Secondary Internet connection

[cadmancan]

The question is about AT&T Broadband. There apparently is a device, a box that acts as a secondary internet connection that picks the primary connection. AT&T can lease you the device and their technician will install, but you can get one of your own and AT&T will not be able to assist. I am little confused. I understand about internet sharing, about hubs and such but this question is confusing and may be due to incomplete info. Can anyone help answer what the device they speak of and where I can find the info to configure. Thnx

 

[jeffbouldin]

If you have one broadband connection(DSL,Cable) and two computers all you need is a router. You pick one up at a computer store with a 4 port switch built in. Then you plug each computer into the switch side and the modem into the WAN side. Set up each computer for DHCP(if it is working with your ISP it is probably already set up for DHCP) reboot them and it probably will work right out of the box.

$60-$80 for the router is alot cheaper then what AT&T will charge.

 

[cadmancan]

Thanks. What if the two computers are on opposite sides of the house. Would you need something like a repeater to strengthen a weak signal. Mind you this isnt a wireless system.

 

[manarth]

A normal LAN connection uses CAT5 cabling - this should be fine for the length of your house without any boosters, etc.
Keep all cable runs to a maximum of 295 feet. <marc>[ul]help us help![li]please give us feedback on what works / doesn't[/li][li]not sure where to start? click here: faq581-3339[/li][/sup][/ul][/sup]

 

[1BadBird]

Does this have to be done with a router or will a managed switch work as well?? And which one would be cheaper if it would work??

 

[InnoTech]

a managed switch should work IF your ISP will allow multipule IP's on each account. you would need to talk to your support team unless someone here knows AT&T's proceedure. &quot;Jack of all trades. Master of none.&quot;

 

[manarth]

Most ISPs provide you with 1 IP address when you connect.

The setup:
BB Modem --- hub or switch --- PCs
is possible - if your ISP only allocates you one IP address, you can only connect 1 PC, 2 IPs = 2 PCs, etc.
The hub/switch doesn't get an IP address, the connected PCs use the public IP(s) provided by the ISP.
Most ISPs only provide 1 IP address as standard.

As most ISPs charge extra for providing extra IP addresses, the following setup is more common:
BB Modem --- ROUTER --- PCs
In this case, the router has 2 sides: the WAN side and the LAN side.
The WAN side is given the IP provided by the ISP, the LAN side is given an IP by you.

All the PCs in the LAN share the same IP policy - normally 192.168.x.x and subnet mask 255.255.255.0, which allows connection of (up to) 253 PCs. The PCs are then given a default gateway - this is the (LAN) IP address of the router - normally 192.168.x.1

Basically, the PCs connect to the router, which then forwards the request to the internet.
2 advantages:
firstly - you can connect loads of PCs but only need 1 WAN IP
secondly - you're behind a NAT firewall: much more secure
disadvantages:
-if you run a server (web/ftp/gaming), you need a more complex router setup
-some other programs also require a more complex router setup (e.g. Voice over MSN Messenger, Remote assistance...)

<marc>[ul]help us help![li]please give us feedback on what works / doesn't[/li][li]not sure where to start? click here: faq581-3339[/li][/sup][/ul][/sup]

 

[cadmancan]

Thanks everyone, that was great. Your help is much appreciated.