Internet Connection Sharing at Home

Due to the high speeds of broadband Internet connections, multiple computers can share a connection with little noticeable loss of speed. This combined with the low cost of setting up a home network makes Internet connection sharing easy, practical, and affordable. Commercial providers often allow Internet sharing for a limited number of computers in a given household. Comcast, for example, currently allows up to five computers per household. ResNet subscribers are not permitted to share their connections.

When setting up a home network, the following questions need to be addressed:

What is your Internet Service Provider's policy on Internet connection sharing?
How many computers will be connected to the network?
Will your network be wired or wireless?
What equipment will you need?

What is your Internet Service Provider's policy on Internet connection sharing?

Each Internet Service Provider (ISP) has its own policy regarding Internet connection sharing. Before proceeding any further, you should read the Terms of Service contract from your ISP. Listed below are the major high-speed (broadband) Internet providers for the Tuscaloosa area. Click on the company names to view their legal policies and service agreements.

How many computers will be connected to the network?

When setting up a home network, you should determine the number of computers that will be permanently on the network, as well any guests that might join your network on a temporary basis. You should also have a connection available for any Internet-connected game consoles you may own. However, be sure that the number of connections your network has does not exceed the maximum number of connections allowed by your ISP.

Will your network be wired or wireless?

Today's home networks come in "wired" and "wireless" varieties. Both networks have their strengths and weakness. Traditional "wired" networks require a physical connection (via network cable) to each computer on the network. Wired networks have the advantages of speed and security, but can be difficult to set up in areas that were not designed for the wiring. Wireless networks can be easily set up in virtually any physical environment. However, wireless networks are usually a little slower and extra effort must be spent on security. Many people choose to have a combination wired and wireless home network.

What equipment will you need?

To share an Internet connection, a device called a router must be used. The Internet connection comes in through your cable or DSL modem and is then sent to the router via a network cable. The router keeps track of each computer's incoming and outgoing network traffic, enabling it to send each computer the correct information. Newer routers are inexpensive, easy to set up, and have built-in firewall systems to protect home networks from hacking attempts.

The router is the main connection point for all the computers on your network, as well as your network's gateway to the Internet. Routers can be wired or wireless. (Wireless routers often also include a few wired network connections.) Each computer sharing the Internet connection must communicate via one of the router's ports; the listed number of ports on a router determines the total number of devices that can be connected.

Any computer that is part of the network must also have a Network Interface Card (NIC) correctly installed. These cards are often known simply as network, Ethernet, or LAN cards. NICs are either wired, wireless, or a combination. Make sure the NIC you purchase for each computer matches the type of connection you intend to use.

Setting up a Wired Network

With both wired and wireless networks, the centerpiece of the network is the router. In general, non-wireless routers are less expensive (and faster) than wireless routers. There are many makes and models to choose from. Average routers for home networks have between four and eight ports and start around $40. High-end routers such as those used by large enterprises cost much more.

Make sure you are buying a router

There are a couple of other network sharing devices that have similar functions and look like routers, but are not. When making your purchase, make sure the packaging indicates that you are buying a router, not a switch or a hub

Wiring the network

The biggest drawback to setting up a wired network is, of course, the wiring. However, network cable is inexpensive, so get the best quality you can find. The current standard for normal networking is CAT 5e. You will also need RJ45 connectors (terminal ends for the network cables) and a crimping tool. Other considerations include the location of the router, the location of the computers, and where and how to run the wiring. There are many good articles on the Internet to assist people with wiring home networks.

Once the wiring is in place, connect your router to a DSL or cable modem, and then connect your computers to the router. With a wired network, routers usually do not require any software configuration. If the network cards are properly installed on each computer, the only thing left to do is configure each computer's network settings. Don't panic! Nearly all operating systems (including Linux) have wizards to assist in this task; see the "Network Configuration" section below.

Setting up a Wireless Network

Equipment

There are a variety of wireless routers on the market to choose from, and many are very reasonably priced. You should make sure that you purchase a router that supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Most wireless routers also offer physical ports for non-wireless connections. Keep in mind that the listed number of ports indicates the maximum number of devices that may be connected through both methods at one time. On an eight-port wireless router, you may only use a total of eight connections, not eight wireless and eight wired.The average home networking router should have between four and eight ports (or possible connections) and cost between $80 - $250.

Each computer using a wireless connection will need to be equipped with a wireless NIC, which may be one of three different types: USB (external), PCI (internal), and laptop PC card. The USB NICs are very popular because they are easy to install and can be moved from machine to machine easily. Make sure that all wireless cards you purchase support WEP. Most cards come with user-friendly setup programs, so you should be able to manage the installation yourself

Note: Macintosh Airport cards are compatible with non-Macintosh wireless networks.

