Connecting an extra computer to Internet

[Paul Smith]

On 7/5/07, Rick Stevens <rstevens at internap.com> wrote:
> > > > I have a cable-based (not optic) modem/router to connect to the
> > > > Internet (ADSL), which works fine. However, a friend comes in from
> > > > time to time, bringing her laptop. Is there some cheap and easy way of
> > > > letting her laptop to connect to Internet? Unfortunately, I cannot see
> > > > any place in the modem/router to connect an extra cable...
> > >
> > > Do you have a router installed, or are you connecting your computer
> > > directly to the DSL modem? The two are usually separate devices, with
> > > the router sitting between the modem and the computer. Routers
> > > generally have at least 4 network jacks. The one I use at home is a
> > > wireless router as well, which is much more convenient for laptops.
> >
> > Thanks, Sultan Saini. I am connecting my computer directly to the DLS
> > modem (provided by my ISP). I think my DLS model is also a router, as
> > its configuration is done through a web interface.
>
> Your modem contains a router.  ADSL needs that.  The question is,
> how does your computer plug into the modem?  If it uses an RJ45
> connector (a cable that looks like the cord you use to plug your phone
> into the wall--but with 8 pins rather than 4), then the easiest way to
> do it is:
>
>     ADSL line <--> existing modem <--> switch <--> computer
>                                               <--> 2nd computer
>                                               <--> 3rd computer
>
> The "switch" is an item you can buy for $20 US at most stores.  Many
> companies actually make an ADSL modem/router/switch/WAN access point
> combo box.
>
> For example, D-Link's DSL-2640B is an ADSL modem, router/firewall,
> 4-port gigabit switch and 802.11g wireless access point.  The URL is
> http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=567.  Other companies (Airlink,
> Cisco, etc.) make similar beasties.
>
> One of these should be enough for you to do full-up networking at home.
> If you're unfamiliar with wireless networking, make sure you set the
> ESSID and WEP key or WPA passphrases to something other than the default
> so other wireless users can't hijack your bandwidth.  I even go so far
> as to not have the wireless stuff broadcast the ESSID.  If you don't
> know my ESSID, you can't find it.  Just because I'm paranoid doesn't
> mean they aren't out to get me!

Thanks, Rick and all other respondents. Yes, my DSL modem connects to
my computer by using an RJ45 connector. The shopkeeper where I went to
buy a switch claims that the switch may not work and that I should
instead buy a router. So, I would like to ask you whether it is really
as he claims.

Paul