Cable and network

[dondrd]

I am new to cable modems. I have cable access thru Comcast. I also have a D-Link DFE-910 network which uses a switch. How do I setup to allow my other computer to access the internet through the cable modem installed at my pc? Also, is the "uplink" port on the switch to allow the use of another switch or is that where the modem goes? How do I configure these pcs? I already went thru Comcast so I'm doing it legally (for another 6.00 a mo.) I would really appreciate your help.
Thanks.
Don

[Confused]

I presume the additional $6.00 per month is for another IP address. I would forget the switch and get a 4 port router. With a router there is no need for another IP address, you simply move the assigned IP address on your computer to the router, set both PC's up to obtain IP address automatically and the router will assign it's own IP address to the two PC's. An added benifit of a router is it offers hardware firewall protection. Plus if you ever decide on a third or fourth PC, they can be hooked up also without the additional charge of obtaining IP addresses. Good router can be had for $70.00/90.00 dollars. Check the SMC 4 port at www.mwave.com
Chas

[fred]

Hi dondrd,
A router is good, but depends on whether you play games. It will slow down your access. Some cable modems support two PC's without a hub or router, and in that case it is better to pay the $6 and get two IP addresses asigned from the server.
I prefer to use "connection sharing" built into XP because it is so fast. Your primary machine (by that I mean the one connected to the net)suffers a tiny decrease in speed (still faster than a router), your secondary machines a bit worse. Just make sure YOU play games on the primary machine.

[dondrd]

I appreciate your input but money is tight. I just moved. So, all the whining aside, is there some way I can make this work? My network used D-Link NICs and the modem uses Realtek NIC. How do I hook theses guys up. From modem to switch to PCs?

[Confused]

I don't have experience with a switch, but from the way you describe it, you would need a CAT5 straight thru cable between the switch and the cable modem. The PC that is currently pluged into the modem would plug into one of the switch ports. The other PC would use a straight thru CAT 5 cable and plug into another port on the PC. Go into Control Panel/Network icon and input information provided you by Comcast.

If money is tight, you could skip the router/switch/IP address and connect one of the PC'c to the modem, add a second NIC card to it (one time charge of about $10.00), and connect the second to it leting it serve as a gateway.
Chas

[dondrd]

The pc with the ext modem HAS 2 NICs-1 for the modem now, and one for the network. How do I set them up. How do I get my 2nd PC to access the net thru my first? One with modem has 1 D-Link NIC(network) and 1-RealTek NIC (modem), 2nd has D-Link NIC for my network.

[Confused]

This is a good article and place to get started. I've never set up a gateway but I believe the section Sharing a modem over a network addresses your issues. http://www.pcmech.com/networking.htm
Chas

[dondrd]

I have tried everything and I think I'm missing something (intelligence?) I've done the ICS install and configuration, client setup per wown.com. What am I missing?