Hi all, I am trying to set up a very basic network. I have a Optusnet Cable modem which is connected to a 4-port switch using CAT6 cable. At present, two PCs are connected to the switch through CAT6 cable. The first PC has internet connection. However the second PC is unable to connect to the cable modem. I am prompted with a message, "Limited or no connection" over the network icon in the toolbar. I have used the ipconfig function through cmd. The first PC has the default gateway address, but the second PC default gateway address is blank. Also with the second PC, has a different subnet IP address assigned to it (not sure if i am using the correct terminology - please excuse). Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.... Cheers,

The gateway address and subnet mask should be the same for both pc's. On the first pc if you haven't set-up a static ip address the network adapter will likely be set to automatically obtain the settings. You will need to do the same for the second pc. On the First pc right click on the network icon in the taskbar and click on "Open Network Connections". In this new screen right click on the network adaptor icon and select "Properties". Now go down to "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" and highlight it then select "Properties". In the screen that pops up, see if the settings are: "Obtain IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" If they are, make the second pc exactly the same and it should be able to connect to the internet.

So, you're going straight from the modem to your switch then to your PC's. Why aren't you using a broadband router? How many public IP addresses is your ISP providing you? I'm willing to bet that they are only providing you with a single IP address. If you want more than 1 computer to access the Internet, then you'll want to buy a router. modem -> router -> switch -> computers

Replace that switch with a router, then should solve your problem. You cannot get 2 computers online without a router. Take a look on this Ethernet home network setup tutorial to help you more.

You cannot get 2 computers online without a router. That's not entirely true. You can get online with as many computers as the number of IP addresses your ISP provides. Most ISP's usually only provide a single IP to residential customers, but if you're willing to pay the additional rate, they will provide more addresses. My brother is paying an extra $25 to get 6 public IP addresses.

XP pro should be able to provide Internet sharing as well. While a router is a better solution, if you don't want to buy one right now, you could find a cheap 2nd Ethernet for the 1st computer (like maybe a USB-2-Ethernet) and use it to share the Internet with the 2nd computer.

btk1w1, Settings on both PCs are the same, both on auto detect. To everyone else, At my old place, I had four computers online through cable modem -> hub -> computers. I never had this problem at my old place. I have moved into a new place and since then this problem has surfaced. Optus gave me a new modem when the techs were installing the cable service at this place. I have to tried to connect to the cable modem using the default gateway address, I obtained through ipconfig. I loaded the address on the browser on the PC that is online. But the browser was unable to connect to the modem??? Any ideas how to check the DHCP server configuration on the cable modem? Assuming that the cable modem does have a DHCP modem. Cheers...