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5.0 Networking and Sharing

Yes, you can use a network router with Road Runner, but keep in mind: tech support will not support any additional hardware not provided by Time Warner (this includes any routers purchased by the consumer).

Before calling technical support, remove your router and connect your cable modem directly to your primary PC.

by drake See Profile
last modified: 2005-10-16 13:24:21

No, it's not possible, at least for now. The DHCP server distributes one dynamic IP address to your cable modem. If you have more than one device connected to the hub, it will try acquiring more than one IP to give each device, so in result - no connection.

So is there a solution to sharing your connection? Sure, there is. You'll need a Network Router which allows you to connect as many devices as you'd like. You can read more detailing information here: /faq/11257

by drake See Profile
last modified: 2005-10-14 23:49:16

See:
/faq/5456

by drake See Profile
last modified: 2005-10-15 00:23:47

First things first: let's get the equipment list for what you'll need to network:
    Cable Modem with built-in WAN port.
    Broadband Router - see here.
    Network Interface Card - see here.
    Ethernet Cables (also known as LAN [Local Area Network] cables) - see here.

Now, for an example of how an Network is setup - we'll use a two computer network; see outline below:


Now that you have your network setup - let's get everything configured ..

First, we want to configure the NIC to "Obtain an IP Automatically" - this can be done by accessing your Network Properties. This is to be mirrored on all computer(s) connected to your LAN. Now, we want to access the Router Configuration page. If you need assistance accessing the router, please use one of the vendor-specific forums.

Once you've successfully accessed the router config page, you'll need to set your router to Obtain an IP Address (No User Name or Password required). Now, locate the page that will allow you to enable the MTU - which should be set at 1500; however, most routers are set to 1500 by factory default.

Once all of the outlined above is setup, save your settings and restart your router. Then test your connection.

Note: If you're attempting to setup an VPN (Virtual Private Network) - see here: »Road Runner HSI Forum FAQ »What about setting up Virtual Private Networking (VPN)?


Feedback received on this FAQ entry:
  • the link to VPN faq is broken

    2007-11-23 11:50:35

by drake See Profile edited by dbmaven See Profile
last modified: 2007-11-23 12:23:22


If you have read How USB Ports Work, then you know that a USB port has a maximum data rate of 12Mbps. However, of that available bandwidth, an individual USB device can use only up to 6Mbps. And if you have several devices attached to the USB ports and they pump lots of data, this competition may further lower the data rate.

An Ethernet card, on the other hand, connects directly to the computer's bus. Ethernet cards come in two flavors: one that accepts 10Mbps, and another that accepts 100Mbps.

by drake See Profile
last modified: 2005-10-15 16:27:16

Open your Internet browser, type into your address bar: »192.168.1.1 This is the "factory default" address to access your Linksys' configuration page. However, when you enter the router's IP, you'll be prompted with "User Name" and "Password" fields. Follow below, you'll see what should be entered in, and again, this is "factory default":

User Name = [leave blank]
Password = admin

Click for full size


[Note: There are various Linksys products available, and many are diverse with old and new setup pages. The screenshots used for those step-by-step process have been taken from the Linksys WRT54G model. However, the terminology used here shouldn't be too hard to apply to any Linksys model given.]

Once you've "properly" logged into your router, it should bring you to the "Basic Setup" page. Here, you'll choose your Internet connection's type. For RR, we'll choose "Obtain an IP address automatically", or "Automatic Configuration - DHCP".



[Also to note: most router's used for Cable Modems are automatically configured for cable use already. That would be the case if you're just purchasing the product. If you're switching from a DSL provider, you can simply hit the "factory reset" button that should be located on the external portion of your device. However, Factory Reset will wipe out any custom settings, such as port forwarding, etc. Please keep that in mind prior to the setup.]

Now when you are complete with that, click the DHCP Tab located on top of the screen as shown below, then make sure 'DHCP Server' is enabled, then hit 'Apply'...



------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next, Locate the tab 'Advanced' in the top-right hand corner and click it...



Then when page loads, scroll down to the bottom to where you see MTU, make sure it is enabled and set at 1500 and then hit Apply.

by drake See Profile
last modified: 2005-10-16 15:44:22

See:
»Rogers HiSpeed FAQ »How do I clone a MAC address with a Linksys router?

by drake See Profile
last modified: 2005-10-15 16:28:54

A couple of things to look at:


More relevant reading in the VPN: Virtual Private Networking FAQ.

Need assistance setting up your VPN connection? Start by going to the VPN: Virtual Private Networking Forum. The gurus there should get your started.


Feedback received on this FAQ entry:
  • Links on "things to look at" aren't HTML links.

    2007-11-23 12:22:39 (dbmaven See Profile)

by drake See Profile edited by dbmaven See Profile
last modified: 2007-11-23 12:24:03

Simple rule of thumb:
Any time you change the hardware configuration of your network, shut the cable modem off, let it sit for 2-3 minutes (while you add or remove the other hardware). Then plug everything back in, and restart/power-on the network equipment.

The cable modem will "remember" the MAC ADDRESS of the last piece of hardware it was attached to. If you leave the modem powered on while adding a router, the MAC ADDRESS retained by the modem will be that of the NIC (Network Interface Card) in your computer. The router has a different MAC ADDRESS, and the modem won't "talk to it".

See this thread: »[ Brighthouse] Help with router on Roadrunner please for reference.


Feedback received on this FAQ entry:
  • Thanks!!! Perhaps this last tip about restarting the cable modem should be highlighted, but you saved me some serious time!!! The linksys router part was well written. Yeah, I'm happy.

    2008-02-26 17:50:35

by whistlinduck See Profile edited by dbmaven See Profile
last modified: 2006-05-23 15:07:37