How do I connect a different PC to NTL broadband?

dexter_uk · 03-01-2006, 00:21

What ever happened to plug and play

Basically I build new PC's for friends and family and I need to load the windows - virus updates from my NTL broadband via the Samsung STB before sending them off.

How do I easily connect a different PC without calling CS? Is there an .exe I need to run from the install CD?

I notice that there is no DHCP from the STB and at the moment so Im doing internet connection sharing from my own PC which is a pain in the butt (Have to run 2 PC's)

I think from the reasearch Ive done so far the NTL system goes by your MAC address!! Please tell me there sh***ing me!

Many thanks in advance.

A very confused network administrator.

danielf · 03-01-2006, 00:38

I'm not sure how the stb connection works, but normally a router would do the job?

carlingman · 03-01-2006, 00:40

If you are connecting the pre built PCs to your own STB then there is some good info on Robins site http://homepage.ntlworld.com/robin.d...r.html#pacereg

**Rob** · 03-01-2006, 00:44

to Cable Forum

As danielf indicates above a router is going to be your simplest option, if Internet Connection Sharing is not convenient, and you build lots of these things (a question springs to mind as to how much this all becomes business use, rather than residential but that's a different matter).

You can connect direct to the STB, but you will need to disconnect your other PC, and reboot (power off and on) the STB. The new PC wil then need to register with the ntl server. Usually entering any web address will by default take you to the registration page. If not type "start:ntl" You'll need to know your customer ID details.

You can only register a few PCs via the STB (3 or 5 not sure). After that you have to start deleting them. As you say it works by mac addys.

NB if you use a router, again that has to be registered with ntl (or clone the mac addy of your existing PC), but at least you only have to do that once.

dexter_uk · 03-01-2006, 01:03

Cheers rob and carlingman, thats a good answer.

I'm an energy saving, cable and wire hating guy so I'll give the router a miss, but your info is good to know.

Thanks again

deathtrap3000 · 03-01-2006, 01:05

if u hate wires and you are an energy saving person, you should go for a wireless router and usb adapter

**Stuart C** · 03-01-2006, 01:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by dexter_uk

What ever happened to plug and play

Basically I build new PC's for friends and family and I need to load the windows - virus updates from my NTL broadband via the Samsung STB before sending them off.

How do I easily connect a different PC without calling CS? Is there an .exe I need to run from the install CD?

I notice that there is no DHCP from the STB and at the moment so Im doing internet connection sharing from my own PC which is a pain in the butt (Have to run 2 PC's)

I think from the reasearch Ive done so far the NTL system goes by your MAC address!! Please tell me there sh***ing me!

Many thanks in advance.

A very confused network administrator.

You have three options.

Go for a router (by far the simplest option, and more energy efficient that the second).
Use another PC and Internet Connection Sharing.
Register each PC with the STB. To do this, unplug the STB from the mains. Plug the new PC into it. Fire up the STB, then, when the STB has a broadband connection, fire up the PC. Go to http://start.ntl and enter your PID and Pin code (these can be obtained from C/S if you don't have them). Finally, reboot the STB again. Note, when you have more than five PCs registered, you will need to delete one.

IMO, the router is by far the simplest option.

AndyCambs · 03-01-2006, 10:54

Cheap routers at E-Buyer.co.uk...
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=52897

**Rob** · 03-01-2006, 11:06

I think he's more concerned about the consumption of electricity to power the router, than the purchase cost of the kit. After all once you add the router to the network it's another thing always on, and yet by the sounds of things, normally there would only be one PC present on the network.

The power consumption may be low so the electricity bill cost is I doubt the issue. It's the cumulative effect of that consumption on greenhouse gasses, etc, when you start adding all the home networks together that I suspect is the concern. Very laudible really, even if the computer is hardly the most energy efficient industry to worry about.

Anyway, this is a bit

from the original thread question.