Help with multiple computers for broadband

[ChrisPatuzzo]

Hello, i have recently purchased Toucan 2mg broadband and have been sent all the equipment and i have it running. The problem however is that i want to run the broadband on four computers at the same time, and i am unsure how to set this up. Do i need to buy more of these speedtouch modems (330) and how would i set this up if so, or do i need to buy a router of some kind to run the internet through. A local area network is not an option as the computers are too far apart, and wireless is too expensive.
Please help. Chris Patuzzo.

[Toucan]

A local area network is not an option as the computers are too far apart, and wireless is too expensive.

Unless you want to install a new phone line for each computer, another modem for each computer and another broadband account for each computer, you have no other option than a wireless or cabled local area network.
You will also need a HUB or a Switch.

[ChrisPatuzzo]

Can you not use a router then, as i thought you can connect multiple computers to the internet using one?

[Graeme]

Aye, a router should work fine for you for this purpose.

I know that DLink has some great routers. I've been using a Linksys router to connect 3 computers to the internet for several years and it hasn't failed me either.

[TheNutCracker]

I'd reccomend getting a router, wireless being the best since all the comps seem to be far apart, or wired if you are able to run the cables through the walls.

[ChrisPatuzzo]

How much do wired routers and wireless cost for 4 computers (roughly)?

[TheNutCracker]

You can get a Linksys Wireless router for a little over $50, and a wired one for around $45. For the wired router you'd have to buy lots of ethernet cables, which are pretty cheap. For the wireless, you will need wireless adaptors for all of the computers if they don't already have them. I'm not sure on the price but I know they are at least $20.

[Forsaken_One]

I don't know much about computers. But, purchasing the wireless is a much less daunting task. It is worth the extra few bucks, mainly because I am sure you want to climb through your walls! (Sarcasm)

Wireless would be the way to go though... You'd be looking at around... $150-$200 total for the router, and wireless remote things... Please, if I am wrong, don't hesitate to correct me.

[Sgt.SlagRock]

I can get a 8mbps router for $14 at frys. And you don't have to run em through ur walls. Just go in ur roof and drill into the walls to connect two computers to my modem with one 100ft cable and one 5ft cable took me only 3 days. and cost around $70-80

[TimP]

If the computers will just be surfing the internet, wireless would work (assuming they're relatively close). If you plan on doing bandwidth intensive tasks (like file transfers) often, then wired networking is the better choice.

[ChrisPatuzzo]

It would probably be better not to get wirelss then as i will be using the computers for online gaming, downloading etc.

[Aquarian]

A bit more detailed,please?

Or probably you meant of connecting the comps,get a LAN cable and port.

[TimP]

It would probably be better not to get wirelss then as i will be using the computers for online gaming, downloading etc.

I was actually talking about LAN file transfers. Internet traffic, even broadband and DSL, is far below the bandwidth limitations of wireless networking.