MAC &Windows Sharing Same High Speed Connection

[OUCATS]

I believe this is a really simple question, but I have never worked with Macs so your help is appreciated.

I need for a Mac and a Windows machine to share the same high speed internet connection (using a switch). I think that they both would use the same protocol (TCP/IP) so there shouldn't be any problems at all with them sharing the connection. The Mac is already hooked up and using the Internet connection, so I'll just add the Windows machine. Am I thinking correctly??

Thanks!

 

[jimoblak]

The defining line is blurring between hub/switches/routers. Does your 'switch' allow NAT (network address translation) so that you can create several IP addresses on your local LAN but still appear as one IP address to your ISP? If not, get a router. A router will allow you to accomplish your goal.

If you have further questions, supply the OS version of the computers and the type of modem that is being used. Is the switch required for another existing network?

- - picklefish - -

Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?

 

[OUCATS]

The second computer I want to setup is a Win XP Pro machine. The current setup is a Mac (don't know the OS) that is connected to the Internet through a router.

Internet -- Router -- Mac

What I am planning on doing is setting up a Firewall that also acts a switch between the router and computers.

Internet -- Router -- Firewall -- Computer 1 & Computer 2

 

[jimoblak]

I'm not sure why you need to add the switch unless that is the only way to add a firewall and you are willing to confuse your network setup. You can have a PC and Mac hooked directly into a router with a built-in firewall. It should cost no more than $50. If you are already planning to spend money on a switch, consider a new router with a built-in firewall. Having a dedicated switcher is only important when you are doing large networks. The traffic management of a cheap router is sufficient for a 2 computer LAN.

- - picklefish - -

Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?

 

[OUCATS]

The firewall also provides secure VPN support back to our corporate office. Plus the router belongs to the ISP (so I'm not really interested in changing out their hardware). We have done this type of setup in multiple locations and it's been working fine. The difference this time is that one of our employees has a Mac at home and I want both computers to use the same Internet connection.

Thanks!

 

[jimoblak]

So what's the problem if you say "The Mac is already hooked up and using the Internet connection"? Just plug in the PC. You should be fine. I was thrown first by your mention of a switch instead of a router. You sound like you've got it all together and this should be a breeze.

- - picklefish - -

Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?