can't configure switch network (only allows one machine at a time)

hi there, I'm trying to set up a home-network for the first time in my life and I'm REALLLY confused right now. Any help would be like a huge prize from the world.

I've got two computers, one's a dell inpiron 2500 laptop running XP pro, service pack 2 2002 with a PIII 897MHz processor and 256 MB RAM and a 20 gig HD.

the other's real crappy. I don't know the manufacturer, it's got a pentium MMX 233MHz proc, running windows 98, about 1.5 gigs HD and a whopping 16 MB of RAM.

I'm in Brazil with a internet provider called speedy, who sent me this DSLink 200E broadband ADSL thing, and I bought a thing called ENH908-NWY 10/100Mbps switch with 8 ports and no uplink.

both computers are hooked up to the switch and so is the ADSL situation.

the problem here is that both computers connect fine as long as the other one isn't connected. disconnect one and the other will connect. disconnect that one and the other works again. I totally don't get it.

I read somewhere that you need a crossover cable to go from the DSLink to the switch if you don't have an uplink port so i tried that--still just one at a time. I tried running the microsoft home-network program and it spit out a disk to install in the crappy computer (with win98) still one at a time. I tried manually setting the IP address on the crappy one to match the laptop (a three at the end instead of a four) which was a wild guess and still no dice. one at a time.

what am i missing here?

thanks in advance.

 

Your provider most likely is only allowing 1 IP address. To use multiple PC's you will need to get a DSL router and use NAT to translate one to many..

 

The following collection of links might serve as a Short Basic tutorial concerning the issue of Internat Sharing.

Link to: Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing.

Link to: Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

The page above was written by me ages ago. You might ignore the prices and Brand recommendations. The principles however are still the same.

Link to: Diagram of Broadband Connection with Cable/DSL Router.

Link to: DSL Routers and PPPOE.

 

ok, thanks so much for the helpful links. i definitely learned a lot.

i see now that i probably should have bought a router, but before i do, because as i mentioned, I'm in Brazil and really crappy epuipment is really expensive here, i'm wondering if there's a cheap way i can jerry rig this thing without needing more, or only minimal hardware. is it possible to set up the laptop and the desktop (+ the other two desktops that roommates are bringing next week) as a LAN and then one of those machines as a proxy server using the switch to connect them all? does anybody know helpful links for doing such a thing if it's possible? i'd like to set it all up through linux because i hate hate hate windows and plus trying to make sense of all the menus in portuguese is starting to try me. i've been able to find a lot of pages about setting up servers, but i'm confused about how to set up the LAN with a switch. any helpful hints would be greatly appreciated!

cheers

 

Setting up a LAN with a switch is simple. However, in order to share an Internet connection, you will need a router.

Switches only use a Data Link layer address (MAC address), not a Network layer address (IP address).

The good news is, if you get a router, you won't need that switch. So sell the switch and with the $$$, buy yourself a little 4-port router.


Steve

 

Woooaaawww, Hold on mate!! Don't go buying or selling anything just yet!

A Quick google for "DSLink 200E NAT" brought up too many pages to mention, and gave clear indication that the modem IS a router!!

Try this link for example, gives clear instructions for how to do DMZ (don't ask) on your modem/router. I didn't look for complete instructions for how to do NAT myself on your modem, you can do that, but I think its in this page, there's plenty of other pages on the web however!
http://firewalling.com/dslink/200e-DMZ.htm

Mate, you mentioned that you are in Brasil, well so am I. I don't know about you, but when the Brazilian ADSL provider - where I live - deliver (CTBC), you get a modem and an installation CD. (I'm not with Speedy, we don't have them here) The software you load up configures the modem, and creates a nightmare "Dial Up" like situation. Which is B****x because with ADSL, your router can house the name and password, and any PC on the NAT'd network should have instant access upon booting up. (Ie normal Broadband!)

Well, you've got to forget that install software and configure the Dlink 200e AND your network (+IE) yourself manually. This is what I have at home, my OWN router housing my login details, and I have 4 computers using the same connection. I'm sure this is against their rules, but you know, there's me and 100,000 other people doing this, and you can't complain!!

You've got to find out how to get into the back door on the modem, it is there and it is very possible. It's just usually a bit difficult since the software you've just installed restricts access and changes everything, including the Dlink 200E!

Welcome to Brasil mate, you've got a lot to learn! LOL.
Give me a shout if you need more information/help.

Nick.

 

I share my internet connection with 7 computers and use 2 4 port switches so i know you dont HAVE TO HAVE A ROUTER!!

 

Yeah, but you either configure windows IS (yuk) or just install W2KSvr on one and config it to do your NAT for you. Which is almost just a case of switching it on!

 

Okay, let me rephrase this...

The easiest way to do what you want to do is to get a router.


Steve

 

Which luckily, kerby has, he just don't know it!! I wonder if he will ever come back and read my post!?

N.

 

Nick, that's so rad you're in Brasil too!

Yeah, I was wondering what what the f**** was up with that dial-in-every-time-for-broadband garbage--ai meu deus do ceu. I haven't really had a chance these last couple of days to go for it, but some guy at my girlfriends work said you can only turn the DSLink into a router if it has USB (which mine does not), but knowing how that whole "some guy at the girlfriends work" thing goes, I thought i'd ask if you know what he means.

More reports forthcoming as I dive into this thing.

Thank you SO SO much for the help!!! Viva Brasil!

 

"ai meu deus do ceu" LMAO !! Man, I can speak it, read it, but cannot write it!!

I dunno anyone that uses the USB connection to their modem here. Trust me, check out that webpage I gave you a link to, you´ve just got to find the back door. DO NOT GIVE UP. I have friends here who can find the back door for you, I have a client who is a director of IT at the call centre that handles the internet and telecommunications for this state, but I will only ask their help if I have to... I´m sure you understand!

Gotta run, keep in touch!

Tchau
N.

 

One additional benifit to using router, besides simplisity, is you will also have a Hardware firewall it's built into the router!
I bought my Dlink router for $20
I run a 4 port router & 5 port switch, all protected by the router hardware firewall running in Stealth mode.

 

Nick you saved the day man!

I finally got that thing working with all the Speedy software safely in the garbage can...woo hoo! Tchau speedy tchau! Super huge thanks for INSISTING that I didn't need to buy anything else--now i got to trash that dial-in garbage, the connection's working great, and I feel way more in control of my network... you're awesome dude!

Many many thanks,
Kerby