Question for NTL UK cable network users

[yabbadoo]

Is there a UK NTL cable modem user out there who has a router/switch
installed and working to switch/share internet connection between 2 pc's,
both XP/SP2?

Modem is Terayon, whose website categorically states NO technical support
available for routers.
Router is Sitecom, whose website exists but is completely non-functional, so
cannot get a support contact from any of their 5 European sites. Nor can I
trace a UK tel.no, as I don't know where they are located (192.com needs
town or post-code).

NTL website FAQ's and database contain no mention of routers.

Router documentation merely gives specs and simple cabling instructions
(done).

Cannot get router switch to work. All I want is simple internet connectivity
for 1 pc and 1 laptop. Do not want/need to network the actual computers.
Simple, innit? (NO it is not!).
New router, already exchanged once, 2nd router behaves exact same way. Is
possible to connect through it, one at a time, so "through" connections
access the modem, but not possible to switch between the computers without
first powering off the modem (which effectively makes the router obsolete).

If any UK NTL cable user has succeeded, please respond!

"frustrated to blazes" aka Len.

 

[John Coode]

Try asking your question here:
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/f...age=2&sort=lastpost&order=&pp=25&daysprune=30
It's not an official NTL forum but it is read by some NTL techs and
there are lots of experienced users.
I set up an NTL connection in my niece's student house for 6 users with
a set top box modem and a Linksys wireless router very easily. Although
NTL won't provide any support for routers there is nothing inherent in
their system which will stop you sharing a connection.

Another couple of sites that may be helpful are:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jayone/index.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/robin.d.h.walker/cmtips/index.html

 

[EasyFeelings]

you keep saying "router / switch", do you have a router OR a switch? if you
have a router it should allow multi systems online at once. sounds like you
have a switch.

 

[yabbadoo]

Looked at the documentation - it's a Linksys LN112 switch.
Apologies for inadvertent confusion. However, should it work as stated
(switch internet access between pc's)? that's what Maplin's said it would
do, no problem. Huh !!
Len

 

[yabbadoo]

Thanks, John, am in the forum now.
Alas, your set-up does not reflect mine, yours is far more complicated
(set-top box modem, wireless router - bet you've networked, too!) All I want
is a simple set-up that works.
I've been corrected - my Linksys is a switch, not a router, nevertheless
should work, I'm told.
Thanks again, Len.

 

[neil]

Don't think so, you need a router.

Neil

Looked at the documentation - it's a Linksys LN112 switch.
Apologies for inadvertent confusion. However, should it work as stated
(switch internet access between pc's)? that's what Maplin's said it would
do, no problem. Huh !!
Len

 

[John Coode]

Looked at the documentation - it's a Linksys LN112 switch.
Apologies for inadvertent confusion. However, should it work as stated
(switch internet access between pc's)? that's what Maplin's said it would
do, no problem. Huh !!
Len

I too assumed you had a router. My understanding is that the NTL server
'locks' onto the MAC address ( a unique number hardwired into a computer's
or router's network card) of the device it finds at the end of the cable.
That would
explain why you can't switch connections. Maplin's have given you bad advice
and
should have sold you a router. Your other option is to set up Internet
Connection Sharing on the computers.

By the way, if you decide to buy a router there are cheaper options than
Maplins if
you are comfortable to shop online. For example:
http://www.simply.co.uk/sis/ntllinksys/homepage.aspx

 

[yabbadoo]

No problem with on-line shopping, do it often.
However, since I don't want/need a network, £25 for a switch was already
expensive when all that was intended was automate (avoid the need to) switch
off modem, switch cable from one PC to 'tother, switch modem back on. It's
only 'cos the cables are in awkward places and I have back trouble....

As I read it, I need a whole lot more kit for both pc's to do that (in
effect, buy kit sufficient to set up a network). As a pensioner, the cost is
prohibitive (whether from Maplins or anywhere else).

Unless of course, you know something different ....

Thanks, Len.

 

[yabbadoo]

John, Missed one important line - you say "set up computers for internet
sharing" - how's that done? Bet it's a network thing ...
Len

 

[neil]

Internet connection sharing (ICS) is part of XP. You will need two network
cards in the PC connected to the modem (assuming you don't use USB). Then a
RJ45 network cross over cable to connect the two PCs.

Neil

 

[John Coode]

Internet Connection Sharing is built into Windows. One computer acts as the
host
and shares the connection to the other computers, in fact it gives you a
software
router. The main disadvantage is that the 'host' computer must be turned on
for you
to use the connection on other computers.

There are lots of sites on the web with instructions and diagrams on setting
it up.
Try:
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/ics
or enter 'Internet Connection Sharing' at www.google.co.uk.
Good luck, John

 

[yabbadoo]

Neil, John - thank you both for good advice and your perseverence..
Been to the site - seems straightforward. Additional cost seems to be
another LAN card and a crossover cable, which is minimal. (I may be able to
recover cost of mis-sold Linksys switch).

Please would you comment on new post re my existing LAN card - new post 'cos
it's only related to current thread by virtue of being a LAN card. It's an
entirely different problem.

Thanks again, Len

 

[Guest]

Switches ARE different than routers. Switches will not provide the dhcp and
nat that is needed to share a cable modem that only has one IP address.

 

[yabbadoo]

John, I repeat my personal thanks posted elsewhere (in another's original
thread). Dabs just delivered (total cost, Lan card cable and postage just
£9.56) - installed it, and the idiot-proof instructions you linked me to
allowed us to be up and surfing on both pc's in half an hour. SUCCESS!

Thanks again, Len.