Sharing an Internet connection
Options! Choices! Comparison!
There are three equally-functional ways to share an Internet connection. Read the descriptions and look at the diagrams below to decide which one is best for you.
Note: if you have a USB-only cable/DSL modem, you MUST use sharing software (option #2).
1. Router
This is the most popular option because it’s fast, simple, and cheap. All of your computers connect directly to a router, which in turn connects to the cable/DSL modem. The router splits up a single IP address and shares it among your computers. Little or no configuration is required, and there are no extra monthly fees. Better yet, it obscures the real IP addresses of your computers, hiding them from hackers and providing extra security.
- Cost-effective
- Simple configuration
- Excellent security
- Some applications require special configuration
- Limited customization options
2. Sharing software
This is the most complicated option. A server computer has two NICs: one connects to the cable/DSL modem, and one connects to a hub that, in turn, connects to the other computers. The server computer must be turned on and running sharing software for the other computers to have Internet access. Sharing software is included in Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP. Otherwise, it must be purchased separately. Configuration can be easy or difficult, depending on your network and the software you choose. Also, depending on the speed of your server computer, you may experience reduced Internet speed. As with routers, however, there are no extra monthly fees, and your computers are hidden from hackers.
- Cost-effective
- Highly customizable
- Good security
- Complicated setup/configuration
- Some applications require special configuration
- Server computer must be turned on
- Possible slowdowns
3. Extra IP addresses
This is the absolute simplest option. All of your computers connect directly to a hub, which in turn connects to the cable/DSL modem. You order extra IP addresses (at a premium of $5-15 per month) so that every computer has its own IP address. No configuration is necessary because all computers have individual connections.
- No special configuration
- Supported by cable/DSL company
- Expensive over time
- Low security