Setup Broadband on another computer or laptop

This document describes the three most common techniques used to share a broadband internet connection with multiple computers. The first solution, is to install the modem software on two computers and swap the modem between them. The second method involves  sharing a broadband connection using Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing, is suitable for home use and low-budgets. The final method is to share a broadband connection using a dedicated broadband router, this is the better solution as the machines are fully independent.

Method 1: Setting up broadband on another computer

You can use your Universal broadband connection on another computer simply by installing the modem software on each of the computers. The only drawback is that you will have to swap the modem between the two computers.

1. You cannot use two modems on one broadband line simultaneously.
2. You can access the internet on only one computer at a time.

See below for connecting two or more computer at the same time.

Method 2: Sharing a broadband connection using Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing

Description

Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) enables a computer connected to the Internet via a DSL modem to share its connection with other computers connected to it. It is cheap because of its minimal hardware requirements and is fairly straight forward to set up. However it is only suitable for situations with limited requirements.

Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing is software built into Microsoft Windows 98 SE, Windows 98 ME, Windows XP and Windows 2000. ICS enables a computer connected to the Internet via a DSL modem to share its connection with other computers connected to it via Ethernet cable.

When only one other computer needs to share this connection, then Computer #2 can connect directly to Computer #1 using a crossover cable. Note that both computers must have network cards  installed.



 

Click here for more information on how to setup ICS with windows XP.

Click here for more information on how to setup  ICS with windows 98(SE).
 

Method 3: Sharing a broadband connection using a hardware broadband router

Summary

A dedicated broadband router is a much better approach than the one above when two or more than two computers need to share one broadband internet connection. With this method, all computers on the network are connected together using the broadband router. All the computers can then connect to the internet using the router as a gateway. This means that any computer on the network can connect to the internet at any time without delay.

Broadband routers start at quite a low price: £60 or so will get you one that works. However the price range is very broad; the more you spend the more features you will get.

Universal recommends you using either Speedtouch 546  router or a Speedtouch 580 wireless router. You can use any of our broadband packages to connect to the internet. You also can use any other router other than the ones recommended by Universal.

Setting broadband routers up is usually a straight-forward process too. Most will automatically detect the necessary settings, and they will usually set up your home network for you too (using a technology called Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol or DHCP).

 

Disclaimer:  Due to the large variety of Router makes and models available, Universal is unable to offer full Technical support for all routers. We do however offer support for the initial installation and set up for most models. For full support we recommend you contact your equipment vendor.

Common Wireless Networking Hardware Vendors

Linksys Support
Netgear Support
Microsoft Support
D-Link Support
Motorola Support
Apple (AirPort) Support