Physical Setup

Wireless routers and NICs are actually radio transceivers, capable of both transmitting and receiving radio signals. Since low-power radio transmissions can be easily disrupted, some consideration must be given to equipment placement. In most apartments and smaller homes, the range and signal strength of most wireless devices is more than sufficient. However, distance and walls are not always the culprit when getting a poor (i.e. slow or nonexistent) connection to wireless devices. Electrical interference from nearby appliances or even other computer equipment can easily disrupt a radio signal. With this in mind, it is generally not a good idea to set your router directly on or next to your computer. You should also be careful not to leave a cell phone on or near a wireless router or NIC.

Ideally, your router should be in a location central to the computers on the network. It is also a good idea to elevate it if possible; many routers come with wall-mounting hardware. In most one or two-bedroom apartments, the location of the router isn't as much of an issue. However, with multi-storied homes and town-houses, router positioning can become very important.

As mentioned earlier, there are a variety of wireless network cards. Stationary desktops have a choice between a PCI wireless NIC and USB. Laptops can use USB and PC Card NICs. The most versatile of these NICs is USB. USB NICs are connected to the computer's USB port via a reasonable length of wire. This allows the user to position the body of the NIC away from any equipment that might cause interference, as well as easily reposition the NIC for better signal strength. The USB NIC can be used with virtually any computer: desktop or laptop, PC or Mac. Wireless USB NICs also tend be less expensive than the other types.

Connect your router to your cable or DSL modem and connect any wired computers to the router. Install the wireless network NICs (and their drivers) on each computer on the network.

Network Configuration

If your computer was already configured to use your high-speed network, it should continue to work when plugged into your router with no additional configuration.

If you are connecting computers that were not previously configured, you may use our instructions for setting up your computer to use high-speed Internet (PDF).

Wireless Security: Protecting your data and your bandwidth

Once your computer has established a connection to the wireless router (and the Internet), it is time to secure your network from unauthorized use and hackers. Since wireless networks use radio waves to transmit data, they lack the physical security structures of wired networks. Without some extra measure of security, nearby hackers would be able to "piggy-back" themselves to your Internet connection and use your bandwidth for their own purposes, with you paying the bill. Once a hacker has gotten into your wireless network, he could help himself to all your shared data, and quite possibly all data on your network. Using a wireless network without security is much like living in a house with no walls; it just isn't safe.

Wi-Fi Protected Access

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access, second generation) is the state-of-the-art in wireless encryption (also known as 802.11i). Data encrypted by WPA2 may be intercepted, but it will appear as gibberish and cannot be read.

If you have WPA encryption, the standard used before WPA2, it is ok to use. However, Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is an older, more easily broken, encryption standard. If possible, you might want to upgrade to WPA2. Ask your supplier if an upgrade is available. Such security measures are NOT optional; they must be used in order to secure your network. See your owner's manuals for your router and NICs for instructions on enabling WPA2, WPA, and WEP.

Additional security steps

Using the factory software included with your wireless router and NICs, there are four steps you need to take:

Change the default SSID (network name)
Disable the SSID broadcast option
Change the default password needed to access a wireless device
Enable MAC address filtering

Change the default SSID

Your wireless devices have a default SSID set by the factory. The SSID is the name of your wireless network, and it can be anything you wish. Hackers know these defaults and will try using them to join your network. Change the network's SSID to something unique, and make sure it doesn't refer to the networking products you use. As an added precaution, be sure to change the SSID on a regular basis. This will deter future intrusion attempts.

Disable the SSID broadcast option

By default, most wireless networking devices are set to broadcast the SSID, so anyone can easily join the wireless network. You don't want people to easily join your network, so you should disable the SSID broadcast option.

Change the default password

You will be asked for a password when you want to change the settings to your router. These devices have a default password set by the factory. Hackers know these defaults and will try using them to access your router and change your network settings. To thwart any unauthorized changes, customize the device's password so that it will be hard to guess.

Enable MAC address filtering

If your wireless router offers it, enable MAC address filtering. The MAC address is a unique series of numbers and letters assigned to every networking device, such as NIC cards. With MAC address filtering enabled, wireless network access is provided solely for wireless devices with specific MAC addresses. This makes it harder for a someone else to access your network.

There are other security measures you can take as well, but these four are the most essential. For more information on additional security features, and details on how to implement these four steps, refer to the user guides for your wireless products.

