Broadband connection to two PCs?

[CuttingCrew]

I have my main PC and a backup PC tucked away under my desks.

Whenever I want to use the backup PC, I have to scramble around on the floor to unplug my broadband USB connector from my main PC to plug it into the backup PC.

Is there anything I can buy to help stop the problem that doesn't cost a fortune. Somekind of cable or splitter device?

Cheers
CC

 

[shinybeast]

Hello, if you want to have them both use the connection but not at the same time, some sort of switch would be necessary, I don't know of any gadget you could buy to do it (they may exist, however); that could be a homebrew electronics project. If you want them to use the connection at the same time, then you need a NAT router, which you can purchase (or build using an old PC with at least two NICs.)

 

[vicks]

I am able to connect my Desk top PC to the DSL modem via ethernet and at the same time connect my laptop via USB. (Siemens SpeedStream 4200)
Vicks

 

[shinybeast]

Aha, I wondered about that but never tried, my cable modem's got a RJ45 and a USB connection. I got an old Dell playing NAT because I need to share.

 

[bigbear]

A router will split the broadband, like this http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=223
Personally I would change the modem you have for a four port wireless modem, then you can run up to four pc by cable and have wireless all over the house

 

[CuttingCrew]

Thanks for all the help guys.

Cheers
CC