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Home Networking with a One Way Cable Modem?

Posted by Cliff on from the routing-around-the-problem dept.

Blacklotuz asks: "I recently networked the computers in my house with a Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router. Today I called up Comcast to order cable internet service, but because I live in a rural area we still have downstream only cable. I was told that in order to use the service I would have to connect the cable modem to the ethernet card on my computer as well as dialing up via the 56k modem. Im running Windows XP on the computer that will be dialing up. Does anyone know of a way to use a one way cable connection with a router?"

2 of 54 comments (clear)

  1. with a router? by tenman · · Score: 5, Informative

    Why would you need a router? If you only have one machine, then you are set to go without a router.

    If you have two machines, then you have two options as I see it. First (1) is to use the XP box to proxy the I-Net connection out to your other box, or (2) set a third computer up to do that for you. Any machine that has a routing table like the one that they are asking you to setup will be robust enough to handle any day-to-day routing that you might be talking about.

    If that doesn't answer you question then, I guess you want a black box router that you can run through. All I can say is "My condolences to your dreams". After a cursory look over the web I have found plenty of routers with Ethernet/serial ports, but the thing is they use them as separate ports, and you want to use them as a MUX of sorts. If you got a cisco2500 (?) then you might be able to route all outbound traffic to one side of the box, and allow inbound traffic to run in from anywhere.

    I'm not so sure that this would allow you to make and maintain a connection to your dialup ISP, but it may make your dreams come true. Also note that compared to my earlier solution, this one would be VERY VERY expensive.

  2. More Info by bassburner · · Score: 3, Informative

    I have the same situation setup right now through RCN. I likewise live in a back-asswards area with only one-way service. The cable modem connects directly to the modem through a standard modem cable. The cable modem than plugs into the Linksys router which plugs into the hub.