I don't have an internet connection right now. At onnectileast not one of my own. There is an open, unencrypted internet access point in my complex...well, actually three of them but I can only reach one right now.... and I an using it until Comcast comes and hooks up my internet connection.
I still play an old video game (Mechwarrior4)with JenniK's cousins, and when I try to connect to the host computer I can't, because the router's ports aren't open. Since it isn't my router, I need my own connection. I am not going to mess with another persons router, even if I could. It's bad enough thtat I am using his connection, even though I usually do so when he isn't using it himself.
S I found a great deal from Comcast....for $19.99 I can get their high-speed internet, and there is a free modem offer as well, after rebates. Plus there is a $100 offer if you order before the end of November. I get $100, and a free cable modem, and a good intro offer....sounds good to me!
Too bad there isn't a cable outlet in the computer room.
I don't want to run cable across the floor again. I did that at my last place, and it sucked. I am renting a condo, so drilling a hole isn't feasable either, not until I decide if we want to buy the place.
I think, since I already have a USB wireless adapter now, that I might just set up a wireless network. But I was reading the packaging on a router at BB last night and it said that the computer hooks into the router itself using a ethernet cable (I think). It plugs right into it...and the cable plugs right into it as well. So the router has to connect into the cable outlet....and the first computer has to plug right into the router....leaving me back at step one!
Does it HAVE to, or can I run my desktop through a wireless connection? Is this worth doing? What would I need to do it?
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
It sounds like you were looking at a cable modem+router combo. If you get a normal router, it should have 4 ethernet ports if you want to hard link, plus the wireless, plus an ethernet port to go from your cable modem to the router. There should NOT be a cable input.
-Bok
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
So how would I hook it up, in what order? The cable modem to the cable, obviously, then the router to the cable modem....then the router should send the signal through the USB adapted to my computer, right? Eliminating the need to a hard wire from the computer to the router or modem....
I think. Not that I wouldn't be able to figure it out once I got it, but I am just wondering...... Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
wall to cable modem over coax, cable modem to router over an ethernet connection, router to computer either wireless or ethernet.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but you are looking at comcastoffers.com, correct? Do you have your cable TV hooked up, or scheduled to be hooked up yet?
Just for your info, because people I've talked to haven't always known this:
First, comcastoffers.com is run by a retailer called Broadband Nationals. You will go completely through them for the HSI until after the HSI is running.
Second, they will send you a self install kit, which you use after your TV is hooked up. You can order the internet before it's hooked up, you just have to have TV active before you activate the internet.
If you have any questions during this process, just let me know, and I'll help you out as best as I can.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
My cable is paid for by the condo association, so it is hooked up. It is up and running as of now. Free cable TV...and really free, legally, not hacked into, is a great perk.
I went through this offer.
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
Ok, same deal. If you click on the link they provide, it goes to the same site.
If your cable TV is provided through the condo, you shouldn't have a problem with that, provided that they have the account listed in your name. Which may seem confusing, so let me explain. Comcast will have Tennant Codes. They can kind of make an account that has the services you have that will say "Tennant" and be no charge on the services the condo provides. This way, you have an account with comcast that they can put the internet on, but they aren't charging you for the cable, since it's already being paid for. I'll try to clarify if that was a bit jambled.
Most of the time, people just want the internet deal and don't bother ordering the cable, so they get the kit and can't get service.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Note that you'll potentially need to physically attach your computer to your router and/or your cable modem (even if they're different devices) to perform the original configuration. In many cases, these devices have things like wireless networking disabled by default, so you'd need to connect with a cable first to turn wireless on.
Any computer should work for this purpose, provided you have an Ethernet jack.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I don't think they have the account listed in my name, but perhaps I can change that. I will look into it.
I do know that if I can't access the internet, I will not pay them. As of right now I have agreed to sign up for internet service, but have not provided them with any credit card info. If they can't provide the services promised, then I have no legal obligation to pay.
I will call Comcast and see if I can get th e account listed in my name.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Just got off the phone with them, it is all set. Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
Cool. You should be all set then once the modem arrives. If you have any questions, let me know. Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I will reiterate what TomD said: you may need to hardwire you computer, initially, to set it up correctly. I will go a step further and recommend you do so. If you make a mistake, you can always access the configuration through the hardline, but you can lock yourself out of the wireless.
-Bok
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Sounds like a plan....I will run the cable for the day, and then use it to turn on the wireless.
I have plenty of cable, since it was hardwired at the last place.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
There is an open, unencrypted internet access point in my complex...well, actually three of them but I can only reach one right now.... and I an using it until Comcast comes and hooks up my internet connection. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)