# What's ther cheapest way to connect two computers to broadband at the same time? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 3, 2008, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110 "2008-02-03T18:42:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 12\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![furryman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/furryman/32/99_2.png) [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110/1 "2008-02-03T18:42:45Z")
1. Connect the two computers together? How? 2. Wireless router? 3. Dual router? 4. Something else? ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110/2 "2008-02-03T19:16:39Z")
Which OS? IIRC, WinXP has an option for “internet connection sharing” or some such. I’ve never used it, but if you’re sitting at your machine(s) and are waiting for someone to come along with a better answer, I’d look at those help files. You may be able to connect with a simple ethernet (crossover?) cable. ETA: Actually, for a great site with great answers, try [this](http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/ics) page from [annoyances.org](http://annoyances.org): > [@](#): > > Intended For > Windows XP > Windows 2000 > Windows Me > Windows 98 > Internet Connection Sharing made its debut in Windows 98 Second Edition, and has been built-in to every successive OS: Windows Me, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. It allows two or more networked computers to share a single Internet connection, whether it is DSL, ISDN, Cable, T1, satellite, or dial-up. ---
**Author:** ![Myglaren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f1d935/32.png) [@Myglaren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myglaren)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110/3 "2008-02-03T19:16:53Z")
single wired router with enough ethernet ports. Most have a minimum of four ports but beware the free ones distributed by ISPs, some have only one. Your machines need an ethernet card installed. Most machines have them integrated onto the motherboard these days but for older machines a card may have to be installed. Exceptionally easy to do and will cost around $5 if my last purchase is anything to go by. It depends largely on where your computers are sited with respect to one another and where the router is going to live. It won’t be cheaper but may be a lot more convenient to have a wireless router and slip running ethernet cables. Nowhere near as secure though. Not sure what you are thinking of with the dual router. One is all you need. I use a single wireless router with three machines permanently hardwired (ethernet cables) to it and two laptops connected wirelessly. I do drag home lots of other computers and at any one time there can be a dozen machines connected. This is achieved using a pair of dataswitches that each can handle 7 machines (8 ports each) They are quite cheap and ‘just work’, there is no software and no installation, just plug them in and go. You could go with option 1, provided that both machines have ethernet ports, just link them with a crossover ethernet cable and initiate internet sharing. The machine connected to the ‘modem’ has to be running for the other one to be able to access the internet, in this configuration. All in all I find the single router with multiple ports to be the most suitable for me, as always, it may not be suited to your needs. _Ed: the above was written assuming a Windows OS_ ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110/4 "2008-02-03T19:23:55Z")
Another thought (though subject to correction by those who know better) would be to go with a simple 9.99 [switch](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166006) . ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110/5 "2008-02-03T19:27:19Z")
I recently upgraded my home network, and now have a spare Linksys 4 port router and 80211G access point. I hate to throw them out, so if you want to pay the freight to the twilight zone, they are yours. E mail is in my profile. ---
**Author:** ![Myglaren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f1d935/32.png) [@Myglaren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myglaren)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110/6 "2008-02-03T19:57:51Z")
Nice one **Rick**! ---
**Author:** ![Myglaren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f1d935/32.png) [@Myglaren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myglaren)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110/7 "2008-02-03T20:01:44Z")
[QUOTE=Rhythmdvl] Another thought (though subject to correction by those who know better) would be to go with a simple 9.99 [switch](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166006) . [/QUOTE] That was the dataswitch I mentioned (different make though) You still need something to connect you to the internedt which is where an ADSL or cable router come in. You _could_ do it with a modem as long as it had an ethernet port, but that is highly unlikely, they generally have a USB connection to the computer. _Ed: Spellerizating. Interned?_ ---
**Author:** ![drachillix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/48db29/32.png) [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110/8 "2008-02-03T20:25:46Z")
[QUOTE=Rhythmdvl] Another thought (though subject to correction by those who know better) would be to go with a simple 9.99 [switch](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166006) . [/QUOTE] Switches are still dependent on a router or the ISP for DHCP. ISP’s seem to charge extra for playing this way ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110/9 "2008-02-03T21:10:16Z")
> [@](#): > > You could go with option 1, provided that both machines have ethernet ports, just link them with a crossover ethernet cable and initiate internet sharing. The machine connected to the ‘modem’ has to be running for the other one to be able to access the internet, in this configuration. That’s good for connecting two computers, but won’t the broadband modem take up the port on one of the computers? It does on my system, but maybe some other modems work differently. ---
**Author:** ![Rysto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ecccb3/32.png) [@Rysto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysto)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110/10 "2008-02-03T21:26:23Z")
[QUOTE=ZenBeam] That’s good for connecting two computers, but won’t the broadband modem take up the port on one of the computers? It does on my system, but maybe some other modems work differently. [/QUOTE] You’ll need two ethernet ports on the computer in the middle. An ethernet card costs like $15, though. ---
**Author:** ![Myglaren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f1d935/32.png) [@Myglaren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myglaren)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110/11 "2008-02-03T23:27:07Z")
[QUOTE=Rysto] You’ll need two ethernet ports on the computer in the middle. An ethernet card costs like $15, though. [/QUOTE] Either that or connect with USB, most modems have that option, usually the only option. ---
**Author:** ![Nanoda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Nanoda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nanoda)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2008, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-ther-cheapest-way-to-connect-two-computers-to-broadband-at-the-same-time/436110/12 "2008-02-04T05:29:29Z")
You want a router. They’re cheap, OS independent, easy to configure, provide excellent security, enable all the wonders of a LAN, and won’t involve phoning your ISP for an extra DHCP assignment. I’ve gotten routers for less than 5$ after rebates; if you look I’m sure you can find one for 20$ or so. A switch will require that your ISP provide you with 2 addresses, something which not all do, and then not always by default. It will also mean greater difficulty should you wish to share files between the PCs, and way less security when you do. Windows internet sharing is a lame excuse for internet connectivity, and should only be used as a last resort if you feel like you have a few hours to waste if it doesn’t work the first time. It will also require that one PC have 2 cards, and stay on all the time, which may or may not be annoying.