Sharing broadband

[chicane]

A few months back I posted a topic about wirless networking, we just got connected to ntl 750kb broadband today.

The wirelss network will be set up when the hardware gets delivered but in the meantime I am trying to share the connection.

My flatmates laptop was used to initially connect, it is up and running on the net. I now want to connect my laptop to his so I can also use the connection before we set up the wireless network.

I have connected the two laptops with cat5 cable and run networking wizards on both but I can't seem to set it up. I don't really know what I'm doing.

Both laptops are xp, can anyone help?

Thanks

[_dobbo_]

Well I haven't ever done it in XP, but if it's the same as earlier windows, all you need to do is get broadband working on one of the laptops, then on that one go to "add or remove programs" and then windows components, and it should let you install "Internet connection sharing". From here on it should hold your hand through it.

Sorry for the liberal use of the word "should" but I don't have an XP machine around to look at...

[jimmyc412t2]

_dobbo_ said:

Well I haven't ever done it in XP, but if it's the same as earlier windows, all you need to do is get broadband working on one of the laptops, then on that one go to "add or remove programs" and then windows components, and it should let you install "Internet connection sharing". From here on it should hold your hand through it. Sorry for the liberal use of the word "should" but I don't have an XP machine around to look at...

This is (usually) much easier in XP than 9x. Get your host PC set up with the appropriate protocol (Properties of connection, advanced)

Your other PCs, provided they run XP will automatically spot it. if not, turn on "automatically detect settings" in tools, options, connections, lan settings.

If it doesnt work then it gets slightly more complicated

>> Edited by jimmyc412t2 on Monday 27th September 16:51

[FourWheelDrift]

Trying to get 2 PC's both running XP to file share and access the internet via CAT5 cable was the most thing I have ever tried to do.

It did work, sometimes, when it felt like it.

I wouldn't bother. Wait for your wireless network.

Myself, I bought an ADLS router. So simple.

[Plotloss]

Cat 5 cable needs to be crossover for P2P

Then its just a case of enabling ICS on the broadband connection on one machine and then XP should do the rest for you.

[chicane]

Spent most of the day fannying around and so far haven't managed it. Think I might give up.

Do the following router and pcmcia card look reasonable?

www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=50695

www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=50621

Not looking forward to setting up this network!

[dannyboyo]

Can you explain exactly how you've got it set up? Are both laptops plugged into a modem, or each other and the modem is connected via USB? Are you using a hub of any sort?

If your connecting the two PC's directly together (not using a hub) then you need a crossover CAT5 instead of a normal one.

If your connecting to the net thru your mates PC then in the network connections box you need to set the internet conection to allow sharing though his PC (right click on the connection and it's there somewhere)

I haven't got XP infront of me and I can't really remember whats what.

If you post a few more details then it'll help some more

Edit: It does look like a pretty decent router actually!

>> Edited by dannyboyo on Monday 27th September 18:38

[chicane]

On the cable it says its a cat5 patch cable utp.

Modem ->through USB to mates laptop -> my laptop through cat 5 going from ethernet port to ethernet port.

[TheExcession]

chicane said:

On the cable it says its a cat5 patch cable utp. Modem ->through USB to mates laptop -> my laptop through cat 5 going from ethernet port to ethernet port.

You need an Ethernet Crossover cable to connect two machines via their Ethernet Ports.

Either that or buy a little hub to plug them both into using ordinary CAT5 patch cables.

best
Ex

[dannyboyo]

A patch cable is different to a crossover cable. A crossover cable has a few (4, i think) of the wire's twisted the other way round. Any PC shop should do you one for a few quid.

When your connecting PC's to a network hub then normal cables are used. When you want to connect 2 PC's directly together then it's X-over cable time!

EDIT: damn, went to the bog half way though my post and got beat to it!!

>> Edited by dannyboyo on Monday 27th September 18:59

[chicane]

Problem solved, will get some of that cable from maplin tomorrow. Thanks guys.