How to connect my computer to my cable modem?

Flato · May 14th, 2004, 05:19 PM

Ok i have a surfboard SB4100 Modem and it had both a usb jack and ethernet jack (Sorry if jack is wrong word) Anyways i currently have the usb jack connected to a computer and it is working fine. I am wondering if it is possible to hook up another computer to the ethernet jack and have them both working at the same time.

Also i have no idea how to set up the connection between the computer and the modem with the ethernet jack. Ive tried plugging it in with no success and not sure what to do

Thanks for the help,

Also asssuming i cant have both computers running at the same time anyone no of some good wired roaters they would recomend?

omalleytrading · May 14th, 2004, 05:47 PM

FLato - I'm not sure that will work. My guess is that the modem expects you to use either the USB input or the Ethernet input, not both.

Of course, you can always try it.

If that does not work, just buy a hub. They're fairly cheap and it will allow you to "split" your cable connection up among a number of computer. Check with your ISP first to see if there are limits on how many computers can be attached to your account. RoadRunner allows up to 4 I believe. Your ISP may be different.

FYI, I recommend NetGear hubs. I've used them for years without a problem.

Vagabond · May 14th, 2004, 06:10 PM

That will not work the modem would not know which puter to send information to... you will have to get a hub you can find them cheap on deal websites and such....

Kuasimodem · May 14th, 2004, 10:33 PM

Actually, in the manual for your SB5100 on page 40, it explains how to connect two computers, one on each port, to the modem. The only drawback is that each port needs an IP adress from your ISP

Your only other option is a router, not a hub. The router will get an IP adress from the ISP and then give each computer its own internal IP (192.168.xxx.xxx). This is NAT, or Network Adress Translation, which is a basic type of firewall protection. It isn't the greatest, but it does afford protection from all but the most dedicated hacks.

Dlink, Linksys, Netgear. They all make great routers, and you should be able to find a good 4 port in the $50 or less range.

BTW - DON'T connect both the ethernet and USB connections to the same computer, you won't get any connection at all.

electric · May 15th, 2004, 01:52 AM

not quite you can buy a hub and ask your cable provider for
another ip address for the other computer but may cost you
about 7-10$ more

but a router is the way to go as mention above

HeadBand · May 15th, 2004, 02:48 AM

what kuasimodem said is right on i have a sb4100 and it says the same thing it will if your company supports it

afaik not many companies will give out a second ip and the ones that do charge 20-30 $ extra because both will be able to use full bandwidth

omalleytrading · May 19th, 2004, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vagabond

That will not work the modem would not know which puter to send information to... you will have to get a hub you can find them cheap on deal websites and such....

That's not necessarily true.

If the ISP allows for multiple computers on one account, its DHCP server will issue a unique IP address to each computer.