How to share Broadband Internet

[gemmaandmax]

I am going to get broadband and want to share it with my parents computer, but having looked on the web I am confused. As I understand it, the easiest and cheapest way will be to connect the 2 computers using NIC network cards and a crossover cable. Then all I need to do is connect the broadband USB modem to my computer, use the ICS software in Microsoft, and thats done it?? Is this correct or do I need a router between the modem and my computer? Is it possible/ easier to just connect the modem to a router and the router to the ?USB? of the two computers? I hope I havent confused everyone! Final question is; will sharing work with any broadband modem or do some ISPs use modems which wont allow this? Thanks loads!

[lisaj]

Yup. That's it in a nutshell. There are more powerful and flexible ways to do this, but you've described the easiest method to achieve for a home user.

[gemmaandmax]

Thanks for reply, just to check; does that mean just the 2 network cards and ICS software (no router needed)? Thanks.

[j2buttonsw]

lisaj is referring to networking with a crossover cable then sharing the internet connection using ICS. Obviously, the modem computer must be on in order for the second computer to see the internet. Your alternative (using a router) is the better solution. Most home ADSL routers act as a hub so just network your pcs to the hub using standard patch cables then use the router as the gateway. The two pcs are then independent of each other. All ISPs will accept a router rather than a modem (in fact in the first scenario the pc connected to the modem is acting as a router for the second pc). In both cases the pcs require ethernet cards.