How to Share through Network Hardware
With a device, all the computers on your network can focus on their own work, eliminating the need to leave a computer running constantly as an “internet server” as if you choose to use Windows 8 Internet Connection Sharing.
(After all, a PC capable of running Windows 8 with a decent clip is an expensive resource compared to a $50-100 (US) investment on a hardware sharing device.)
Wired sharing devices for your network
For PC owners who already have a traditional wired Ethernet network – or who are considering building one – a device like a switch-firewall- DHCP-sharing server- the thing you see in the figure is the perfect solution for Internet connection sharing. (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, or DHCP, allows your hardware sharing device to automatically configure IP addresses on your network.)
(Even Google doesn’t return many results if you’re looking for something Share Server-Firewall-DHCP.) The device pictured is actually a cable/DSL Internet router with a four-port switch.
To get an idea of why hardware sharing is so popular, see what you can buy — in one small, tidy box — online for just $50:
Integrated 4-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switch: Connect four computers, to start with, directly into your router for instant Ethernet. You can also find routers with high performance (10/100/1000) Ethernet ports at a slightly higher price.
Direct DSL or cable modem port: The port can also be used as a Wide Area Network (WAN) connection to connect the sharing device to an existing external network.
DHCP Server: Provides semi-automatic network configuration for computers connected to the device.
The hardware and software controls you need to block specific Internet traffic (both incoming and outgoing): You can also prevent individual computers from accessing the Internet.
Easy-to-use, web-based configuration screen: You can use it on any computer connected to the router.
Built-in NAT function.
So neat, eh? Remember that this device is used in conjunction with your existing cable or DSL modem, which is usually included by your ISP as part of your Internet subscription (but you may pay more because you rent the modem).
You can get a similar device with all these features and a built-in DSL or cable modem. Since the modem is not charged a monthly rental fee, you can turn your attention to your ISP and save money in the long run.
Of course, the setup procedure is different for every device on the market, but here’s a sample of what’s in store when you take your new internet sharing router out of the box. (Don’t plug your new toy’s power supply into the wall yet.)
If you’re running a typical standalone network adapter, you can either unplug the existing Ethernet cables from all existing computers and connect them to the new share device, or connect the WAN port of the existing hub to one of the ports on the Internet sharing device.
Plug the power supply from the sharing device into an AC socket.
Configure a computer on your new network using the default network settings provided by the device manufacturer.
Launch Internet Explorer on the computer that you configured in step 3 and use the web-based configuration tool to finish configuring the device.
That’s it! If you’re running a typical home network or home office network, you should probably keep the default settings for everything. Fortunately, you probably won’t have to use any of the optional settings, but it’s good to know that they are.
Wireless network sharing devices
Most people think that sharing an Internet connection over a wireless network should be more difficult to set up than a traditional wired network—and that it potentially poses a huge security risk. Both preconceptions are wrong. Sharing a wireless connection with a device is as simple to set up as a wired one.
And you can make it very difficult (if not impossible) for someone to hack their way into your network or your Internet connection.
To see an example of a truly all-in-one Internet sharing device, check out the one shown. The antenna characterizes it as a wireless switch, but what you don’t see is that it also has four 10/100 Ethernet ports on the back for your old wired network.
Yes, you guessed it, this is totally cool: it can accommodate multiple 802.11n wireless connections and four wired connections, all at the same time!
As you might expect, the cost for this pup, about $125 online, is significantly higher than the cost of a wired-only device. Another factor is the speed of the wireless connection. Older (and slower) 802.11g devices are quickly disappearing from the market, so costs are dropping quickly on faster 802.11n devices.
(And yes, if you choose wireless only, you can find a cheaper wireless sharing device that doesn’t include any of those silly “antique” wired ports.) Wireless adapter cards (including USB and PC card types) are a bit more expensive than standard wired adapter cards, too. .
Don’t forget to order a wireless sharing device that provides private encryption for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2). Use anything less and your wireless network will be much easier for strangers to hack.