I have several computers and a high-speed Internet connection (cable or DSL). Can I have all of the computers share the connection and use the Internet at the same time?
This is one of the best reasons for setting up a local area network (LAN) connecting all of your computers. The cable or DSL connection is part of a wide area network (WAN) which connects you and other subscribers to your Internet service provider (ISP). Your cable modem or DSL “modem” (technically, it’s a router, not a modem) provides the WAN connection. With some ISPs, you can get an individual IP address for each of your computers, probably for an additional monthly charge. In this case, connect the cable or DSL modem to the uplink port of your network hub or switch to make it available to all of the computers. If you only get one IP address, you need a router to move data between the LAN and WAN. Routing can be done by software or hardware. Software routing typically uses either network address translation (NAT) or a proxy server. Hardware routing uses a box with connections for the WAN and LAN. Some DSL modems, such as the Cisco 675, have a built-in NAT capability. If yours does,
