Connecting 2 computers to Webstar modem

[netlon]

Hi there. I've just been given an oldish Sony Viao notebook PCG FX101 which runs windows ME and doesn't have a network card or ethernet socket but has USB sockets. According to the manual for my VirginMedia modem - Webstar DPX100 - it is possible to connect at the same time, a computer to the ethernet socket (which my desktop pc is connected to) and also connect a second computer to the USB socket (notebook). I can get 1 or the other to connect but not both at the same time. Any advice appreciated. TIA

[Stuart C]

The modem does work like that, IF virgin issue two IPs for the modem. They won't. They only issue one per modem.

You need a router to connect to the modem, then you can connect the PC to the router. The package at http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx...0468&InMerch=1 also include a USB wireless card.

[popper]

Originally Posted by netlon

Hi there. I've just been given an oldish Sony Viao notebook PCG FX101 which runs windows ME and doesn't have a network card or ethernet socket but has USB sockets.

According to the manual for my VirginMedia modem - Webstar DPX100 - it is possible to connect at the same time, a computer to the ethernet socket (which my desktop pc is connected to) and also connect a second computer to the USB socket (notebook).

I can get 1 or the other to connect but not both at the same time. Any advice appreciated. TIA

your mistaken, you can NOT connect both USB and rj45 at the same time , or rather you can, but it wont work on VM.

the reason is simple, the firmware of all VM modems dont have the sw routing capabilitys inside so the ports cant be used in that way.

the manual says you can connect to the USB OR the rj45 ethernet port ,NOT BOTH at the same time.

an option iv never tryed is, using a USB to USB netbridge device that will plug into both PCs and act as a network card in both,BUT the costs are perhaps higher than just buying a cheap ethernat card for both your PCs and using generic rj45 twisted pair cable (upto 300 feet long).

http://www.usbgear.com/link/usb_link_cable.html

didnt you get given a blue 'USB to rj45' NTL/VM ethernet device when they installed BB?.

you can use that in the laptop, and just buy a cheap(£4-)second PCi Ethernet card that you install in the master PC thats connected directly to the VM_CM.

then just run standard windows XP installed routing sw so while the masters switched on, the connected laptop can also connect, or to make it easyer , just go out and buy a (wireless)router , connect that WAN port directly to the VM_CM , the 2 pcs into the routers LAN ports or wireless connection.

VM-CM<===>WAN-port-(wireless)router-LANport1<===>PC1

and -(wireless)router-LANport2<===>PC2(laptop)

---------- Post added at 15:47 ---------- Previous post was at 15:42 ----------

Originally Posted by Stuart C

The modem does work like that, IF virgin issue two IPs for the modem. They won't. They only issue one per modem.

is that right/confirmed for the VM firmware Stuart?, that models firmware actually has the required routing sw inside it, but VM wont even do a simple thing like issue a second IP, well thats even dafter than not allowing more than one modem per account for loosing potential easy profit...

[BarFly]

Originally Posted by popper

is that right/confirmed for the VM firmware Stuart?, that models firmware actually has the required routing sw inside it, but VM wont even do a simple thing like issue a second IP, well thats even dafter than not allowing more than one modem per account for loosing potential easy profit...

Used to do it on the ex-ntl side, stopped a while back ( it was the fabled gamer pack + £5 a month in the end i think, started at £2 ), main reason being part of the clamp down on cloned modems i believe.

[Ben B]

get a wired or wireless router. connect one port to the ethernet connection on your computer. Get a ethernet to USB adaptor (dunno where you get these from, probably cheap on ebay???) plug an ethernet cable from the router, to the adaptor and plug the adaptor into the usb port on the laptop (obviously you may have to install software for the usb adaptor)

[netlon]

Thanks for the help and advice. I think the option I'll go for is to get a USB to ethernet adaptor (didn't know they existed) and use a router. Thanks again.

[popper]

you might find a laptop cardbus/PCMCIA netcard better and for the same price as it will be DMA'ed (a faster way to move/copy data around)and its just another PCi card in a small form facture, wereas the 'USB to Ethernet' is not DMA'ed and uses the pcs CPU to do much of its work for it, hence slowing the machine for other things......

but then a spare USB to ethernet is very useful sometimes for a quick testing a random machine you might get now and then.

and dont forget a wireless router and a matching wireless USB stick or cardbus/PCMCIA netcard are also very useful for keeping your laptops more mobile around the house, reading and posting CF replys and advice anywere inthe house or work for instance lol, so the choice is yours really.

[netlon]

Thanks for that popper. I've seen a card on pc world web site - PC LINE PCL-NW400 10/100 32BIT CARDBUS ETHERNET CARD - for about a tenner and wondered if this would work.