networking with Comcast

[rockpile]

Hey guys just got the comcast service and I have two computers that I am trying to network through a hub and the second computer cannot obtain an ip address.

I am new to the cable service and someone told me that I will need to get a router since comcast locks in the mac address of the network card.

Just wanted to know if that was correct or if there is a way around it besides internet connection filesharing.

Both computer have xp pro and the hub is an old netgear

Thank you in advance

Rockpile

[DanU]

I highly recommend getting a router in order to share you internet connection. I have one and it's great. You can share it will many computers. If you have a laptop, you may also want to consider a wireless router.

Otherwise you'll have to use internet connection sharing and one of the computers will have to be powered on in order for the other one to access the internet.

[JSkorna]

I would suggest to spend the $9.95 a month for the second IP address. That way you don't have to worry about the first computer being on to access the Internet on the second. I've had Comcast for 2.5 years now and I love every minute of it.

[rastorize]

Yep...I broke down and paid the $9.95 a month for a second IP also...

[surreal]

Wow, I don't know why you'd do that??? Why not buy a router?
I have one for the same price you'll pay for 8 months of a second IP. Plus you have instant firewall. It's a much more secure way to surf.

[JSkorna]

Because if one computer is in the kid's room on the first floor and the main computer is in the basement in my office, we don't have to shout or listen to: "Is the main computer on?", 15 times every weekend day and 5 times a day during the week For $.33 per day it's money well spent.

[rockpile]

hey guys my friend said they had a second ip address through a hub and the second computer only worked half of the time so apparently I will have to get a router

[smurffart]

yeah, unless you have a situation where computers are very far apart (I'd still run some long cat 5's though), a second IP is a waste of money...get the router. Like surreal said, you get instant firewall protection as a bonus, plus file sharing between the two computers is easy.

[rockpile]

well thanks for the quick replies guys any router suggestions I am thinking about going with linksys?

[JSkorna]

I have a Lynksys hub and it works great. It was easy to set up and it works everytime.