No connection on second computer

I just got cable internet in my apartment and was provided with a RCA cable modem plus i am using a netgear hub so that i can hook up my computer and my roommates. I always have a connection but my roommate never gets a connection. I've tried everything i can think of to get it to work, like a spyware sweep, removing windows service pack 2, resetting the network setting, restarting modem and hub. The only way that he can get a connection is if i connect the cable modem direct to his computer. Thats they only way he gets a connection. When i use the hub, I get a connection but he doesnt. Any help would be appreciated. Thank You.

 

unfortunately unless your modem supports NAT you cannot share your internet connection with your roommate using that setup.

There are 3 ways to overcome this:
1) Replace the hub with a router
2) Buy a second network card for your computer and use windows internet connection sharing. The drawback with this method is that your computer will need to be running for your roommate to get a connection.
3) Replace the cable modem with a modem/router, although I'm not certain whether you will need to get one compatible with your isp. In Australia cable internet is not too popular, most of us have ADSL.

Maybe someone else can chime in with other suggestions, but I think these are the main ones.

 

The reason why i know that it doesnt have to do with the hub being compatible with the modem is that my computer is also hooked up to the hub. My set up is like this:
______>my PC
/
cable----------->modem------->hub
\______>roommates PC

 

I understand what you are trying to say, but the problem is that you are most likely trying to share a single IP address between 2 computers with that setup.

Most internet/cable companies only assign you 1 ip address when you connect to their service. However, for each computer on your network to access the internet they each need a seperate IP address. To do this on home networks you a need a device which supports NAT(network address translation). This will allow each computer on your network to have its own IP address.

Do you know the model of your cable modem, that way I can look it up and see if it supports NAT. A few good ones do but most dont. If not you will need to choose one of the options I listed before. If it does support NAT, then we may need to manually configure your friends IP settings.

 

So i think im going to buy a router what type to you recommend that is good but not to costly?

 

some one else may need to answer this, I'm not too familiar with what routers are available in the US.

 

I Am using a LINKSYS wired router. If you are going wireless, that will cost you around 80.00 for the CPU card plus another 80.00 or more for the router. The one I have I got it on sale and rebates around 30.00 if I remember well. Any way they all come with a booklet and a CD and the only thing you have to do for setting the other computer up is writing the router address everything else is automatic.

There are another kinds of wired routers and cheaper, but... Check at Best Buy.