How to Share an Internet Network

Use a router to share a network connection.

The safest way to share an Internet connection is to use a cable or DSL router. The router can remain powered on and will allow computers to access the Internet independently. The router will also act as a simple firewall device and protect computers from Internet attackers. Cable routers translate network addresses from internal private addresses to public addresses. This allows several computers to access the Internet using a single public Internet address.

Instructions

Use and Cable or DSL Router

1. 

   Choose a router that meets your needs.

   Select the router that meets your needs. All routers will have a common set of features, but may vary in a few ways. The router should feature at least one port for a WAN or Internet connection. There will be several LAN or Local ports. This will determine how many computers you can connect at one time. LAN ports can be Fasteithernet, which usually means 100 Megabits per second or Gigabit ports, which are 10 times faster. The Internet speed will be limited by your service provider, however; so the speed of the LAN ports only affect connections between local computers.

2. 

   Choose wireless options and adapters as required.

   Select the Wi-Fi options. This allows computers to attach to the router with Wi-Fi and share the Internet connection. Choose a router that offers WPA wireless encryption.

3. 

   One port, usually apart from the others, is used to connect to the Internet.

   Connect the router to the cable modem. The modem is supplied by the cable company or DSL provider. Use a straight through or normal Ethernet cable to connect the WAN port of the router to the Ethernet port of the cable modem.

4. 

   Connect computers to the LAN ports.

   Connect computers that are close enough for wired connections to the LAN ports of the cable router. Use standard Ethernet cables. House wiring can be used if it is data wiring, preferably Category 5 wiring or better. The maximum total length of a cable connection is 100 meters or about 300 feet.

5. 

   Enable wireless for any 802.11 compatible devices.

   Enable the wireless feature of the router if you want computers to connect using Wi-Fi. Enter a unique SSID, or Service Set Identifier, using the wireless configuration screen of the router. Choose an SSID that is unique, yet does not reveal personal information, such as family name.

6. 

   Enable WPA encryption for good security.

   Enable wireless security. Use WPA or WPA2 personal for secure wireless connection. Remember the WEP can easily be broken. Do not choose WEP encryption if WPA is available. Choose a strong password, using upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.

7. 

   Test the connection to make sure it works.

   Test the connection. Make certain that each of the computers can access the same websites at the same time.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain that wireless connections are encrypted.

• Connect computers with cables when possible for better performance.

• Do not run cables through air ducts. Check fire code safety regulations.

References

• IEEE: Security Weakness of WEP Protocol
• Small Net Builder: How to Crack WEP

Resources

• D-Link: Find Your Product
• Factory Direct: Netgear
• NCIX: Linksys BEFSR81
• Firewall Guide: Wireless Router Guide