Setting up a Wired Network Setting up a Wireless Network Network Configuration Wireless Security		Search:

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	Internet Connection Sharing at Home Due to the high speeds of broadband Internet connections, multiple computers can share a connection with little noticeable loss of speed. This combined with the low cost of setting up a home network makes Internet connection sharing easy, practical, and affordable. Commercial providers often allow Internet sharing for a limited number of computers in a given household. Comcast, for example, currently allows up to five computers per household. ResNet subscribers are not permitted to share their connections. When setting up a home network, the following questions need to be addressed: What is your Internet Service Provider's policy on Internet connection sharing? How many computers will be connected to the network? Will your network be wired or wireless? What equipment will you need? What is your Internet Service Provider's policy on Internet connection sharing? Each Internet Service Provider (ISP) has its own policy regarding Internet connection sharing. Before proceeding any further, you should read the Terms of Service contract from your ISP. Listed below are the major high-speed (broadband) Internet providers for the Tuscaloosa area. Click on the company names to view their legal policies and service agreements. Comcast (cable) Charter (cable) Bellsouth (DSL) dbTech (DSL) URONRAMP (DSL) World Web Internet Service Provider (DSL) How many computers will be connected to the network? When setting up a home network, you should determine the number of computers that will be permanently on the network, as well any guests that might join your network on a temporary basis. You should also have a connection available for any Internet-connected game consoles you may own. However, be sure that the number of connections your network has does not exceed the maximum number of connections allowed by your ISP. Will your network be wired or wireless? Today's home networks come in "wired" and "wireless" varieties. Both networks have their strengths and weakness. Traditional "wired" networks require a physical connection (via network cable) to each computer on the network. Wired networks have the advantages of speed and security, but can be difficult to set up in areas that were not designed for the wiring. Wireless networks can be easily set up in virtually any physical environment. However, wireless networks are usually a little slower and extra effort must be spent on security. Many people choose to have a combination wired and wireless home network. What equipment will you need? To share an Internet connection, a device called a router must be used. The Internet connection comes in through your cable or DSL modem and is then sent to the router via a network cable. The router keeps track of each computer's incoming and outgoing network traffic, enabling it to send each computer the correct information. Newer routers are inexpensive, easy to set up, and have built-in firewall systems to protect home networks from hacking attempts. The router is the main connection point for all the computers on your network, as well as your network's gateway to the Internet. Routers can be wired or wireless. (Wireless routers often also include a few wired network connections.) Each computer sharing the Internet connection must communicate via one of the router's ports; the listed number of ports on a router determines the total number of devices that can be connected. Any computer that is part of the network must also have a Network Interface Card (NIC) correctly installed. These cards are often known simply as network, Ethernet, or LAN cards. NICs are either wired, wireless, or a combination. Make sure the NIC you purchase for each computer matches the type of connection you intend to use. Setting up a Wired Network With both wired and wireless networks, the centerpiece of the network is the router. In general, non-wireless routers are less expensive (and faster) than wireless routers. There are many makes and models to choose from. Average routers for home networks have between four and eight ports and start around $40. High-end routers such as those used by large enterprises cost much more. Make sure you are buying a router There are a couple of other network sharing devices that have similar functions and look like routers, but are not. When making your purchase, make sure the packaging indicates that you are buying a router, not a switch or a hub Wiring the network The biggest drawback to setting up a wired network is, of course, the wiring. However, network cable is inexpensive, so get the best quality you can find. The current standard for normal networking is CAT 5e. You will also need RJ45 connectors (terminal ends for the network cables) and a crimping tool. Other considerations include the location of the router, the location of the computers, and where and how to run the wiring. There are many good articles on the Internet to assist people with wiring home networks. Once the wiring is in place, connect your router to a DSL or cable modem, and then connect your computers to the router. With a wired network, routers usually do not require any software configuration. If the network cards are properly installed on each computer, the only thing left to do is configure each computer's network settings. Don't panic!