Is it possible for two computers to share and use a broadband internet connection at the same time?

[demon_spartan117]

Can two people use the same broadband internet connection at the same time, meaning can both computers be connected to the internet at the same time and can both people use the internet on their computers at the same time? I'm asking this because I want to get another computer and I want to know if this is possible or not. the help will be much appreciated.

[Charlie74]

Yes, you just need to purchase a broadband router - generally listed as cable/dsl router.

Most routers have 4 physical connections that can be made, so you could hook up 4 computers to the router and they would all share your internet connection.

[Brian S]

Of course they can. Just add a router between the internet connection and the computers.

[«Ḿίląḑ»]

Router well cost u too much ,, it's better to use cross cable ,,

[vvette917]

Linksys

[Bill M]

You can buy a router, or put a second network card on one computer, connect the two computers with a crossover cable, and use Internet Connection Sharing.

[Parabola750]

Broadband routers are cheap. You can get one of those or just a cheap little hub. Windows has something built in that you can use called Internet connection sharing. It can act as a router but you will need to leave it on all the time.

[lil loco joker]

I would recommend a router, if you have two computers it would be easier, also provide a little more protection from the internet. Besides if you get a wireless router, if you have someone over with a laptop or you decide to get one, you are ready to go. Just think of possible future purchases, PDA, PSP, almost everything in going wireless now. Just a thought.

[Steve K]

Go with a router. While it is possible to buy a two port router, for a few pennies more a four port router would probably make more economical sense. You could then hook up to four computers at one time. I like to run two computers at any one time just for myself - I'm greedy. This seems to me to be the most fun way to view the net and be able to compare sites side by side - very versatile. Enjoy.

[GTB]

The short answer is YES.

It is commonly done.

You need to purchase a router / switch. These router / switch units are very common and fairly inexpensive. Most come with one WAN or Internet port that connects your ISP modem internet feed to the router and also come with 4 LAN ports to connect up to 4 LAN devices. Should you wish to link via wireless link to pcs, you will need a wireless router which includes in additon to a router and switch, the wireless access point.

Contrary to what one answer states you cannot use a cross ethernet cable and access the internet unless you convert one pc into Internet Connection Sharing and installing a second wired network card. This is not prudent to do.

Be sure to follow the directions that came with the manual for the router.