2 computers on same cable

JumboMkd · 10-26-2008, 03:56 PM

Hi

I have a cable internet and it functions great on my 2 desktops. But I just bought a laptop and since I still haven't bought a wireless router, I use the cable for internet for the laptop too.
So I took out the cable from the pc and plugged it in the laptop and I got the "Limited or no connection..." message.
I turned of the internet modem, waited for 5 minutes, turned it on, restarted the laptop and the internet was fine.
But then I had to put the cable back to the old computer and it happened again. I repeated the same action and it was ok.
The same thing happens all the time.

In these couple of days I will need to switch the connection very often and I have to do those actions all the time. My modem is in the other room and I'm sick of the constant restarts that I have to do

Can someone suggest me something? How can I solve my problem?

Thank you

**JamesO** · 10-26-2008, 04:38 PM

This is expected behavior.

Every time you change the device connected to any kind of modem, the modem needs to be powered off, then back on.

What you need to do is get a router to run multiple machine, unless your modem has a routing function, then you could use an Ethernet switch.

However, if I was in your shoes, I would buy a router. Usually under $50, if you shop around for rebates/sales/closeouts you can get them cheaper.

You can also look for used ones if you are short in funds. Craigslist or any local swap meet or newspaper is a good place to start.

JamesO

JumboMkd · 10-26-2008, 05:03 PM

I'll buy a wireless router for the laptop very soon, but in the mean time I will have to use the cable

**johnwill** · 10-27-2008, 03:05 PM

A decent router can be had for less than $30. Hard to believe that someone has two computers, broadband access, but can't afford $30 to make it all work properly.

http://dealnews.com/TRENDnet-802-11-...20/257802.html

http://dealnews.com/ASUS-802-11-g-Wi...ng/257051.html

10-26-2008, 03:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
JumboMkd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2 OS: xp	2 computers on same cable Hi I have a cable internet and it functions great on my 2 desktops. But I just bought a laptop and since I still haven't bought a wireless router, I use the cable for internet for the laptop too. So I took out the cable from the pc and plugged it in the laptop and I got the "Limited or no connection..." message. I turned of the internet modem, waited for 5 minutes, turned it on, restarted the laptop and the internet was fine. But then I had to put the cable back to the old computer and it happened again. I repeated the same action and it was ok. The same thing happens all the time. In these couple of days I will need to switch the connection very often and I have to do those actions all the time. My modem is in the other room and I'm sick of the constant restarts that I have to do Can someone suggest me something? How can I solve my problem? Thank you

10-26-2008, 04:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
JamesO Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fairfax, VA USA Posts: 2,289 OS: 98SE, W2k Pro, XP Pro	Re: 2 computers on same cable This is expected behavior. Every time you change the device connected to any kind of modem, the modem needs to be powered off, then back on. What you need to do is get a router to run multiple machine, unless your modem has a routing function, then you could use an Ethernet switch. However, if I was in your shoes, I would buy a router. Usually under $50, if you shop around for rebates/sales/closeouts you can get them cheaper. You can also look for used ones if you are short in funds. Craigslist or any local swap meet or newspaper is a good place to start. JamesO

10-26-2008, 05:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
JumboMkd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2 OS: xp	Re: 2 computers on same cable I'll buy a wireless router for the laptop very soon, but in the mean time I will have to use the cable

10-27-2008, 03:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,874 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: 2 computers on same cable A decent router can be had for less than $30. Hard to believe that someone has two computers, broadband access, but can't afford $30 to make it all work properly. http://dealnews.com/TRENDnet-802-11-...20/257802.html http://dealnews.com/ASUS-802-11-g-Wi...ng/257051.html __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience