share a highspeed connection (and mabye setup simple network) 1

[proteusx]

I want to share my cable internet connection (ISP is roadrunner) between two computers (both running win2k), and if possible, set up a simple network between the two.

under the direction of a friend, i bought a simple linksys 5-port switch (model# ezxs55w), which should allow the sharing of the connection and mabye allow the two workstations to see each other, right?

however, one of the workstations sees a lan connection, but can't connect to anything at all through the switch (but no problems when directly hooked into the cable modem, so i know its the switch). the other computer has no problem with the switch though.

recently, a DIFFERENT friend told me he thought i needed a router, not a switch (told me this AFTER i'd bought the switch), but he wasn't sure. if that's the problem, i'm considering buying this router (and getting rid of my software firewall):

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-130-014&depa=0

any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks for taking the time.

 

[franklin97355]

That should do the job.

 

[proteusx]

then any idea why one of the workstations cant connect through the switch? or how to fix it?

 

[jimbopalmer]

Many cable companys only expect one MAC address at the customer site. If you network with a router, they see that MAC address, when you network from just one PC, they see that PC's MAC address. With two PCs and a switch, they see both PC's MAC address, which may be a no no. My cable company has a (higher priced) option to have 3 devices (they call them CPE, Customer Provided Equipment) online at once, I did not see one for RoadRunner however.

I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[proteusx]

i contacted my isp and that's the problem, all right. so i do indeed need a router rather than a switch. thanks for the help, guys. i really appreciate it!