Networking 2 pcs ntl
 

Hi

I have been using 1 computer connected via an ethernet card to an ntl topbox.
I now have another pc which i want to use as the main pc to connect to the ntl topbox via the usb. have put a ethernet card in there as well
the other pc already has a eternet card built in.

so an ethernet card in each and i want to connect one via usb.
I tried it and i couldnt connect to the interent it come up with this connection has low connection or connectivity or something.
When i first tried to connect the new pc to the top box via the usb it wopuldnt let me connect or anything. i connected the crossover cable to the 2 ethernet cards and thats when the low connectivity come up. i had loads of packets sent but none received. i hope im maming sense.
is there anyting i got to do. i run the netwrork wizards on both pcs but on one as it said it had 2 ethernet cards it wouildnt finish.
it only has one ethernet card but the usb topbox thingy is coming up as another one. anyhelp please.

Re: Networking 2 pcs ntl
 

The Cable Modem (what you refer to as topbox) always appears as another network card if connected to the PC via USB. It is designed to work this way, so there is no way around it.

TBH, I found that Internet Connection Sharing in Windows is more trouble than it's worth. It's far easier if you buy a router, such as the Linksys WRT54G that I (and many members of this forum) use and recommend. You also have the advantage that the router enables you to use Wireless connections, and you don't need both PCs on to connect to the Internet (nice if, like me, you pay the Leccy bills).

---------- Post added at 09:34 ---------- Previous post was at 09:28 ----------

However, a quick guide to doing what you are trying. First, you DON'T need to use the wizard. I am assuming you are using Windows XP.

Go to Control Panel. Now double click "Network Connections". Right click on the network connection for the modem (I have no idea what it will be called, I don't have a cable modem), and click "Properties".

Now, click "Advanced". You will see a box labelled "Internet Connection Sharing", and one in this box labelled "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet Connection". Tick this and click "OK". When you attach the other computer, it should now be able to connect.

If you have any problems, either post on here, or look up "Internet Connection Sharing" in Windows Help.

Re: Networking 2 pcs ntl
 

I'll second that....

Go buy a WRT54GS from a shop - or eBay - a lot less hassle and gives you some room for expansion in the future.

Just unbox - plug in and switch on job done.

Re: Networking 2 pcs ntl
 

Well, you'd also need to configure the wireless side of things and reboot your cable modem to pick up the new mac address of your router, unless you enable mac address spoofing, but I'm just being pedantic here.

Internet connection sharing is alright, but in order for the other machine to be online the main computer that has your ntl connection going in to it, needs to be turned on.

Routers are definately the way and the Linksys WRT54G* versions are very good.

Good luck

Re: Networking 2 pcs ntl
 

I'll third that :D

Re: Networking 2 pcs ntl
 

Ill fourth that... :D

Re: Networking 2 pcs ntl
 

I'll... 0oh never mind

Re: Networking 2 pcs ntl
 

We all seem to agree then internet connection sharing in windows is more trouble than it's worth. Maybe in vista it won't be so much trouble :)

Re: Networking 2 pcs ntl
 

Its more of the same Top :)

Re: Networking 2 pcs ntl
 

Personally speaking - its not the fact its trouble to set up... I used it for a number of months with any problems, it was just a pain having to have my main rig turned on when I wanted to access the net on the other computer.