trying to set up ethernet home networking -ISP is earthlink

[Guest_imported]

I've been having trouble setting up an ethernet home networking arrangement- two computers: iMac (running the latest version on OSX and a Compaq running Windows XP. Earthlink is our ISP and we bought their home portal (gateway system) which came with no hub. Seems to me we just need an ethernet hub. Earthlink says we need the Time Warner cable modem, the home portal (which I think is simply a router), AND an ethernet hub. Any advice? We've already run the CAT5 cable through the walls to connect the two machines. We don't care about sharing files, printers, etc. We just want to share the high speed cable service.

Thanks. I just found your forum. Earthlink hasn't proven very helpful.

 

[jimbopalmer]

Cable modem - router/switch - computer

is the hardware lay out, in my case they were all straight through cables.

lots of folks make the router/switch combo's, I bought a SoHo NGB800 on ebay, myself I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[snospamk]

Don't say simpley a router they do a lot. If you want it pretty much automatic install a router. I used the linksys 4 port which is on a big sale right now about $70 down from a $100 plus. Don't know why you would also need a hub. My ISP (Comcast) seems to prefer I run one computer at a time! Often if I try to do work on both at once the other won't go on line. Who knows what the ISP is looking at or doing in terms of data monitoring and modifying! Good Luck

 

[TheOldMan346]

sheltiemom,

Can you post some specifics of what is included (make/models) in their home portal.

The Old Man