USB question....

[OldBloke]

Hiya guys,

Please bear with me and if this question is stupid please dont hesitate to say so :)

 

My internet connection is from the back of my Virgin media set top box(mines still the old NTL box but hey) it just simply plugs into a usb port on my pc,quite simple and I guess very outdated but its been fine for me for 8 years.

The question I have....Is there a device availble to that allows me to run 2 computers off this connection ,as in like a usb adapter/hub that I plug the one from my set top box in and 2 leads with a usb fitting the other end.

Wireless wont work on this connection..so a router is out of the question.At the end of the day I guess my connection needs updating but Im very confident with this way,just wanted to know if it was possible to buy something that allowed 2 pc`s to use the one lead.Hopefully someone understands

 

cheers

[Tootech]

Is there a device availble to that allows me to run 2 computers off this connection

 

I've not come across one.

 

The best I can come up with is to call Virgin Media and tell them you want to add a new computer to your setup.

 

They may arrange to send you a modem and router to tee into your existing cable connection. Thats how mine works.

 

Check back on the thread as others may have a different solution.

[Jelly Bean]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

 

Still using the TV box to connect to the internet.

 

Connection from the TV box slows your internet speed down unlike if you used the cable modem.Your right this is outdated and I would certainly ring Virgin to update this.Then add to the mix the USB connection which is slow and again a combination of the two your speeds are going to be poor.

 

Then add another computer to the mix you may find connections dropping out continualy.

 

I know the guys here will input more information for you.

 

You can use eithernet cable from the back of the TV box.

 

Could I make a better sugestion and at least try and give you better speeds and connection?

 

You can buy internal eithernet cards and you do not need to spend a lot of cash on them.Fit in one in each computer.

 

You do not need a wireless router but you could buy a 4 port wired cable/DSL router.These can be purchased pritty cheaply to.

 

JB.

[Jelly Bean]

Fit one of these in each computer:

 

Play.com (UK) : PCI Fast Ethernet 10/100 RJ45 Network Interface Card : Computing - Free Delivery

 

Then use something like,this to connect the eithernet cable from back of the TV box to the router.

 

TP-Link TL-R460 4 Port Wired Cable/DSL Router: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

 

 

Then attach all computers to the router as per instructions.

 

This setup can also be used if you were using a Virginmedia modem,you would then connect the router to the modem and not the TV box.

[OldBloke]

Toot,Jelly..thank you for your quick replies fellas...its appreciated.

So you would both sugest I just ring Virgin and get them to update my system.

I know its real old,just I am comfy with it,I guess times change quick(unfortuantely) If you call 8 years quick LOL.

A modem and a router is what I really need isnt it,wireless has to get in my home sometime I guess.

The usb connection directly from the set top box seems to be prehistoric now.

Real thank you men,cheers

[OldBloke]

I did speak to them some time ago and they said that a router isnt compatable with my set-up as the box is real old(wonder if its worth anything hmmm :) ) and they offered to change it then but I said no cause I didnt want the trouble of getting use to a new regime.

[Tootech]

I guess you could try it and hold on to your old equipment if it all goes wrong.

 

And then again you could try it and come back to us if you need help.

 

By the way - check out JB's profile........

 

Computer Support Forums - FreePCHelp.co.uk - View Profile: Jelly Bean

[OldBloke]

I`ll bell them tomorrow Toot,thanks again mate..will probably be bothering you again then LOL...thanks again for your help.

 

Sorry Jelly I kinda just thought,err I dunno...sorry ;)

[Jelly Bean]

Hey no appoligies I forget how many times I have been called DUDE.

 

You already have the cable in your house for the set top box.

 

The setop box connects to a socket on your wall.Look at the socket does it have a spare port?

 

If it has the spare port all Virginmedia do is screw a cable to that,then the modem on the end.Job done.

 

Then ring Virgin to setup the modem once you have installed the software from disk or download.

 

If the socket doesnt have a spare port it is a simple case of the maitenance guy removing the old one and fitting a new one.

 

So no worries of them drilling walls for cables,etc,there realy is no hassle to upgrade.

 

You could purchase a wiress router,you could possibly buy one for around £40-00.

 

I would definantly go for the upgrade to the cable modem,you will have much better speeds and connection.It is free and no hassle.

[Tootech]

Virgin Media sent me a new pack recently and it had the cable splitter, all cables etc with it - its worth asking them what they may send to you.