How to Use Two Laptops on the Same DSL Modem

Both PC and Mac laptops can broadcast a connection for a second computer.

While many routers and modems have multiple ports or wireless capabilities for connecting several laptops, some DSL networking devices limit connections with a single Ethernet port. To connect two laptops to a modem with one port, you need to use one of the system's Internet sharing features to broadcast the connection. This feature comes built in to both Windows 7 and OS X laptops, and allows a second laptop to connect to the network using its built-in wireless card.

Things You'll Need

• Ethernet cord

Instructions

Windows

1. Connect one end of an Ethernet cord to the modem and the other end to the Ethernet port on the Windows laptop. Ensure the laptop has Internet or local network access.

2. Open the Control Panel and select the "Network and Sharing Center" icon. Click on "Set up a new connection or network."

3. Click on "Set up a wireless ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network," then click "Next." Enter a name and security key for the network, then click "Next" again.

4. Turn on the second laptop and place it within wireless range of the new network. Open the system's view of available wireless networks and connect to the ad-hoc network.

5. Turn off the ad-hoc network when not in use by clicking "Connect to a network" from the Network and Sharing Center. Right-click the ad-hoc network and select "Disconnect."

OS X

1. Connect the Mac laptop to the DSL modem using an Ethernet cable. Check the connection for network access.

2. Click the Apple icon in the top left of the screen and select "System Preferences." Click on the "Sharing" option, then select the "Internet Sharing" check box.

3. Click the "Share your connection from" arrow and select "Ethernet" from the list of options. Click the "To computers using" arrow and select "AirPort." This broadcasts the incoming network connection wirelessly.

4. Click on "AirPort Options." Enter a name for the network and a password. Click "OK" to start sharing.

5. Turn on the second laptop and place it within range of the Mac laptop. Most computers should receive a strong signal from several rooms away. View the list of available wireless networks and connect the Mac's network to begin using the modem's network connection.

6. Turn off the connection sharing when finished by removing the check mark from the "Internet Sharing" item in the Sharing window.

References

• Windows: Set Up a Computer to Computer (Ad Hoc) Network
• Apple Support: Sharing Your Internet Connection
• Mac Yourself: Turn Your Mac into a Wi-Fi Hotspot