Is it possible to split NTL cable broadband connection

[banana]

I would like to be able to split my NTL broadband cable connection to allow me to comnnect 2 computers to broadband - NOT necessarily at the same time though since i know this isnt supported by NTL. I just want to save the hassle of having to unplug one connection,olug in another and dash up and downstairs to check before everything is switched.

[j2buttonsw]

Buy a router.

[LeMarchand]

I thought NTL allowed you to connect a couple of PCs? Any way, your best bet is (as JSB says) to get a router and set up a home network - then you can (in theory) use them both at the same time. Check the nthellworld site for advice.

[BenDToy]

Yes you can. If I remember rightly you connect them together using ethermet cards and a X-over cat5 cable. Then use software (Internet Connection Sharing is part of Win98 although I couldn't get it to work!) to "link" them together. The software I used I found on the net by searching on google. It is not free but only nominal cost and if I remember the name I will post it. It definitely works for 2 computers, but not more. It is reasonably easy because I managed it!!

[banana]

Thanks for the answers...J2B any router?or special to ntl?Having problems setting up network so no go there.BenD -waiting with baited breath :)

[Metaphysical]

I used a router ( Linksys BEFSR41 Ethernet Cable/DSL router). It didn't take too long to set up and works great. I got it from Amazon and also got advice from a couple of people who had bought it from there too (contacting them from their reviews).

The worst part was running the Cat5 cables around the house!

[j2buttonsw]

You need to network the PCs and the router together. This is done at two different "levels" 1) The physical level by means of installing network cards in the PCs and running CAT5 patch cables so all the PCs are physically connected to the router (the router should have 5 or so ports to connect upto 5 computers and act as a "hub" as well as having a port to connect to your cable modem). 2) At the "Network" level. This is how you configure the PCs to talk to each other using a networking protocol (TCP/IP). This is where most networks fall down. Each PC must have unique IP address, an appropriate subnet mask and a gateway IP address. Fortunately, most router/hubs can act as a DHCP server and distribute this information to the client computers. NTL uses cable technology not ADSL technology so get a router/hub which works with a cable modem. A colleague swears by the Belkin cable/DSL router you can get from PCWorld for �49.99 which is a simple "plug and play" affair. One tip: if you are currently using ethernet (not USB) to connect your PC to the cable modem then switch off the modem for 6 hours prior to connecting it to your router (this allows the modem to "forget" the MAC address of the PC's network card).

[stubeat]

NO ROUTER NEEDED. If you are networking just two PC's, as BenDToy states, you just need a cross-over cable. Windows XP is very netowrk friendly and has wizards to help you set it all up. It will even configure older versions of windows if required.