How to Connect Multiple Computers to One Broadband Internet Connection

Broadband, or high-speed, Internet connection is what many users currently use in their home. Along with high-speed Internet, many users may also use a router to allow multiple computers to connect to the Internet. This post will describe how a router is used to connect multiple computers. To make it easier to understand, I will use where you live as a comparison to how your computer is connected to the Internet.

What is an IP Address?

IP addresses are a series of numbers in the form: nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn, where nnn is a one to three digit number. An IP address is unique to an individual computer on a network, similar to how your home has a unique address. For an Internet connection, an IP address is supplied by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). In some cases, your ISP may provide you with more than one IP address, which allows you to connect multiple computers. As you will see later, however, you can still connect multiple computers with a single IP address.

Connecting a Single Computer

Connecting a single computer to your high-speed Internet is very simple to do. Simply connect a network cable into your modem, and then into the network card in your computer. Your computer will then be assigned an IP address from your ISP. For example, if your ISP assigned you the IP address of 24.24.50.17, then your computer will have that IP address.

When you make a request to a server, such as for a Web page, the Web server knows which IP address made the request. The information is then sent through the Internet and back to your computer. This is similar to when someone sends you mail to your home. The address on the mail allows it to be delivered to your home and not somewhere else.

Connecting Multiple Computers

How can multiple computers connect if only one address is assigned? When you make a request for a Web page, how does it know which computer requested that page? Let's take our home analogy one step further. Let's say instead of living in a house, you live in an apartment. When someone sends you mail, they not only include your address but also an apartment number. This number is internal to your apartment building and every apartment has its own unique number. Similarly, multiple computers can connect to the Internet if they each had there own unique local IP address. This can be handled by a router.

A router is a piece of hardware that connects directly to the modem. Each computer is then connected to the router, instead of the modem. Now instead of your computer having the IP address supplied by your ISP, your router now is assigned that IP address. This is similar to your router acting as the apartment building.

The beauty of a router is that it can assign its own local IP addresses. When you connect a computer to the router it now receives one of the IP addresses assigned by your router, similar to how each apartment has it's own number. Now when you make a request for a Web page, the request is sent using the same ISP address, but this time it is assigned to the router. When the Web page is returned, the router receives the request, and sends it locally to the computer that requested the page.

The router also has its own local address that is similar to the local IP addresses of the computers. So now the router has two addresses assigned to it: an external one provided by your ISP, and a local one provided by it. This allows the router to connect to both the Internet and the local network.

Note: The 192.168.xxx.xxx address are special IP addresses reserved for Local Area Networks (LANs).

Managing a FTP or Web Server on Your Network

Let's take a look at this scenario. You have a router connecting multiple computers to the Internet. But now you want to create a FTP or Web server. No problem. You setup the necessary software on a computer on your network, told someone outside your network the local IP address of your FTP server and they try to connect. They then discover that they can't connect. Why? Its similar to someone mailing something to you by just specifying your apartment number and no address.

The IP address assigned to your computer is local to your network. You can connect to that computer from within your network, but not from the Internet. You will need to use your ISP-assigned IP address (the one assigned to your router) to have someone from the Internet connect to your FTP server. The problem is that your router is assigned that IP and not your computer, and since an IP address must be unique, how can two computers have the same IP? The answer: they can't, but they don't need to.

Routers have the ability to forward information on a port to a specific computer. A port is a numbered channel that data can be sent through on a network. You cannot physically see it as it is a virtual channel used extensively in networking for sending/receiving data. For FTP servers the default port is 21; however another port can be used.

Open your router setup and look for the port forwarding option. Specify the internal IP address of your FTP server and the port number and then save that information. Now when a user tries to access your FTP site, they must use the ISP IP address that is assigned to your router. The router will then notice that the data is being sent on port 21 and then forward it automatically to your FTP server. A Web server can be setup the same way, but its default port is usually 80.

Note: By default a router will dynamically assign IP addresses to the computers connected to it. This means that the first computer to connect to the router will get the first available IP address, and the next will get the second, and so on. If you manage an FTP server, it may be easier to assign a static IP address to the computers to ensure that the FTP server always has the same IP address.

