share a cable modem

[Blaster3]

i want to use my cable modem (motorola surfboard SBV5120) with 2 computers & different e-mail addresses. i have a new roomate & we both need our own internet service but we don't want to pay xtra monthly fees to our provider for an additional modem. i prefer not to have a network, what i want is to be able to use each computer simultaneously surfing the web & e-mail as stand alone units. is this possible? how do i accomplish it? thanx in advance.

[glc]

It cannot be done like that.

Get a router and share. You don't have to enable networking if you don't want to. Most cable providers give you multiple e-mail addresses.

One modem, one computer, unless you use a router. That cannot be overridden unless you buy an additional IP address from your provider. Even if you did that, you would have to buy a switch, might as well buy a router and not pay extra every month.

[Blaster3]

thank you,
yes my provider allows 3 e-mail addresses which are currently all in use.
i will just have to close one of them so the new tenant can get one of his own.
better that then pay an xtra $44/month (cablevision N.Y. prices out of control).

[glc]

Or you could have your tenant get a free e-mail address such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail.

[Blaster3]

they currently have an aol address, so does that mean all they need is the internet connection & they will be able to use there aol address?
if so, all i need to do is get a router & plug them into it, is there any set up involved?
also what router would you recommend? thanx glc

[glc]

Yep, all they have to do is go to www.aol.com and sign in to get their mail. They can even install the software if they want and they are masochists. With the always on connection, it will log right on.

I recommend a Linksys WRT54GL, just plug the modem into it, power the modem off for a few minutes, power it on, connect both computers to it, and go.

It's a wireless router with 4 LAN ports. If you are not using the wireless, turn it off, if you are, secure it properly.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124190

[Blaster3]

thanx again glc,
i shud have mentioned that one of the stations will be about 200 feet away from the modem (out in the garage). i guess i will need to hard wire it. any suggestions on cables? which cat # shud i get, 5,6 anything better?

[glc]

CAT5e should be fine. You can buy it bulk at Home Depot, along with tips, jacks, etc. Hardwiring is the most reliable. You could also use powerline bridges if the outlets out there and in your room with the router are on the same breaker box.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122097

[Blaster3]

thanx once again glc
will do as suggested, cat 5e & LINKSYS WRT54GL
i will check into a power bridge & what it does & whether or not i need it.

i mite try the bridges, all electric comes from same load center(panel box) but outlets are on different circuit breakers. it shud work because that still makes them electrically connected provided all the breakers are turned on.
it's a better option than diggin a 200 foot trench to bury the cat 5e, ((yes, i would install pvc conduit))

[Blaster3]

just a follow up...
decided to hardwire the router.
i found cat5e cable pre-made with factory sealed ends (250 feet) $49 at lowes.
they also had 100 foot pre-made cables & the usuall shorter lengths. cable s made by philips.