what is internet connection sharing?

Question

I have 2 pcs. One Sony VAIO desktop, with Belkin wireless 54G card. Works great, no downtime at all. Other is Compaq presario 2199 laptop, with Belkin wireless 54G NIC. Router is also Belkin. Laptop drops the wireless connection regularly, and then it does not "see" the network (even if 1 foot away). Cures itself for no apparent reason or trigger. Open Wireless configuration does not offer the option to Connect or Refresh, or "see" any wireless network nearby.

I have upgraded XP to SP2. I have checked all my Belkin drivers for the latest versions. Belkin has helped all they can. Sometimes when I boot up, or when it re-awakens from screen saver, it will not be connected to the LAN, and no action on my part can change that. But if I leave it alone for a little bit, it often decides to connect.

I know how to right-click on My Computer and select Services to see what is stopped. I'm not sure what all of the options mean, except that someone told me that Wireless Zero Configuration is necessary, and it is always Started when I check on it.

What are the list of Services that are required to keep a wireless connection happy? Anything else I should be checking, too?

Thanks!!!

And I love your newsletters, and while I can't usually catch you live on the radio, I really do like to read the details afterwards!

Answer

This question was answered on October 24, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

Connecting your computers together There are several ways to connect your computers together. The configuration you choose depends on the type of network adapters, modems, and Internet connections that you use. The following tables briefly describe each connection method and show how to connect your computers together.

Using a residential gateway

We recommend that you connect your network to the Internet using a residential gateway device.

Using Internet Connection Sharing

This table shows how to connect your computers using a host computer with Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).

Internet connection type Required hardware View computer configuration

Internal modems or broadband modem Each computer on your network needs one network adapter. Configure a home phoneline network using an internal modem, DSL, or cable modem.

Configure an Ethernet network using an internal modem, DSL, or cable modem.

Configure a wireless network using an internal modem, DSL, or cable modem.

External broadband modem Requires two network adapters. Connect the DSL or cable modem to an Ethernet adapter installed on the ICS host computer. The second network adapter installed on the ICS host computer is connected to the home or small office network. All the other computers on your network need one network adapter. Configure a home phoneline network using an external DSL or cable modem.

Configure a wireless network using an external DSL or cable modem.

Configure an Ethernet network using an external DSL or cable modem.

External modem Connect the external modem to the serial or USB port. All computers on the network need one network adapter. Configure a home phoneline network using an external modem.

Configure an Ethernet network using an external modem.

Configure a wireless network using an external modem.

Connecting the computers together

This table shows how to connect your computers together using an Ethernet, home phoneline network adapter (HPNA), or wireless network adapter. It displays basic network configuration without a residential gateway or Internet Connection Sharing.

Connection type Required hardware View computer configuration

Ethernet A network adapter is installed into each computer and then connected to a network hub. Configure an Ethernet network using a network hub.

Home phoneline network adapter (HPNA) A network adapter is installed into each computer and then they are plugged into phone jacks using telephone cables. Configure a phoneline network.

Wireless network adapter A wireless network adapter is installed into each computer. Configure a wireless network.

Notes

Most external DSL and cable modems are designed to connect to an Ethernet network adapter. Check the manufacturer's specifications to determine the type of network adapter you need to connect to your external DSL or cable modem.

Install the modem on the computer that is connected to the residential gateway (or to the Internet Connection Sharing host).

To find hardware that is supported by Windows operating systems, visit the Windows Catalog on the Microsoft Web site.

Author

Posted by christopher of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on October 24, 2004