cable modem

[Elmo]

I have a cable modem attached to my network card. I was thinking of getting hub so that when there are two computers, the computers and cable modem could all go into the hub so that each computer can have an individual internet connection - if one crashes then the other one doesn't lose the internet connection. Is this in any way possible to do or must I settle for two network cards in the host computer?

[[Oc]acaridans]

A router will do this for you..

[Elmo]

thanks, but can u please explain more? what is a router and what does it do?

[su root]

A router simply performs NAT (Network Address Translation), which means that it takes the request for a webpage (or whatever) and asks for it on the internet, then when the router gets the results, it forwards them back to the computer that asked for them.

A router is a little box, usually the size of a small hub, that keeps an internet connection open through DSL or Cable, and distributes it to other computers connected to it.

Routers are usually really easy to configure, you plug them in, plug the modem into one port, and the computers into the other ports. Then with one computer you connect to it, usually through the browser:
http://192.168.1.1/
and configure it there.

Personally, I would suggest the hub method, (meaning plug your cable modem into the uplink, and computers in the other ports), but before you do that, ask your cable company how many IPs you get (I get 3, which means I have 3 computers connected at the same time and I get internet on all of them, but if I get another computer I'll have to get a router (kuz a router only uses 1 IP)

[Elmo]

ah ok thanks.

so a router is basically a special type of hub does that mean i dont need to buy a hub anymore?

[XprincoX]

Also a router allocated bandwidth equally among the ports, unlike a hub which is basically like first come first serve.. :D im not sure if the sales still goin but checkout bensbargains for some nice deals on 4 port linksys, think was like $70 :cool:

[Doubledeala]

what are you trying to do??? You dont need a router to get two comps online... with cable. A hub can do it, but u might have to pay ur cable company an extra fee or something. well, if that's what u were trying to do then a hub would be a good idea if u're on a budget, but then again a router wouldn't require the 'extra fee'. hope this helps

[Goldwing]

Originally posted by Elmo
so a router is basically a special type of hub does that mean i dont need to buy a hub anymore?

Not necessarily, a router can have a switch (upgraded hub) or can just have one port in and one out.

A router can also be a firewall to keep hostiles out of your computer.

Just be sure to get one with enough ports and you won't need a separate hub or switch.