Share Your Internet Connection with More Than One Computer- The Easy Way

Here is a simple way share your home internet connection with more than one computer. This will work for both wired and wireless and doesn't require alot of technical or computer skills to accomplish. I'm sure there are other ways, but if you're looking for a simple repeatable setup, here it is.

If you've got a dsl connection through a dsl modem, this TIP will work for you.
If you've got a cable modem, this TIP will work just as well.

Here's a list of what you'll need.

1. Dsl or cable modem that works on your system and you can access internet with one computer (If you're using the internet, most likely you've got this already).
2. Wired (Ethernet) or Wireless Router (wifi routers have 4-6 ethernet ports also).
3. For Wired: Ethernet cable to connect modem to router.
4. For Wireless: Wifi compatible computer or wifi card for your computer (follow manufacturer's instructions for proper install).
   

Procedure:

1. Turn all components off. This includes anything on your existing network- computer, modem, printer and any router you may currently be using.
2. With all power off, connect an ethernet cable between your modem and your new cable/dsl router(wired or wireless).
3. Turn on the power to your new router only and let it boot up completely.
4. Turn on the dsl/cable modem and allow it to boot. Since the router was booted first, the modem with recognize the router's MAC address (ethernet numerical address) and connect that address to the internet.
5. Connect all the other components onto the router with the ethernet cables as needed and turn on the components- no particular order is necessary after the router and modem are booted. Your router will assign MAC addresses to all the ethernet components. Once the MAC address is assigned, your computer should work correctly with the internet and shouldn't drop out when the second computer is turned on.
   
6. For wireless connections, boot up your computer with the properly installed Wifi card, airport card and allow it to "find" your router. Once you get confirmation of the signal, you're good to go.

Following this procedure will allow your modem, your router to use their designed software to connect you without a bunch of programming. You will actually enjoy having more than one computer sharing an internet connection.

Remember this procedure and follow the steps again if you lose power and have to reboot your network.