This article described how to connect one or more computers to one Internet connection. It is important to remember the following:

1. If you have one computer connected directly to the modem, then that computer will be assigned the IP address from your ISP.


2. When using a router, the the router will be assigned the IP address from your ISP. Any computers connected to the router will be assigned a local address by the router.


3. A router will have the ISP IP address and a local IP address. This allows it to connect to both the Internet and your network.


4. When setting up a computer as a FTP, Web, or other server to communicate over the Internet, it is important to use the router's IP address to access your server. You will then need to forward the necessary port to your server.

For more information, please read the Technically Easy blog.

Paul Salmon has been involved with computers for 20 years and currently works as a technical systems analyst. He has been involved in many aspects of computers including hardware, software development and quality assurance. He currently maintains Technically Easy, a blog that provides information and help for various technologies.

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How to Watch Satellite TV Through Broadband Connection Effortlessly

It was quite unheard of to watch satellite TV through broadband connection just one or two years ago. Today, many younger TV viewers are turning to online TV channels to watch the latest TV programs from a series of worldwide satellite TV stations. So how can you watch internet satellite TV or to be specific, watch satellite TV through broadband connection?
We can watch satellite TV on the internet through broadband connection by visiting specific online TV stations that stream TV channels over the web. I am going to show you a couple of such TV sites where you can get to watch internet satellite TV instantly.

1. http://www.ChannelChooser.com

This site broadcasts news, documentaries, music videos and other videos at the same time. It is quite a decent site if you are looking for some interesting free videos.

2. http://www.WWITV.com

This is a general TV website that provides channels from different stations of the world. You can occasionally find some world news channels broadcast over here.

3. http://www.WFITV.com

You can find both live and recorded TV broadcasts at this website. These are all broadcasts from countries across the globe. So if you are living in a foreign land, you probably can find TV channels from your home country.

4. http://www.BeeLineTV.com

BeeLineTV has been around for some time. It is one of oldest free TV website offering some rather entertaining channels. You probably can find a few quality satellite TV channels here.

One prerequisite to enjoy the internet satellite TV channels is to ensure that you have a high speed broadband connection. While you watch satellite TV through the broadband connection, the TV channels are streamed over to your computer simultaneously so it does matter that the speed of your connection is good.

One benefit of watching satellite TV through broadband connection is that the TV channels are all free. This makes it a great option to paid satellite TV services. You can also watch them at anytime at your own convenience. That said, it cannot possibly replace paid satellite TV services. Firstly, the number of quality satellite TV channels offered by these online websites is still lower than satellite TV services. Another disadvantage is that online TV websites are often swarmed by many users at any point in time and the TV streaming can be slow.

So what if you want to enjoy many excellent satellite TV channels without the problems encountered at these free sites but do not want to pay the monthly fees as in the case of monthly satellite TV services? The best answer to this would be PC satellite TV software. For a low one-time fee that is affordable to most, you get to watch satellite TV through broadband connection and tune into thousands of global TV stations. These TV channels are all free to air meaning that you do not need to pay a single cent to watch since the TV stations are broadcasting them for free.

Find out what you need to know about PC satellite TV software through my satellite TV blog.

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High-Speed Differences - DSL, Cable Broadband and Satellite Broadband

If you are looking to have high-speed internet set up in your home or business, make sure you know what all your options are. Admittedly, it's hard to keep up with all the technological advances in internet connections over the last decade or so. So, let's refresh your memory by going over the three main high-speed connection types: DSL, cable broadband and satellite broadband. We will break down the pros and cons of each along the way.

DSL
This connection is similar to the old school dial-up modem connections, in that they both use a phone line to transmit and receive information. However, DSL processes information at faster speeds than dial-up because it uses a higher, separated frequency of the phone line. Obviously, DSL is faster than a dial-up connection, but is typically considered the slowest of the three high-speed connections. DSL does not have to dial-up like its predecessor. It maintains a continuous connection. While there is no real advantage of DSL over cable broadband - other than, perhaps, cheaper price - it holds an advantage over satellite internet, in that it doesn't lose signal like satellite does in inclement weather. Lastly, the people who choose DSL over the faster cable do so because it often comes as a part of their phone service in a package deal.

