. Can't see many cases in a home setting needing more then that. And even then you just need to plug in a hub or switch and presto another 100 meters! Bundles of CAT5 cable is cheap too & patching together the cable end connector is easy (tools, cable & testing kit etc all sold at PC world or online via Dabs etc!). And all the above is good fun anyway, and a learning experience to boot. :ok:

419,

Cheapest solution, setup a network. But, since they do not want that, have both of them get their own broadband accounts.

If one is still logged on when the other logs on from a different location, it will not take very long for the ISP to figure it out and lock the account.

Take Care,

Richard

I'd say Wireless is the way to go, if rather than a new modem (And new account with new monthly fee, a reccurring cost) they got a pair of wireless access points, from the same manufacturer to ensure absolute compatibility and set one up as a repeater - a feaure on some access points. e.g. http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=267

Or settle for just one access point and high gain antennas, if they really want to go to extremes along that route a 55-mile Wi-Fi connection is possible. (The other furthest one was to a weather balloon!)

The powerline based networking solutions have a reputation for being extremely unfriendly to HAM radio users and shortwave listeners so may be worth avoiding.

Regards

Memetic

Memetic,

I use the:

airBridge™ Outdoor

http://www.smartbridges.com/web/prod...images/aBo.jpg

Two bridge the network between the Flight Department and the Maintenance Hangar a 1/2 mile away.

It does have a range of up to 21 miles.

Take Care,

Richard

Richard,

That's cheating, it's amplified! :D

Memetic

Memetic,

Nothing like PoE to power it too so you do not need to try and run power up to the top of the hangar. :eek:

Take Care,

Richard

Where exactly are these 2 computers located? Inside, outside, in a house, in an apartment? What material is the building? Wood or concrete? Usually a wireless router can be supplemented with a high gain antenna. I have a Linksys unit and my sister can connect to it while she's working downstair in the kitchen. My house is made of wooden frame with a thin layer of concrete between each floor.