Finally going broadband--mini & pc: how?

Steve · Junior Member Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 46

I am finally getting broadband cable after years on dialup. I have a pc and a Mini with Airport only a few feet apart. What is the best way to do this and what do I need? Hook up to the pc, then let the Mini pick it up through the Airport? I am sure my cable company would like to rent me all sorts of equipment, but I prefer to simply buy my own.

I recently was going to log off the internet on my Mini and found that I already had been off. It seems my Mini's Airport was picking up a wireless signal from a neighbor.

hackersmovie · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:18 pm Post subject:

I just bought one of these:

$38 bucks at Wal-Mart. 4 port 10/100 router and wireless! Can't beat that!
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Cypher · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:24 pm Post subject:

I have a similar one to hackersmovie

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Steve · Junior Member Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 46

Where does the router fit into the scheme of things? Does my pc (6 years old with Windows ME) need a cable modem? In other words, the broadband cable comes into the house, goes to what and to what? I know my Mini will pick up the signal with the Airport wireless.

Cypher · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 3:51 pm Post subject:

Mine is

Cable to the house -> Cable Modem -> Ethernet -> Belkin Router

The router also contains a 4 port switch and wireless

of the 4 ports, 3 connect to devices via ethernet iMac, PC and X-Box 360
the remaining port carries an ethernet cable to upstairs where I have another switch upstairs connecting 3 other PCs.

My PC laptop and Macbook Pro connect using the wireless.
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Pleiades · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 3:51 pm Post subject:

Here's a basic diagram (thank you Microsoft, of all people):

The connections from the router to each computer could be wireless or wired, depending on the specifications of that machine.
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Dino1956 · Veteran Member Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 1194

Hackersmovie,

It looks like you & I have the same Belkin Router unless you've upgraded since last year. This is the Router that I thought was giving me my Ichat Issues.

Dino1956
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NadiaGeek · Member Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 148

The modem your internet provider will give you plugs directly into your router, then your PC will be connected to the router via a CAT 5 cable (Ethernet), and your mini will just receive the signal the router sends out automatically. Easy.

Or you could just get a two-way network card for your PC. Cable Modem to PC, PC OUT to Mini.

Either way would be fine, but if you plan to buy more computers in the future, the router would be best.

Only drawback to the two-way NIC is that your PC would have to be on in order for your Mini to connect to the Internet.
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