Make Sharing a Broadband Connection Between Different Computers Possible
Three Different Alternatives
There are a number of different options available to users with a broadband connection, whereby they can connect according to varied needs. Some people may ask if it is possible to connect two PCs to a broadband connection or if it's possible to have more than two computers connected to the same broadband connection. The answer in short, is yes.
There are three different solutions available which include sharing a broadband connection using Microsoft Internet Connection sharing, which is most suitable for home and small office users. Another possibility is sharing a broadband connection using a dedicated broadband router, which is ideal for small businesses and homes requiring more flexibility. The third and last option available is sharing a broadband connection using a Linux router, which is the most sophisticated solution because if facilitates the most control over security and has a broad range of other features as well.
Microsoft Internet Connection sharing allows a computer that connects to the Internet via a cable modem or DSL modem to also connect with a number of other computers. Since this form of sharing connections does not require much hardware and is easy to set up its cost is low, though it can only be used for a few different situations. It only requires that each computer have a network card and a crossover cable to connect with each other.
A better solution, however, is to utilize a dedicated broadband router which can be used when more than one computer needs to share a broadband connection and all computers get connected via a hub or switch, with the hub or switch in turn, being connected with the broadband router that acts as a gateway. The router does not contain any moving parts and also uses low voltage, is silent and can connect any computer without any time delay.
Using the third alternative of a Linux router provides the user with greatest control over security, logging and access because Linux is an operating system that keeps the computer safe and secure as well as being robust. The Linux router closely resembles a hardware router but with the Linux router the user can fully control the traffic that can come and go out of the network, as well control who logs in and who can access and at what time they may access the computer.
