Two computers, one DSL modem how do I get them both online?

[aQuArius]

We have two computers and currently have one in the den hooked up to a DSL modem. We would like to hook up the computer in the other room to our DSL also. Do we need some kind of wireless router or do we need to contact our DSL provider about getting another modem? I am almost clueless on this issue, please help! Thanks! :hi:

[bemildred]

1. You need a DSL router.

It goes between the DSL modem and your two machines.

Then you connect the two computers to the ethernet hub built into the router and configure everything.

http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/dslcablerouters/

[aQuArius]

2. I don't want to hard wire the machines together....

Can I get a wireless router? Do I need extra protection with that?

[bemildred]

3. That should work fine.

As for protection, I don't know (I mean theoretically there are vulnerabilities, but in practice I don't know.) but perhaps someone else will comment.

[Hokie]

4. You can run the wireless using WEP encryption

All the popular wireless routers support WEP encryption. When you set up the router you select WEP and open authentication. For the key enter a 10 digit number you can remember and save your changes. When you set up the wireless card on each PC you use the same setup - WEP encryption and open authentication. Enter the same key that you entered on the router. This will be sufficient to keep your neighbors from borrowing your DSL connection for their own enjoyment or browsing your PC if you happened to have shared the drive on the network.

Most of the routers come with software that guide you through the setup. Personally I have not had much success using their setup software. I open my browser and connect to the router at the address the give you in the manual and set up the router that way.

[aQuArius]

5. Funny, the guy at BestBuy said the same thing...

BlueCollar went off to buy the hardware and soon we'll be able to browse the DU at the same time! But the guy at the store said to go online and do it that way. Thanks! :hi:

[unhappycamper]

6. The Linksys WRT 54G would be a good choice for this task.

It's been around for a while, so the prices are getting pretty reasonable. Download the latest firware upgrades, enable WEP & you should be good to go.

[dad]

7. what is the range of a wireless router?

Say you had one PC in the basement and one upstairs. Would a wireless router give a strong signal to both?

[CBGLuthier]

9. Should be close enough

Range is affected by going through walls and such but I have been on a wireless network from about 900 feet away which is probably near the limit.

Oh, and make sure you learn how to set the security if you go wireless. Because it will be accessible from outside your house.

It's not that hard really.

[CBGLuthier]

8. Or maybe just a new DSL modem

They now offer DSL modems with routers, both wireless and wired built in. Call your provider and see what they offer.

[Redstone]

10. See this post:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=242x7591

Redstone