Networking and internet sharing.

Are they the same or different. I purchased a laptop that has a different adapter than my other laptop and the second won't connect while the first one will. Just curious?

 

Yes, the two are different.

Networking is the process where by computing devices are connected together in a manner that allows them to communicate with each other.

Internet sharing is a special service that runs on top of a Network, and allows a single PC to share its dedicated connection to the internet.

You can have a network without internet sharing. However, there is no point in having internet sharing without a network to share over.

I'm not sure what you mean by a different adapter. If you mean that one has an inbuild modem (with a connector to connect into your telephone system) and the other has an Ethernet port to connect to a network cable, then yes again the two are different.

 

First, thanks for responding Reggie. By saying two different adapters, one is of the same brand name as the main computer's router, that plugs into a USB port and the second has an infrared adapter that slides into a different slot. I'm sure it's just a configuration problem.

 

We'd need model name/numbers and manufacturer's details to identify those adapters.

 

First laptop with same name adapter is Netgear MA111 and the infrared adapter is Zonet, ZEW1501

 

This is an USB 802.11b wireless network adapter. The product page for this adapter can be located via this page.

The zonet product page for this adapter is here. It is not an infrared device. It is a wireless network adapter, that slots in the PCMCIA slot. It uses 802.11b and 802.11g wireless network standards.

Which adapter works?

What is the make and model of your router?

 

My router is a Netgear MR814v3

 

If you do indeed have a Router then why do you need to to share the Internet connection ?

Can't you go from each machine directly to the Router/Internet.

I have 3 machines connected to a Linksys Router and no one depends on the other for anything. Each machine is set to connect directly to the Internet. Even if the others are off.

Each machine is 100% independnet and requires nothing from any other.

YES ! It is a bit more work to install stuff on each machine but is well worth it in the end.

A long time ago I did have some things on this machine set to be shared. But when it went down and my Wife could not play her games she was VERY unhappy. And now we also spend many enjoyable hours playing games over the Network.

BillyBob

 

I asked this tech at work and he said to go to my main computer and tell it to accept the laptop, I looked and can't quite figure it out.

 

How to set up a Router
You will need a Ethernet RJ-45 cable to connect from modem to router.
Preferred "new" install of a router is to use a Ethernet RJ-45 cable connection from router to computer network card. Once router is set up and working fine, then WIFI connections can begin if preferred connection. I have included Netgear MR814 link for any required reference.

 

One to each machine so that each can have its own Internet connection without replying on the other.

BillyBob

 

How long are your cables Billy Bob? That seems kind of like things would get in your way.

For Dennis, is the RJ-45 a straight through cable? The one connecting my modem to the router is of the twisted type, no straight type cables came with the router. I'm wondering if it is indeed crossed in the router?

 

Two of mine are I guess 30'. But are under the floor so are not in the way. All three machines are in the same room just on opposite sides.

But even having a bit of extra cable to contend with I think it is stiil worth it to have each machine independent of the other. At least as far as the Internet goes.

BillyBob

 

From link How To Set Up a Router

When you are first installing your router, it is preferred to use a wired connection to one computer. Allows easier trouble shooting if a problem occurs. Once first wired computer is working good, then add each additional computer (wired) if that is your preferred connection type. If your preference is WIFI connection, then start on that. I have not had a need for a WIFI connection. But for myself, I would always have at least one computer wired ... just an easier connection to work with.

If the cable came with your router, use it to connect modem to Router.
For cables from Router to computer, just ask for a normal Ethernet RJ-45 cable.

Do you have any desktop computers or are both of them notebooks? If your long term goal is for both notebooks to be WIFI, I would suggest (2x) RJ-45 cables. One for Modem to Router and a second one from router to computer during initial install. When / if you switch both notebooks to WIFI, you will no longer need a cable from router to computer, but would be nice to have one it available for trouble shooting.

 

Well, I'll drag my laptop over to my desktop and hook it to my router and see what happens?

 

Guess what, the laptop won't connect and says there is an IP conflict.

 

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

 

What exactly is this suppose to do?

 

Start->Run-> type "CMD ", then you will get dos command window.

type " ipconfig/release" to release the current ip address.
type " ipconfig/renew" to get the new ip address.

I suppose you use DHCP.

 

It forces the automated IP addressing scheme (DHCP) to reassign the IP address - hopefully fixing the IP conflict.