"Mark Musarra" wrote in message
om...
I am attempting to setup a network to allow acces to an ADSL modem.
The modem has been working for about 2 years on a single laptop
computer.
The modem has a single Lan connection which connects straight to the
Laptop.

We now wish to gain acces through the ADSL modem from another 2 PC's
in the office. I have used a 5 port Hub/switch, connected the modem,
and each of the laptop and 2 PC's.

The Laptop connection to the internet still works, but I am having
trouble with the PC with the IP address type being set to Automatic
Private Address instead of DHCP Assigned.

Is this because the modem, having only a single port, can only
interface with a single IP Address ? And a second computer necessarily
needs to have a different IP address ? or should I be able to get this
working ?
From what I've read here I'm starting to think that I need to get a
multiport modem.

You could do one of the following
a) Use one of the PCs as the Internet gateway, set up ICS (Internet
connection sharing on that PC). The ICS PC will require two NICs (Network
interface cards). Connect one to the modem and one to the hub.

b) Buy a router and use it to replace the hub. Connect all the PCs and the
modem to the router.

c) But a router with a built in ADSL modem. Similar to b) but you don't need
to use the old modem.

Dave Lowther.