Cable Broadband
Cable broadband is similar to DSL because they are both transmitted over landlines, unlike satellite. The cable signal is separated from the television signal in the cable line, kind of like the separation of data between phone service and DSL. Cable broadband is considered by most experts to be the most efficient and fastest of the three mentioned here. It has a reliable constant connection and transmits information at almost instantaneous speeds. You can download a song in under a minute. Cable is sought after for its speeds, but many people have it simply because it comes in a package with their cable television.

Satellite Broadband
While the first two types of connections have some similarities, satellite technology works quite differently. Like satellite TV, it uses satellites that orbit the Earth at low altitudes. These satellites transmit and receive broadband internet signals to and from dishes all across the planet. All that is required to receive signal is a satellite dish mounted above your home. Satellite is typically used by people who live in locations where high-speed landline connections are not provided, due to low population and small demand. While satellite's speeds are usually slower than those of cable, they are generally faster than those of DSL.

It's important to be informed of all your choices when purchasing an internet connection, especially since you will have to sign a contract. Remember that dial-up is not an option. While it may be dirt cheap, its snail-like speeds will end up driving you insane. Also, keep in mind that there are areas where DSL and cable broadband aren't available. If you live in one of those remote areas, satellite broadband is the only way to go.

If you live in one of those aforementioned rural areas, hughesnet internet may just be your best option. Or perhaps you can't find a good deal on other services in your area. hughs net offers low monthly rates and free installation.

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How to Get Free Broadband Connection?

Are you still hanging out with a dial-up internet service? If so, you have practiced yourself to wait for a time of having your lunch while a web page get loads on your browser. Had you thought of the time you waste waiting for a page to appear on your computer screen? Presently most of the UK households are provided with the infrastructure nearby to have a broadband connection and a broadband provides you a high-speed internet service that once experienced you cannot look back. Still few feel a broadband to be an expensive option. So, here is a way to get free broadband service and save your money without being spent.

Majority of people pay huge bill for their phone service together for the dial-up internet service. You can get rid of the phone service that passes you huge bills but can have your phone and internet service and also at the same time can have your money left in your pocket. Doing this is very plain and you need only a simple but clear plan in your mind.

Go for a high-speed internet from a cable provider and then get an internet phone service from a VoIP provider. The total bill for the broadband and internet phone will be less than of what you paid before and will be sparing the money now, which you paid towards phone service.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technique to remove your huge phone bills. This is accomplished because the phone signal here uses the same line used for your internet and so no need of paying extra. It also allows you to use the phones you use for regular phone connection and there is no need to find a computer and headphone for using your VoIP. To add, few internet phone systems are capable of supporting video. Just think of seeing the person to whom you talk in real-time. You feel more naturalistic something like talking to someone in person.

Also, you can apply and enjoy the same concept over DSL broadband. You can attain great savings by using cable for your broadband. This is finest concept to get an all-inclusive service and save money as well as. Therefore, by getting rid of one of two bills, you get the broadband internet service free.

The another very good news for the internet users here is that BT is in plan to offer free broadband to all its customers once its latest network project is on. The all-new free broadband will be available to the customers in a way that by just plugging the computer to the existing basic line the setup installation will be accomplished. So, with the new network coming to live, there will be no need of boxes or installation engineers for a broadband setup. You can speed up your broadband by buying additional fast download speeds from your provider. But it actually needs some time waiting to have the service.

A simple plan and little smart thinking offer you a free high-speed internet service. Be informed to get a clear-cut free broadband internet service, which is shortly to come.

If you would like free broadband internet, check the complete broadband packages and get the hottest discounts! You can compare broadband offers and find your best deal.

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The Difference Between DSL, Cable, and Satellite Internet Broadband

If you are still using a dial-up service to connect to the Internet, by this time you have probably reached a level of frustration somewhere between being fed up and pulling your own hair out. If this is your case, it is high time you made the transition to one of the high-speed services out there these days. These include wired connections like DSL and cable, as well as wireless options, such as satellite Internet broadband. But which one should you choose? To help you decide, here is a description of each type and difference between them.

If you have started to do a little research yourself, you may have noticed the term "broadband" being used a lot and might be a little bit confused about what it means. Well, this can actually be a useful keyword to look for when shopping around, since all it really means is high-speed. If something is not considered broadband, you probably do not want it. However, within what is considered broadband you still have quite a few different options, and they can vary a great deal.

