Solved Can anyone help me to use my Internet service on two PCs?

[alishibaz]

I know almost nothing about networks and routers and I'm hoping that someone can direct me to a tutorial or something similar that will enable me to learn how I can share my Internet service over two PCs.

I don't expect anyone to tell me how to do this. It wouldn't be fair. But, I'm guessing that some people have written step by step instructions or tutorials on how to use a single Internet service over two PCs.

I need to know whether I should buy a router and if so, approx how much should I spend and what router should I purchase?

Then I would need to know what to do once I have that router.

I have an Internet service that allows me to download an unlimited amount of data and also allows me to access the net 24 hours per day - seven days per week. So, I need to know what to do to be able to "split" my Internet service and use it on both of my PCs. Also, I'd like to ask if two people could use both PCs at the same time and both of them access the Net simultaneously.

Thank you.

 

[Zepher]

You just need a router and 3 Ethernet cables.
You didn't say if any if the pc's are wireless, or where they are located in relation to the modem.

Both users can use the pc's at the same time and access the internet.
We have 6 pc's hard wired here as well as 2 tv's, bluray player, Xbox 360, wdtv live hub, and a Sprint Airave.
We have 4 tablets and 2 smartphones that use the wireless.

 

[alishibaz]

The two PCs are wired except that one of them has a wireless keyboard and mouse.

They are 20 feet apart. One is in my living room and the other in my bed room.

Does that mean I will need 3 Ethernet cables and each has to be 20 feet long?

The modem is right beside the PC in my bedroom but it can be moved into the living room. I have to cable outlets - one in the bedroom and one in the living room.

Please excuse if some of that info is totally irrelevent. I just thought I should give it all to you.

 

[crash2009]

Cable or DSL modem?

It sounds like you have a Cable Modem, since you said you can move it to the other cable outlet.

Can you tell us the Model number of the modem?

Most modern routers come with instructions and a CD. Usually all you have to do is plug your computer into the router, then put the CD in your computer, then the CD will tell you what to do next.

You will need one ethernet wire to go from computer 1 to the router, and one ethernet wire to go from the router to the modem. Then you will need one long ethernet wire to go from the farthest computer (computer 2) to the router.

Here is a link to get you started, How to Buy a Wireless Router | PCMag.com usually the more you spend the faster you can go.

 

[Poimetheus]

You've got options though. Whether you want wireless, or wired, you're gong to need a splitter or a router.

 

[Zepher]

You will just need to purchase one ethernet cable long enough to reach the computer that is furthest from the modem and router.
You should already have an Ethernet cable that is used between the modem and the pc, the router comes with one.

 

[alishibaz]

Sorry to take so long to get back. It couldn't be helped.

Yes. It is a cable modem. The manufacturer is Thomson and the model number appears to be:

1 Technicolor DCM476 DOCSIS 3 Modem

The above line was taken from my invoice for the modem and it appears that "DCM476" is the model number. I paid $99 for the modem.

The modem would be the least expensive that gives me unlimited download and upload capability. I subscribe to this ISP's fastest and most expensive package. It costs me $60 per month and I think it's an excellent deal. I used to subscribe to the Cable Company and it seems like the speeds I get with this company are even faster than what I used to get from the cable company.

For anyone who is interested, the name of my ISP is TEKSavvy Solutions. I don't know if they are available in the US. I am in Toronto Canada.


Thank you all very much for the info. It will take me a day or two to try and sort it out.

I appreciate your help very much.

 

[crash2009]

Sounds like you are all set then. Just go get yourself a 1GBPS type router and a long enough ethernet cable to go to the other room.

I got this one Newegg.com - ASUS RT-N56U Wireless Router Dual Band N600 Multimedia Ultra Slim Gigabit 802.11a/b/g/n support USB Storage, Print and Media Server (top performance review at smallnetbuilder.com)

It's a pretty good consumer grade router. I have 10 computers and 5 phones hooked up to it.

 

[alishibaz]

I took a look at that link. It was about wireless routers and it made the point that wireless signals can be confusing.

Before getting my wireless keyboard and mouse, I was never much interested in wireless. But it turned out to be very useful when watching movies and TV shows while lying in bed.

But what about a router? Is there any big advantage to buying a wireless router? Would it be much more convenient than a wired router?

Initially, I was planning on getting a wired router. Would I be missing out on something by not buying a wireless router?

 

[alishibaz]

You will just need to purchase one ethernet cable long enough to reach the computer that is furthest from the modem and router.
You should already have an Ethernet cable that is used between the modem and the pc, the router comes with one.

I have two or three extra ethernet cables that came from several different installations over the years. They are all fairly short. Each is about 12 to 18 inches long.

Would I still need to buy that long Ethernet cable if I buy a wireless router?

Would I need a wireless router if I want to use my wireless keyboard and mouse?

Heh. That sounds like a pretty dumb question. But I just want to be certain I don't get the wrong kind of router. Thanks in advance.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Then there is another solution besides wireless which personally I like, there are many manufacturers.
Actiontec PWR511K01 500Mbps Powerline Network Adapter Kit - 500Mbps, 2x Adapters, RJ-45, 128-bit AES Pushbutton Security, White at TigerDirect

 

[crash2009]

I would get the long cable anyway, to start with. It is easier to make these things work if you start out "wired". Then, after you make that work, go wireless.


I'm going to give you an example analogy. These numbers are an exageration. Your cable modem allows you to go 25,000 miles per hour. Wireless allows you to go 2,500 miles per hour. It's your choice how fast you want to go.

The wireless keyboard and mouse have nothing to do with the wireless router.

 

[alishibaz]

OK. Well, I think I'm ready to go buy a router.

I will mark this thread "Solved" for now and thank you all very much. You people are incredibly kind and generous.

If I have any further problems, I will return and post in this thread again.

Thanks again.

 

[Poimetheus]

Wired connections aren't ALWAYS the fastest, as in my case, but are the most secure against eavesdropping. Regardless, you could always do what I did and just nab yourself a 50' cat6 cable from any company that does cabling and make your own. I put an rj45 jack on one end to make it more pliable to the circumstances within my home.

<3 leftover cable

 

[Zepher]

Wired connections aren't ALWAYS the fastest, as in my case, but are the most secure against eavesdropping. Regardless, you could always do what I did and just nab yourself a 50' cat6 cable from any company that does cabling and make your own. I put an rj45 jack on one end to make it more pliable to the circumstances within my home.

<3 leftover cable

Give us an example of a current wired connection that isn't faster than wireless.
you mention wired isn't faster in your case, but you don't say what the issue is with your wired connection.

 

[crash2009]

Wired connections aren't ALWAYS the fastest, as in my case, but are the most secure against eavesdropping. Regardless, you could always do what I did and just nab yourself a 50' cat6 cable from any company that does cabling and make your own. I put an rj45 jack on one end to make it more pliable to the circumstances within my home.

<3 leftover cable

I gotta hear this one. How can you make your wireless faster than the wire that it originates from?