Another computer question, home network....
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Post Fiend
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From: Central Kali
Another computer question, home network....
....with cable internet. Besides a router, what do I have to do to add a second computer? Earthlink has some package that is $9.95. I pay them enough money as it is. I am running a static IP address. The cable tech thought that it changes once a month? Any ideas? Thanks 
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Post Fiend
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From: Central Kali
How does the internet provider know that it is your account since there is no password like dial up uses? If you have paid your bill, do they just assign a IP address to the cable modem so you have access?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Conroe, TX
The second computer should have a network interface card alread in it. If it doesn't all you should have to do is go to some place like best buy and pick one up, i believe they run around 10-15 dollars. they are easy to install, i've put one in and it only took me 5-10 minutes to install. once you hook the computer up to the router, you just change a few settings in widows and it should be on the network. It sounds like a lot but it is realy very simple to do.
Chris
Chris
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The cable company "talks" to the cable modem and downloads bandwidth limits and sets up an IP address for the device on the network. It works just like the cable TV box. They can turn off your access at any time.
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Posting Guru
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From: Oregon
My desktop is running Win98 and is plugged into the cable modem via USB. I bought a wireless router and also have it plugged it into the cable modem so I can run my notebook (xp) wireless. Basically, I'm using my modem as a hub to link a computer and a router to the cable. Not having any problems with it - it's on right now.
My cable modem has a RJ45 and a USB, so someone could use either. Not sure if it's designed to work like I have it - but it does.
My cable modem has a RJ45 and a USB, so someone could use either. Not sure if it's designed to work like I have it - but it does.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Central Kali
Thanks for the info. I am going shopping for a router tommorrow. This stuff isn't that complicated once you start looking into it. I should talk; I still work with vacuum tubes.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: S/C Texas
Something you might invest in would be a physical firewall such as SonicWall. Kinda pricey, but if your leaving your system plugged into the net 24/7.......worth it in the long run. Far better than the firewalls in XP for example. those firewalls are great for intermittant use, but not always best for a constant connection. So says our IS Manager.
http://www.sonicguard.com/default.as...ord=sonic_wall
http://www.sonicguard.com/default.as...ord=sonic_wall
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Joined: May 2004
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I have Norton Firewall software, but utilizing a router will provide the same sort of protection.
Just remember to change all default setting, otherwise you're making it easier for hackers to get in.
If possible, get a wireless-G router. This way you wouldn't have to run a LAN cable to the other PC. You may also be able to use a wireless PCMCIA card for a laptop.
Just remember to change all default setting, otherwise you're making it easier for hackers to get in.
If possible, get a wireless-G router. This way you wouldn't have to run a LAN cable to the other PC. You may also be able to use a wireless PCMCIA card for a laptop.
Senior User
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From: NW
Originally Posted by Mike W
....with cable internet. Besides a router, what do I have to do to add a second computer? Earthlink has some package that is $9.95. I pay them enough money as it is. I am running a static IP address. The cable tech thought that it changes once a month? Any ideas? Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
> but with a hardware router as the first piece after the cable modem
> isn't that acting as a firewall
The routers are usually accessed either by a windows page or telnet to configure them with plain text passwords. Usually the password is the same on every router on the internal net and the password is usually "password".
In simply terms all someone has to do is take theirs off the internal internet for a few minutes, crack the password using a direct connection (serial) and dictionary attack (if it is not "password"), put it back on-line, and they now can access anyone's router. Including changing routing tables and which ports to open. There is no trace of anything they did, except if they are stupid enough to access the internal internet from their own home computer.
So, that router after the cable modem is pretty much useless for security. People can still redirect the company router, they just will not be able to open up direct connections except the ones (example 23, 80, etc.) that you want them to if you have your own router firewall. Never discount that someone at the cable company is sniffing your data for some high tech destruction.
> isn't that acting as a firewall
The routers are usually accessed either by a windows page or telnet to configure them with plain text passwords. Usually the password is the same on every router on the internal net and the password is usually "password".
In simply terms all someone has to do is take theirs off the internal internet for a few minutes, crack the password using a direct connection (serial) and dictionary attack (if it is not "password"), put it back on-line, and they now can access anyone's router. Including changing routing tables and which ports to open. There is no trace of anything they did, except if they are stupid enough to access the internal internet from their own home computer.
So, that router after the cable modem is pretty much useless for security. People can still redirect the company router, they just will not be able to open up direct connections except the ones (example 23, 80, etc.) that you want them to if you have your own router firewall. Never discount that someone at the cable company is sniffing your data for some high tech destruction.
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