how do I run the net through different computers with a router?

Haz567 · 05-12-2008, 03:04 AM

I've moved into a shared house, and we are having difficulty getting the internet up and running the way we want it.

I have a router, and my computer is plugged into it through the usb connection. There are four ethernet jacks, and I have plugged my buddies XBOX into one of these. He seems to have trouble connecting if my comp is on the internet at the same time he is trying to access XBOX live, and vice versa.

We would like to get it up and running so we can all connect to the net at any one time, any help? Let me know any information I can provide. Thanks.

johnhook · 05-12-2008, 04:57 AM

Haz567,

What kind of broadband connection do you have (cable, DSL, etc.)? What is the make/model of your broadband modem? What is the make/model of your router? What is the make/model of your PC?

USB network connections are not always the best choice. If your PC is directly connected to your broadband modem via USB - this might be the issue. The best way to configure a home network is to have the broadband modem connected to the router, then the router's ports connected to the various PCs, game systems, etc.

Reply with more info and we should be able to help.

- John

Haz567 · 05-12-2008, 05:12 AM

Thanks johnhook. I have a DSL connection.

A point of confusion here is that the modem is my router (ADSL2+ Modem Router, as it is labelled), the model being netcomm NB5Plus4NS. As for the make of my PC it's custom built so i'll guess i'll just quote the motherboard, asus a8ve-deluxe.

Our telephone cable is directly connected to the modem/router, and I have the modem/router connected to my computer personally through USB. This works fine.... i've been using it for a couple of years now. I plugged my housemate in through one of the ethernet ports, and whilst it works with either the USB or ethernet running at any one time we are having trouble being simultaneously connected.

I've made sure neither of us is hogging the bandwidth, and all flashing lights on the modem seem to indicate everything is operating (both the USB and the port where the ethernet is connected have lights that are green).

johnwill · 05-12-2008, 02:05 PM

Let's see this from the working connection, one at a time. I'd like to see both the Ethernet and the USB connection configuration when they're connected.

Hold the Windows key and press R, then type CMD to open a command prompt:

In the command prompt window that opens, type type the following command:

IPCONFIG /ALL

Right click in the command window and choose Select All, then hit Enter.
Paste the results in a message here.

If you are on a machine with no network connection, use a floppy, USB disk, or a CD-RW disk to transfer a text file with the information to allow pasting it here.

johnhook · 05-12-2008, 03:28 PM

Haz567,

I looked up your ADSL modem/router. While it DOES support simultaneous connects to both USB and Ethernet - I wouldn't recommend using USB for ANY network connection. The drivers involved are layered and have to simulate an Ethernet connection. In my experience with USB ADSL modems - they are notoriously problematic.

Instead, I would purchase a small 4 port switch, connect the switch to the Ethernet port on your ADSL modem/router - then connect both PCs to the switch via Ethernet cables. This is a much cleaner solution.

- John

05-12-2008, 03:04 AM	#1 (permalink)
Haz567 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 54 OS: XP	how do I run the net through different computers with a router? I've moved into a shared house, and we are having difficulty getting the internet up and running the way we want it. I have a router, and my computer is plugged into it through the usb connection. There are four ethernet jacks, and I have plugged my buddies XBOX into one of these. He seems to have trouble connecting if my comp is on the internet at the same time he is trying to access XBOX live, and vice versa. We would like to get it up and running so we can all connect to the net at any one time, any help? Let me know any information I can provide. Thanks.

05-12-2008, 04:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnhook Tech Hardware Team Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 810 OS: MS SBS 2003 SP2	Re: how do I run the net through different computers with a router? Haz567, What kind of broadband connection do you have (cable, DSL, etc.)? What is the make/model of your broadband modem? What is the make/model of your router? What is the make/model of your PC? USB network connections are not always the best choice. If your PC is directly connected to your broadband modem via USB - this might be the issue. The best way to configure a home network is to have the broadband modem connected to the router, then the router's ports connected to the various PCs, game systems, etc. Reply with more info and we should be able to help. - John __________________

05-12-2008, 05:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
Haz567 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 54 OS: XP	Re: how do I run the net through different computers with a router? Thanks johnhook. I have a DSL connection. A point of confusion here is that the modem is my router (ADSL2+ Modem Router, as it is labelled), the model being netcomm NB5Plus4NS. As for the make of my PC it's custom built so i'll guess i'll just quote the motherboard, asus a8ve-deluxe. Our telephone cable is directly connected to the modem/router, and I have the modem/router connected to my computer personally through USB. This works fine.... i've been using it for a couple of years now. I plugged my housemate in through one of the ethernet ports, and whilst it works with either the USB or ethernet running at any one time we are having trouble being simultaneously connected. I've made sure neither of us is hogging the bandwidth, and all flashing lights on the modem seem to indicate everything is operating (both the USB and the port where the ethernet is connected have lights that are green).

05-12-2008, 02:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 28,057 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: how do I run the net through different computers with a router? Let's see this from the working connection, one at a time. I'd like to see both the Ethernet and the USB connection configuration when they're connected. Hold the Windows key and press R, then type CMD to open a command prompt: In the command prompt window that opens, type type the following command: IPCONFIG /ALL Right click in the command window and choose Select All, then hit Enter. Paste the results in a message here. If you are on a machine with no network connection, use a floppy, USB disk, or a CD-RW disk to transfer a text file with the information to allow pasting it here. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

05-12-2008, 03:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
johnhook Tech Hardware Team Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 810 OS: MS SBS 2003 SP2	Re: how do I run the net through different computers with a router? Haz567, I looked up your ADSL modem/router. While it DOES support simultaneous connects to both USB and Ethernet - I wouldn't recommend using USB for ANY network connection. The drivers involved are layered and have to simulate an Ethernet connection. In my experience with USB ADSL modems - they are notoriously problematic. Instead, I would purchase a small 4 port switch, connect the switch to the Ethernet port on your ADSL modem/router - then connect both PCs to the switch via Ethernet cables. This is a much cleaner solution. - John __________________