Cannot aquire network address on second computer

[Sensei46]

I'm trying to set up a network in my home without having to buy expensive
equipment. We currently have a broadband connection with two induvial
computers. My plan is to set up a network for these computers so they gain
access to the internet via the modem and an 8-port switch. Before I got
started, the desktop computer worked fine, then once I hooked up the switch
and connected the second computer, I could not get a connection. The switch I
have boasts plug-and-play capabilities, but I just am not able to get both of
the computers online at the same time. I've tried just about everything I can
imagine (i.e. checking cables, connections, reseting the modem, ect.) and all
I get is a prompt stating that the conncection is limited. I'm not sure where
to turn. Help!

 

[Lem]

I'm trying to set up a network in my home without having to buy expensive
equipment. We currently have a broadband connection with two induvial
computers. My plan is to set up a network for these computers so they gain
access to the internet via the modem and an 8-port switch. Before I got
started, the desktop computer worked fine, then once I hooked up the switch
and connected the second computer, I could not get a connection. The switch I
have boasts plug-and-play capabilities, but I just am not able to get both of
the computers online at the same time. I've tried just about everything I can
imagine (i.e. checking cables, connections, reseting the modem, ect.) and all
I get is a prompt stating that the conncection is limited. I'm not sure where
to turn. Help!

Get a router instead of the switch (assuming that the "modem" is really
only a modem and not a combo modem/router).

If you insist on using the switch, how are you attempting to connect things?

--
Lem -- MS-MVP

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm