How to Share One Internet Connection Between Two PCs: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you are sitting just across the room or on the other side of the planet, sharing a single internet connection between two personal computers can be achieved through various methods, depending on your specific needs and setup.
Close Proximity Scenario: Room-to-Room Connection
For computers in the same room, the most straightforward and cost-effective method is to use a Ethernet cable. A simple cross-over cable, referred to as a CAT5 cable, allows direct connection between two PCs. When you plug in the cable and a prompt appears asking if you want to share the network, select “Yes.” This method ensures a direct, high-speed connection and is ideal for close proximity scenarios.
Long-Distance Scenario: Online File Sharing
For setups where the computers are far apart, like in different rooms or on opposite sides of the planet, online file storage services are your best bet. Dropbox, for example, allows you to store and share files online, making it accessible from any computer with an internet connection. While it may not provide real-time control, Dropbox ensures that you have access to your files from any device at any time.
Intermediate: Using Hubs or Ethernet Adapters
If both computers are located in the same room but need a point between them, using a hub or an additional Ethernet adapter can be a practical solution. A hub, like the Netgear model, shares the internet connection among multiple devices by allowing them to connect via Ethernet cables. This setup can be particularly useful if your computers are in the same room but the direct cable connection is not feasible due to cable length or other physical constraints.
Wireless LAN Sharing: mHotspot and Connectify
For wireless connection sharing, software solutions like mHotspot or Connectify can offer simple and efficient methods to share the internet connection, especially if you already have one computer directly connected to the internet via a wired connection. mHotspot is a reliable option that focuses on internet sharing via Wi-Fi, while Connectify offers more features, including file sharing, but may require a compatible laptop and can be less efficient on some systems. Make sure to check your laptop’s compatibility with these tools before installation.
Advanced Setup: Building a Wireless Router Network
The most robust and modern solution is to set up a wireless router network. This involves plugging your internet modem into a wireless router, which can then broadcast a Wi-Fi signal that both computers can connect to. For PCs that lack a built-in wireless card, a USB Wi-Fi adapter can be used to make them compatible with the wireless network. If you prioritize convenience and ease of use, setting up a wireless router is the ultimate solution, offering both internet and file sharing capabilities.
By understanding these various options, you can choose the most suitable method based on your requirements and setup, ensuring a smooth and efficient sharing of internet connection between multiple devices.