How to Share Satellite Internet

By C.D. Crowder, eHow Contributor

updated: December 18, 2009

Satellite Internet is a high speed Internet solution for rural areas or most any other area without high speed Internet access. Satellite Internet connects via a modem which connects the satellite signal to your computer. If you have multiple computers, you can share the same Internet connection without paying for a second or third connection. Satellite Internet connections can be shared on both wired and wireless networks through the use of a router.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:

Wired or wireless router
Ethernet cards or wireless cards
Cat-5 cables

1
Determine whether you want to share the connection on a wired or wireless network. A wired network will require computers to be connected via a Cat-5 cable to the router. For wired networks, ensure every computer connecting to the satellite Internet connection has an ethernet card. Most computers have one pre-installed. For wireless networks, ensure a wireless card is installed in all connecting computers.
Follow the directions that come with the wireless card or ethernet card in order to install. For the easiest installation, consider USB, Express 54 or PCMCIA cards which use external installations.
2
Purchase either a wired or wireless router, depending on your needs. Connect the router to a power source.
3
Remove the Cat-5 cable that connects the satellite Internet modem to your computer. Connect this cable to your router. For most routers, connect the cable to the slot labeled "1" or "Number 1." Some router brands have a solitary slot set apart from the typical row of slots. In this case, connect the Cat-5 cable to this slot.
4
Connect a second Cat-5 cable from the router to your computer for a wired network. For a wireless network, install the software that came with your router on any computer located in the same room as the router. This will allow your computer to recognize the router and allow you to set up a wireless network for other computers to recognize and connect to.
5
Run Cat-5 cables from the router to other computers you wish to connect to the Internet. For wireless networks, locate the wireless network through your wireless connection settings. These settings can be found under "Network Settings" on most operating systems. For Windows, go to "Start," select "Control Panel," select "Network Connections" and single click "Wireless Internet Connection." Choose "View Available Wireless Networks." Select the wireless network and press "Connect."
For many computers, you will receive a message about a wireless network being within range. Click this message to view and connect to the network.

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Saturday, October 2, 2010