get internet connection through another computer...

Question

Hello,

let me get straight to the point :)

I have a desktop computer which runs windows vista. I have a normal internet connection through a router that connects to the internet on that desktop computer.

now, i also have a laptop with windows xp and here is what i need to do. my laptop's wireless has always been bugging me, sometimes it connects, sometimes it doesn't... so i saw that there is an Ethernet card installed in the laptop with an Ethernet port.

My question is the following:

I have many Ethernet cables at home and I was wondering if there is a way to get internet to my laptop through my desktop's Ethernet port, but without needing the desktop to be turned ON, cause i only use my laptop these days and my router is too far to connect from my room. I hope you understand my problem. In theory, i think this is possible to do, but i am not sure how, so please help me on this one. my laptop also has firewire, but i prefer ethernet for some reason.

thanks

Answer 1

Hi

Sorry but you cannot get a connection through another computer if the computer is Off.

I am not sure that I totally understand the topology.  However, if the Desktop is connected with cable to a Router for Internet connection, you can solve the problem by buying a simple Network switch.

You take the cable out of the Desktop and plug it to the switch. then you plug both the desktop and the Laptop to the switch.

That what network switch does, it splits one cable to be able to feed many computers.

Example of a Switch that can be connected with one cable to a Router and feed 5 computers.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166034-

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Jack - Microsoft MVP, Windows Networking. WWW.EZLAN.NET