Example 2: Two LAN (Ethernet) connections

 

This is the most common approach, which is used by most hotspots. You use two Local Area Network (Ethernet) connections: one to connect to your broadband modem, and the other to connect to a wireless router or access point(s).

 

To work using this method you need to have two cards, or one card with two Ethernet ports (dual port card). Additionally your broadband modem (or CPE) needs to be physically separated from the wireless router.

If you have only a single Local Area Network card then you should either try an alternate method listed below, or purchase an additional card.

 

Figure 3 - Two Local Area Network (Ethernet) Connections

 

Note: When directly connecting two Ethernet ports directly (not through a hub or switch), some older devices and Ethernet cards require that you will use a crossover network cable.  When you connect the network cable at both ends, and see a yellow or green light that means that your cable is good.

Note:  If all you have is a wireless router integrated with broadband modem, then you can not use this method unless you obtain a separate wireless router, access point, or wireless card (if using the wireless card example above). If your router has a USB connection or you are a DSL user, see if one of the other examples is applicable to you.

Tip:    You can tell if you are using such an integrated device, you if the telephone line (in case of DSL) or coaxial cable (in case of Cable) is connected the back of your wireless router, rather then a separate modem.

 

1.   Connect your broadband modem to your PC by plugging a network cable from your modem to one of the Ethernet ports of your PC.

2.   Open Network Connections Select the connection from which you plugged, right click on it and select Rename. Type: “Internet Connection” (Renaming the connection make it easier to identify the connection later).

Note: To open Network Connections, click Start, click Run, type ncpa.cpl in the Open box, and then click OK.

Tip:    If you have multiple connected connections, and you are not sure which one you just plugged, try to unplug the cable. The status of the connection you unplugged will change from Connected to Network Cable Unplugged,

3.   Connect your access point to the other Ethernet port of your PC. If you are connecting to a wireless router use one of the LAN ports, not the Internet port. If your access point is connected to switch you can also connect to that switch.

4.   Name the connection you wired to your access point as “Private Connection” (Renaming the connection make it easier to identify the connection later)

5.   Refer to your wireless access point or router device documentation on how to change SSID and configure your device to use SSID (some times called Network ID or name) of “2HOTSPOT”.

6.   If you are rewiring a router that was previously connected to your broadband modem (or is your broadband modem), you also need to login to the router and disable DHCP Server.

Note: After you disable DHCP if you want to access your router again, you will need to configure your PC with static IP using the router IP as the default gateway. If you are not sure how to configure static IP, you can reset the router to factory settings using the reset button to re-enable DHCP. Your Hotspot will not work properly when DHCP is enabled on the a router that is connected to your Private Connection.

Tip:    If you need to regain access to your router, and don’t remember which numbers to use for static IP, there is a method that will work most of time: For Default gateway use the same IP address used to access your router configuration through a web browser. For Subnet mask use 255.255.255.0 and for IP address use the same IP as Default gateway except changing the last number.              

7.   If you are rewiring a router that was previously connected to your broadband modem, if possible change its Internet Connection settings to “Bridged Mode”.

 

If you have completed these activities you are ready to continue to Step 2 – Configure Internet Connection Sharing