Internet connection sharing
The cable modem and DSL connection can be shared over multiple PCs through different ways. For identifying your PC the ISP is provided with one or even more IP addresses. But in most cases the providers will offer one IP addresses for per residential account and thus requires some kind of address translation in order to route traffic to/from your PCs.
Let’s go in to the details, while using single IP address sharing
Hardware solution
A broadband router is the appropriate and most convenient way of sharing your internet connection over multiple PCs. For this purpose you will want to know the variation and brands. In between your external Cable/DSL modem and the LAN, or client PCs the router is positioned. Plug and play function makes the installation of the routers simple.
One will not need to purchase and additional hardware, as hub or switch since the router is provided with various LAN ports thus connecting the client PCs will not be a confusing one. One should consider about downloadable firmware updates.
With accordance to your requirements and usage you can opt for a simpler router or a complicated one which offers flexible configuration.
Next is the software solution
If router is not your choice then Proxy or NAT (Network Address Translation) software will be the other alternative for sharing internet connection. In this case you will have to assign one PC as the server and another as client rather than to plug your modem to a hub.
First step includes installation of 2 NICs in the Server PC and one in the Client PC. Secondly connect one of the NICs in the server to the Cable Modem/xDSL and the other NIC to your LAN or client PC. In this case you can use the hub only between the PCs, not between the Cable modem and the Server. Thirdly install the NAT or Proxy software, which can be customised easily and one can block ports. Special configuration of this networking software is required which is a drawback. On the other hand if NAT is what you opt for then additional configuration becomes unnecessary. The server PC should be powered, and then only the client PC could access the internet. The recommendable software for this purpose is Sygate Internet Gateway and the recommended proxy is Wingate WinProxy.
Multiple IP addresses
Just spare a few amount per month for ISP in order to purchase additional IP addresses for each PC on your LAN and other additional services. This allows you to plug the cable modem directly to a hub rather than buying additional router or one of the PCs online. With this system you will not have to depend on additional installation of software. However, one has to pay monthly bill. In case you have the multiple IP addresses you can ask ISP’s Tech for assisting you with configuring your LAN in order to share the Internet connection.
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