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[Nocturnal]

n/m

 

[Zim Hosein]

My cable modem can be hooked up via Ethernet & USB, is that what she was asking about?

 

She's probably asking how you'd do it if you're using the cable modem's USB port instead of its Ethernet port. Most cable modems have USB ports on them.

 

[Nocturnal]

Right but then how would you plug your USB cable into your router? I know they make those types of routers but aren't they rare and far and few between?

 

[Nocturnal]

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
My cable modem can be hooked up via Ethernet & USB, is that what she was asking about?

She was asking how would you hook up two computers to a router and cable modem to share the connection. She did not ask how would I hook up a computer to a cable modem using a USB cable. I know that this is possible and my own modem also has a USB cable port to hook up to.

 

[bozik]

I have never seen a hookup to cable modem router via usb.

 

[Geekbabe]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
My cable modem can be hooked up via Ethernet & USB, is that what she was asking about?

She was asking how would you hook up two computers to a router and cable modem to share the connection. She did not ask how would I hook up a computer to a cable modem using a USB cable. I know that this is possible and my own modem also has a USB cable port to hook up to.

yeap and she was also looking for an answer that would be easily digestable to an end user.

 

[jtusa]

I've never seen a router with a USB port for a modem? About the only thing I can think of is to plug the modem into one of the PCs via the USB and then use internet sharing through that PC.

 

[EyeMWing]

"I wouldn't, because routers don't have USB. Unless of course you want to use the router as a mere switch, in which case you just wasted money buying a router instead of a switch. And then it won't work nearly as well, and the customer needs to reconfigure this stuff so it's done PROPERLY. Reconfiguring = more time on site = more profit?"

 

[yoda291]

you know. I've thought up a few ways, but inevitably, I end up asking "Why?" The router has ethernet interfaces...the modem has an ethernet interface. so really, the only scenario where this would even be necessary is if the PCs had no ethernet cards, in which case, the router has just become a paperweight.

In that case, I'd get a USB hub plug all the PCS into it, and then wire modem to free usb port on a PC that will serve as a master. Then, cross my fingers and try to configure USB-USB bridge mode and network out that way. Then I'd throw the router at the interviewer's head for being stupid.

In truth, the best solution is to try and sell some ethernet cards to the customer. If it's OMGMUSTHAVEUSB, I'd sell out some USB->802.11 adapters , line out an AP to the router and just wifi it.

Or you could grab out a spec sheet and try and solder together a usb->ethernet converter. because, like I said, you always end up asking yourself....wtf?

I would call up and ask for the answer cuz now I wanna know wtf she was thinking.

 

[DurocShark]

USB to one PC, ethernet to the other. Windows connection sharing.

Yep. I would have flunked you on that interview too.

 

[bapace]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
USB to one PC, ethernet to the other. Windows connection sharing.

Yep. I would have flunked you on that interview too.

I agree.

 

[bapace]

I always ask about IRQ assignments, hyperterminal settings for Cisco devices, things of that nature also.

-bapace

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: bapace

Originally posted by: DurocShark
USB to one PC, ethernet to the other. Windows connection sharing.

Yep. I would have flunked you on that interview too.

I agree.

This is what I thought, but what about the router? It doesn't need to be used, but would you have to answer the question using the router?

 

[bapace]

For what it is worth, most people are using these home "routers" as switches only anyway. So you could use ICS with the switch ("router") to share the connection with other PCs. Most people have their routers set as gateways.

-bapace

 

[DurocShark]

Let me give you my favorite question. This is less about how much you know than what your priorities are.

"A salesman is meeting with a large important client tomorrow morning. He needs to leave in 20 minutes to make it to the airport. However the Power Point presentation he needs to put on CD to take with him won't burn. What do you tell him?"

The correct answer is a variation of the following (this is much shorter than I usually get...):

tech: Is the file on the network?
Salesman: Yes.
tech: Can you log into another PC to burn the disc there?
Salesman: Ok... It worked!

The idea is to get the customer on his plane. 75% of people I've asked that of try walking the user through troubleshooting the original PC. But if he's gotta get on a plane, the priority is to give him what he needs so he can leave. A tech can be sent over to look at the malfunctioning PC later.

 

[ericb]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
USB to one PC, ethernet to the other. Windows connection sharing.

Yep. I would have flunked you on that interview too.

That is one possible answer to the question. Sorry but smarter people than you have looked at that question and said "Huh?" so it's not so cut and dried. It sounds more like someone who thinks they know "high level" networking knowledge but couldn't find their way out of a wiring closet asking the question. As for the OP...did you at least ask for more clarification?

Besides what do you do when the other computer isn't within the distance of USB...like the other side of the house and upstairs or when your cable modem itself is USB only (like the older Directway satellite modems).

 

[Kelemvor]

You should have said, anyone who uses a USB cable modem in a network setup isn't qualified enough to be interviewing potential Technical candidates.

 

[Gothgar]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
Then she proceeded to ask me how I would do this with USB. I just gave her a WTF look and she then informed me basically that I do not have the qualifications needed for this tech support position. She also said that it requires high level networking skills. I said ok and said thank you for letting me speak to you about this and left.

Wait... tech support requires high level networking skills? Since when? Did you tell her you weren't applying for the CCIE position?

 

[ScottMac]

I got the impression that it's an "either / or" on the cable modem (Ethernet or USB).

I never tried both ( never needed to).

It may have been the explanation, it may have been the panic in his eyes when she mentioned the USB thing, it may have been the dead chicken he was wearing on his head .... only the interviewer knows for sure.

Regardless, time to move on.

Better luck on the next interview!

FWIW

Scott