* Nearly all operating systems (including Linux) have wizards to assist in this task; see the "Network Configuration" section below. Setting up a Wireless Network Equipment There are a variety of wireless routers on the market to choose from, and many are very reasonably priced. You should make sure that you purchase a router that supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Most wireless routers also offer physical ports for non-wireless connections. Keep in mind that the listed number of ports indicates the maximum number of devices that may be connected through both methods at one time. On an eight-port wireless router, you may only use a total of eight connections, not eight wireless and eight wired.The average home networking router should have between four and eight ports (or possible connections) and cost between $80 - $250. Each computer using a wireless connection will need to be equipped with a wireless NIC, which may be one of three different types: USB (external), PCI (internal), and laptop PC card. The USB NICs are very popular because they are easy to install and can be moved from machine to machine easily. Make sure that all wireless cards you purchase support WEP. Most cards come with user-friendly setup programs, so you should be able to manage the installation yourself Note: Macintosh Airport cards are compatible with non-Macintosh wireless networks. Physical Setup Wireless routers and NICs are actually radio transceivers, capable of both transmitting and receiving radio signals. Since low-power radio transmissions can be easily disrupted, some consideration must be given to equipment placement. In most apartments and smaller homes, the range and signal strength of most wireless devices is more than sufficient. However, distance and walls are not always the culprit when getting a poor (i.e. slow or nonexistent) connection to wireless devices. Electrical interference from nearby appliances or even other computer equipment can easily disrupt a radio signal. With this in mind, it is generally not a good idea to set your router directly on or next to your computer. You should also be careful not to leave a cell phone on or near a wireless router or NIC. Ideally, your router should be in a location central to the computers on the network. It is also a good idea to elevate it if possible; many routers come with wall-mounting hardware. In most one or two-bedroom apartments, the location of the router isn't as much of an issue. However, with multi-storied homes and town-houses, router positioning can become very important. As mentioned earlier, there are a variety of wireless network cards. Stationary desktops have a choice between a PCI wireless NIC and USB. Laptops can use USB and PC Card NICs. The most versatile of these NICs is USB. USB NICs are connected to the computer's USB port via a reasonable length of wire. This allows the user to position the body of the NIC away from any equipment that might cause interference, as well as easily reposition the NIC for better signal strength. The USB NIC can be used with virtually any computer: desktop or laptop, PC or Mac. Wireless USB NICs also tend be less expensive than the other types. Connect your router to your cable or DSL modem and connect any wired computers to the router. Install the wireless network NICs (and their drivers) on each computer on the network. Network Configuration If your computer was already configured to use your high-speed network, it should continue to work when plugged into your router with no additional configuration. If you are connecting computers that were not previously configured, you may use our instructions for setting up your computer to use high-speed Internet (PDF). Wireless Security: Protecting your data and your bandwidth Once your computer has established a connection to the wireless router (and the Internet), it is time to secure your network from unauthorized use and hackers. Since wireless networks use radio waves to transmit data, they lack the physical security structures of wired networks. Without some extra measure of security, nearby hackers would be able to "piggy-back" themselves to your Internet connection and use your bandwidth for their own purposes, with you paying the bill. Once a hacker has gotten into your wireless network, he could help himself to all your shared data, and quite possibly all data on your network. Using a wireless network without security is much like living in a house with no walls; it just isn't safe. Wi-Fi Protected Access WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access, second generation) is the state-of-the-art in wireless encryption (also known as 802.11i). Data encrypted by WPA2 may be intercepted, but it will appear as gibberish and cannot be read. If you have WPA encryption, the standard used before WPA2, it is ok to use. However, Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is an older, more easily broken, encryption standard. If possible, you might want to upgrade to WPA2. Ask your supplier if an upgrade is available. Such security measures are NOT optional; they must be used in order to secure your network. See your owner's manuals for your router and NICs for instructions on enabling WPA2, WPA, and WEP. Additional security steps Using the factory software included with your wireless router and NICs, there are four steps you need to take: Change the default SSID (network name) Disable the SSID broadcast option Change the default password needed to access a wireless device Enable MAC address filtering Change the default SSID Your wireless devices have a default SSID set by the factory. The SSID is the name of your wireless network, and it can be anything you wish. Hackers know these defaults and will try using them to join your network. Change the network's SSID to something unique, and make sure it doesn't refer to the networking products you use. As an added precaution, be sure to change the SSID on a regular basis. This will deter future intrusion attempts. Disable the SSID broadcast option By default, most wireless networking devices are set to broadcast the SSID, so anyone can easily join the wireless network. You don't want people to easily join your network, so you should disable the SSID broadcast option. Change the default password You will be asked for a password when you want to change the settings to your router. These devices have a default password set by the factory. Hackers know these defaults and will try using them to access your router and change your network settings. To thwart any unauthorized changes, customize the device's password so that it will be hard to guess. Enable MAC address filtering If your wireless router offers it, enable MAC address filtering. The MAC address is a unique series of numbers and letters assigned to every networking device, such as NIC cards. With MAC address filtering enabled, wireless network access is provided solely for wireless devices with specific MAC addresses. This makes it harder for a someone else to access your network. There are other security measures you can take as well, but these four are the most essential. For more information on additional security features, and details on how to implement these four steps, refer to the user guides for your wireless products.
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