windows XP Home internet sharing

[JCROCCO]

Can you have two home computers be able to share a single internet connection? One is a standard computer runing XP home, the other will be a new laptop with wifi. Can I get a wifi hub, and modem, and network both computers to the same modem, or router? do I need a wireless router also or instead of? would the older computer need a wifi card?

Any insights as to how to do this?

thanks

 

[nweaver]

what kind of internet access do you have?

Assuming broadband, you get a wireless router, connect MODEM->Wireless router (FIrewall and DHCP)->computers (one wirless, one wired)

 

[JCROCCO]

it is dsl actually. right now od computer going thru a modem running xp home. If I buy a new laptop with centrino technology or wifi, what do I need to share both old and new computer with dsl service. I dont care about one computer seeing the other or sharing data, so if I dont need XP Pro, would rather not get it.

 

[nweaver]

you don't need pro. Easiest/best option (assuming you have the externel modem, not internal) is to get a wireless router, and then find sites that talk about securing the router and wireless (things like changing default password, adding wep/WPA, etc).

 

[JCROCCO]

How does the old computer and the new both connect to the exterior modem. Still use the modem, with the old computer to it, then the new computer uses a wireless router? how does the router connect to the modem? I do networking, but dont know a damn thing about wireless, and usually dont use home on my networks, so this is kinda new to me both ways. This is actually for a friend.

If I buy a wireless router, can the old computer connect to the router with a cat5 cable also? Do they have both wireless and wired together?

Sorry, it seems kinda confusing.

 

[nweaver]

yes, most wireless routers for home use have 4 ports for internal wired clients, and wireless access point for wireless clients, and a "wan" port to connect to the modem.

 

[JCROCCO]

So if they buy a laptop with builtin wifi or centrino technology (Like Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915 Internal Wireless 802.11 a/b/g, 54Mbps) it will work with most any wireless routers?
and if the get one with ports, they can connect the old computer to it, and the modem to the WAN, and all will work?

 

[Dogma420]

Yes, your notebook wireless uses standards, a/b/g that are just that--standards--and if the wireless router is a a/b/g you will be able to connect (properly configured).

 

[JackMDS]

They can have Wire and Wireless installed but can use it only one at the time.

Link to: Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point

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