How to coneect two computers to DSL?

[rsteve]

I now have one computer hooked up to DSL. I have just finished another computer which is a spare that I intend to use for experimenting. For example, I have just installed and intend to try Linux on the spare computer. I want to connect the spare computer to DSL without having to pay for another DSL line. What is the easiest/best way to do this?

I had originally thought perhaps I could just hook both to DSL with modems on each and only use one at the time. The ISP tech guy said this would not work. I suppose that is logical since DSL is "on" all the time. Perhaps that would be like trying to make phone calls from two separate phones on one line.

Since talking to the tech guy, I have done some reading on the subject, but am still totally, totally ignorant on the subject. The following info might be helpful:

Main computer: OS is WindowsXP, cpu is AMD 2600XP. I "think" it has a D-Link modem that connects to a PCI card in my computer (ethernet). The phone wall plate has a splitter installed with a micro-filter installed for phone connection and the modem installed without a micro-filter.

Spare computer: CPU is AMD 1800XP. Os is Linux (at this time it is Mandrake 9.2, but I intend to try other Linus distros later, especially Debian after I get more familiar with Linux). The ISP provided an extra splitter/micro-filter if needed.

The computers are approximately 40 to 45 feet apart. I am not terribly thrilled over running cable over this area, but If cable is used to connect them, total cable length would probably be 130 to 140 feet after running it over doorways, etc. to make it as inconspicuous as possible. Privacy is a concern, although I live in the country and my nearest neighbor is at least 300 yards from me.

Will appreciate any thoughts/comments on how I should do this.

[Bill in SD, CA]

You can get a wireless router and a wireless PCI card for the 2nd computer and you should be good to go.

Bill

[sweeper2]

I would go with that idea also, if i get a pc for my daughter, I would go that route due to I don't want to run cable wire from a router everywhere to get to her room.

[rsteve]

Thanks for the prompt replies.

I am not sure how to ask this, but I need more information on how all this ties together. For example, on my present system it is: Telephone wall plate, splitter with line going to and plugging into modem, another line out of modem, which plugs into computer PCI card.

If wireless is installed, will the line from the wall install to the modem first and the modem to the router?

I doubt that it matters on wireless, but the second computer has a RJ-45 LAN connection (The first does not). If I understand it correctly, that would help if running cables, but is no help on wireless. I will need a wireless PCI card. Also, the PCI card in the first computer is not wireless. Will it work ok?

[Bill in SD, CA]

This should help:

http://linksys.com/products/product....id=35&prid=544

Bill

[John Prophet]

telephone line to dsl modem. DSL modem to router. Router to each computer either wired or wireless, your choice.

On my dsl I DID have to actually sign into the dsl modem to change it from one "mode" to another but I cant really remember the specifics. Seems I had to take it OUT of "bridge" mode.

Most ISPs know people want to use routers nowadays and most are cool to help you get it going.

JP

[rsteve]

Thanks. You were a great help and I think I am beginning to understand the overall concept of how it works. Will probabably be back with more questions as I get further into it.

[John Prophet]

Well...the main concept is that each computer needs an IP address....just like each house needs a unique address so the mailman knows who gets what mail.

A cable modem is just basically an interface between the cable or dsl company and the household......a cable or dsl modem by itself is just going to give ONE IP address....so the comp would hook straight to the cable modem and get the ONE IP address. It would be called a "public" IP address because it is accesible to the public....and that one comp is the only one in the world with that IP address.

If you want to use several comps but only have one IP what you need is a router. A router takes the ONE IP coming from the cable modem and makes up to 253 "Private" IP addresses....they are private in the respect that they are only valid on that one little network that the router serves. By default most routers give addresses in the 192.168.x.x range. This range of addresses isnt used by public computers etc.

The router uses a thing called "NAT" or "network address translation" to make sure that the "private" or "internal" addresses of each comp in the home (or dorm, or company) gets the proper email etc that comes from the "public" or "outside" world of the internet.

NAT helps with security also because as far as the outside world can tell, there is only one "comp" there--because they only "see" the ONE IP address...that is the ONE Ip the cable modem is giving out to the router.

The home type routers have clearly labeled connection on them....basically the routers have two "sides". A "wan" side and a "LAN" side.

The "wan" or "wide area network" side just connects to the cable modem and then to the internet.

The "LAN" or "local area network" consists of your home computers.

So there is usually just one connection for the "WAN" side and most home routers have a 4 or 8 port "switch" or "hub" built in for the LAN connections.

if you go above the 4 or 8 computers you simply add a hub or switch to get more connections.....most routers have the ability to give out up to 253 "internal" IP addresses.

You CANT simply take a hub or switch and connect it to a cable modem because there is still just the ONE IP address from the cable modem...you need the ROUTER to make the extra IP addresses needed.

JP

[rsteve]

Wow. Thanks for the great information. I spent several hours researching this, using Google before posting here. The info obtained here is better than everything I found in several hours of research. One problem with general research in this area is that it appears to be changing rapidly and it is difficult to know if what I am reading is still the best way to go.

Thanks again. I am now thinking and am sure I will have more questions later.

[DallasDon]

Most excellent post, JP.

Mind if i cut and paste it in my "how to" archives, to occasionally send along to friends who ask for help?