iceman99

Hi all. I'm very familiar with building computers and have built quite a few from scratch. But I know nothing, NOTHING, about setting up home networks and high-speed internet. We've always used dial-up modems at home because of lack of availability of high-speed internet. However, we're now in an area where it's available and so next weekend we're getting a Comcast cable modem installed.

We have three desktop computers in the house and my wife has a laptop. We want to be able to connect all of them to the new cable modem. Given, that we're getting this cable modem, it seems like a good time to set up a home network, either a hard-wired network or a wireless network.

So this is what I'm thinking:

1. I don't want to pay Comcast lots of money for something I probably could learn and build myself. Hence, I'm willing to start with only a single computer attached to the cable modem, and then I could expand it from there to the other computers.

2. I'd like to build my own network within the home. It has been suggested to me by my brother-in-law to hardwire the network, that wireless is less secure. I'm not sure that's true with proper encryption, but I respect his judgment. He set up his own home network.

3. I know more about computers than my brother-in-law, so if he could do it, I'm sure I could do it as well. Don't get me wrong, he's a great guy and bright, but I probably know more about computers. But right now, he knows more about home networks!! The three desktop systems are actually pretty close together within the home, so hard-wiring them is not a problem.

4. I think I've learned this much so far: if I'm going to set up our home computers so that each is attached to the new cable modem, then I might as well set up a home network as well, our own LAN that is safe and well-firewalled from outside prying eyes. I probably do not want separate IP addresses for each computer, especially if setting up a home network.

5. I've done a bit of a search on the internet but have not yet found a good web site to help first-timers building a home network. Hence, here I am at the PC Guide.

My question: what are some good web sites for (1) learning about setting up a cable modem and (2) options for a home network.

Note that all three desktop systems plus the laptop use XP Home w/SP2. All have on-board LAN. On one of those systems, I have 98se installed on a separate hdd that I keep unplugged unless I need it, which is not very often. I could live without having the 98se setup on the home network, but it would be nice if I could do so.

I hope all this makes sense. Thanks.

heatwave

You are making perfect sense.

I switched to cable back in November 2005 and have mine set up wired, it is easy to do.

Each PC requires one Ethernet port to exist or an Ethernet card has to be installed.

Your cable installer will run the coax cable to the cable modem which he will connect to one PC. Once connected and working, his job is done. Note: he is not going to help you set up a network!

Get a home router (Linksys or Netgear seem to work just fine), with 4 switched ports and a incoming port where you connect the cable modem. If the router has NAT and SPI hardware firewall it is better than ones that don't.
You can get home routers with up to 8 ports for a bit more $$ but be aware cable companies may "cap" home connections so try to keep max 5 PCs at a time.

You need a separate Ethernet "patch" cable to connect each PC to the router, so choose appropriate length cables. The maximum cable length is 100 meters. Category 5, 5e, and 6 are just fine.

You disconnect the cable from the modem and use the one from the router to connect the router to the cable modem. Plug in the router power supply now.

You connect the patch cable from your PC to the #1 port to configure the router. In the case of Linksys, you type the address given in the instructions into the web browser of your PC and hit enter. There is a default name and password to get into the configuration page, write down any changes you make for the router and save the information in a safe place.
You do want to choose a different administrator password to keep outsiders from playing with the access. Write the new information down on that saved info sheet.

Most PCs will be set to obtain addresses automatically but you will have to change settings to stop the internal modems from dialing the phone. Go to Internet Options in Control Panel, Connections tab, check Never Dial connections, check LAN Settings button below that, check Automatically Detect settings. And OK out of the control panel.

The home router is going to assign an address to each PC in the default configuration, making it easy to add PCs.

If you have any problem, just reply here and we will pick it up from that point.

vega55

One more note here

After you have the cable modem and PC setup and running.

Then pickup the cable modem router/w ports, cables in the correct length's, ( one 3 foot for modem to router)

Power down EVERYTHING
then make the connection
modem to router to First PC
Then power them up again in the same order

Modem, wait, router, wait, pc
At each stage the units lights will display status
The doc's for each will tell you what should be showing ( all green or whatever)

This is needed for everything to match
It's a small detail but needed...

iceman99

Hey PrntHhd,

Awesome. Thanks. You gave me several good bits of info to start shopping:

1. Some brand names.
2. How many needed ports on the router.

Several questions: (1) Do I need to look specifically for a "broadband router", as opposed to some other form of router? (2) Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but if I follow your directions below, will all the attached computers then be "networked", or do I have to go through a separate procedure for that? There's no rush to do that, as we've survived for years now not being networked. I'm more concerned getting all three systems connected to the cable modem/router, and I want to make sure I do it correctly and safely.

Again thanks for the prompt reply. I figure I'll do as much homework in advance as possible so I can get this up and running across the three systems (plus a spare cable for my wife's laptop). The cable guy is coming Saturday morning. We're going to get cable TV at the same time after using satellite TV for almost 10 years now. Our satellite receiver died the other day. That, plus the fact that our dial-up on our dedicated internet phone line is only 24bps (45.3 on the main phone line) finally was enough to push us over. Both my wife and I work at a university and have been thoroughly spoiled with very high bandwidth internet there.

heatwave

In some localities, they will set up the connection to a router (usually they will provide it at a noncompetative retail price) for an additional fee...

Linksys and Netgear also offer models that have both the wired ports and are wireless capable. So if you have a wireless enabled laptop, you may want to actually get a router that includes the wireless feature, as that is one less device you will need to buy/set up later. (We can help you set up the wireless features if you choose that...although the included instructions should fairly easy to follow).

vega55

We just got broadband here...wireless and it is MUCH better than the tin cans and bailing twine we used to have.

Have fun with the new set up.

iceman99

Geez, in replying to PrntHd, Rick and MJC added some great info. Thanks. We used to be over the mountains from you, MJC, when we were living outside Staunton, VA. Hope all is well with you. There was no broadband there in rural VA, but here in northern Utah it's available. Plus Rick, I think you're a cheesehead if I recall. Anyway, thanks all for some great info to get me started. Plus, I'm open to any other suggestions and good "how-to" links.

heatwave

Yes you can do more things once the PCs are networked (like sharing printers and files). I was offering suggestions until the PCs can get connected to the Internet.
Little steps along the way....like Rick is saying.
Once the PCs are all on the same LAN, post back and we can discuss file sharing, etc. Don't want to overload you with too much too soon.

I personally am using a Linksys BEFSR41 but there are other models to look at too. Wireless is also nice but requires an additional layer of configuration to secure it, but nothing you should be scared of.

Desiree

Hmm wireless is best option for anyone.

vega55

Yes you need to look for a router that will match up with your cable modem

I have the same Unit as PrntRhd and it is easy to set and grow with
If you want to add to the network .
it can handle the work load

It is an Etherfast Cable / DSL router
With 4 ports and full WAN ( wide Area network port) to add what ever you like later
IE: Switch, Hub, printserver or WiFi access point