DSL, cable, and high-speed satellite Internet are all broadband options that will give you Internet access that is many, many times faster than what you are now getting with dial-up. DSL and cable broadband are the most popular of the three, especially among people who live in cities. This is because the speed of DSL and cable connections depends on how close you are to your local telephone or cable provider, respectively.

DSL service uses the phone lines that are already present in your home or office. In this way, DSL is similar to dial-up. However, unlike dial-up, getting online via a DSL connection does not interfere with your ability to receive phone calls at the same time. This allows for the "always-on" feature that is common to all broadband options. Having the always-on feature means that you don't have to go through the process of logging onto the Internet every time you want to check your email or surf the web.

If you live quite far from your local phone provider, you will not be able to enjoy the fastest speeds available through a DSL connection. If this is you, cable might be a better option. Cable broadband is provided by the same company that provides cable TV in your area. Depending on where you are, DSL and cable are pretty much neck and neck in terms of which is the fastest overall. But if your home or office is not located within reach of the terrestrial wires required to hook up your computer to one of these connection, satellite Internet can be a very good alternative.

Even though it is not quite as fast as DSL and cable, average satellite broadband speeds greatly exceed the fastest dial-up speeds. And you can get satellite Internet anywhere in the northern hemisphere that has an open view of the southern sky. This makes it great for people living in rural places who are otherwise unable to take advantage of advances in telecommunications technology.

Say goodbye to the slow speeds of dial-up and say hello satellite Internet. With hughes internet, a leader among satellite internet providers, you'll get reliable service at lightning-fast speeds.

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Some DSL Broadband Definitions

Often too many people get confused with all the definitions, here we have explained in easy to understand terms.

ADSL:

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - asymmetric meaning it's faster downstream than upstream.

ASAM:

Advanced Services Access Manager -Whether you have a DSLAM or ASAM in your exchange doesn't really matter. They do the same thing. See DSLAM's as well.

ATM:

Asynchronous Transfer Mode - a method of encapsulation which is capable of many virtual circuits. With these, providers (ISP's) can split an ATM connection (155Mbit or 622Mbit) up into many connections. ATM isn't just used for DSL but in the case of DSL it's used to provision each customer.

Contention Ratios:

A contention ratio is the number of users to xMbit of bandwidth. For example some providers offer 2Mbit DSL, with a ratio of 50:1, meaning 50 users to 1Mbit of bandwidth.

CPE:

Customer Premises Equipment, the term that describes the equipment used on the customer end of a connection, for example your DSL modem/router or cable modem.

DSL:

Digital Subscriber Line.

DSLAM:

Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer - They are placed in DSL enabled Telecomm exchanges, when your modem syncs up and the DSL light comes on, it means you are connected. When data travels down your connection, it goes from the CPE -> DSLAM -> RAN -> ISP

ERX:

Edge Routing Exchange. See RAN.

IPNet:

Telecommunications backhaul networks for carrying traffic from the customer to the ISP, i.e. carrying traffic from RAN's to ISP's.

Ping or Latency:

A ping measures the time in milliseconds that it takes for a packet to travel from your computer to a remote computer and back to you again. Just because you can't ping a given host, quite a lot of providers are beginning to filter ICMP (pings come under this protocol) traffic because it is commonly used to attack hosts and wastes a lot of bandwidth.
Many providers also give low priority to ping (ICMP) traffic which may mean your ping at a command line isn't very good, but in say a game, things may be fine.

RAN:

Regional Access Node These aggregates many DSLAM's connections and then feed the data to an ISP

RTT

Round Trip Time - the time it takes in milliseconds for a packet to go from A to B and back again. See ping.

SDSL

Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line - symmetrical meaning the same speed up and down.

Units

There is a major difference between UPPER and lowercase

MB = MegaBytes

Mb = Megabits

kB = KiloBytes

kb = Kilobits

MB/s = MegaBytes per second

Mb/s = Megabits per second

kB/s = KiloBytes per second

kb/s = Kilobits per second

There is 8bits to a Byte, 8kb = 1kB

1Meg connections only transfer at 128kB/sec
or an 8Mb connection only transfers at 1024kB/sec or 1MB/s

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