One of three computers no internet once in a while

[Matrix]

At home we have three computers connected to a hub and this hub is connected to the cable modem. All three have their own IP address, but one computer often can't connect to the internet.

Does anyone know what the problem could be? I figured that computer isn't earthed, but it is, and so is the side equipment. Could it be because one of the other two computers aren't earthed?

I'd appreciate any help, cos it's very annoying (for my parents).

(I don't know if "earthed" is the correct verb; I mean with it that it's connected to the ground to avoid high voltages.)

 

[Mikoyan]

Have you tried doing a firmware update for the hub?

That's what fixed my similar problems.

 

[Turner]

Maybe you need a router (And thanks to the Bastard Operator from Hell, I know what Earthed means. We call it 'grounding' here in the states) that will just use the one IP addy, and share amoung them. I'm not sure tho, but perhaps your third computer is trying to get an IP and you're only allowed two. I don't know how your broadband connection is, but I know here at Road Runner they're only giving me one IP, and if I needed to get more than one PC on the 'net I would need to get a router.

Edit: Take one of the 'good' ones down, and see if the third connects. If it does, they try to connect the one you've just taken out. If that one doesn't connect, you probably need more IPs, and a router is the way to go. (At least, that's what makes sense to me.)

 

[Jurimax]

One way to solve the problem could be to just put the 3 computers in a small network. You set it up so that only one (the fastest of the 3) actually connects to the internet. And over the network you share your internet. Works splendidly. It works for me (I must say that I only share my internet with one computer).

 

[Jeratain]

Make sure they are all on the same network and can fully communicate with each other (transfer files, view each other's shared folders, etc) and also make sure that they are on the same workgroup and have similar protocols.

Then set up internet connection sharing if the internet is still not working with the three machines.

 

[Matrix]

Originally posted by Mikoyan
Have you tried doing a firmware update for the hub?

That's what fixed my similar problems.

How do you update a hub?

Furthermore I'm 100% sure I have three IP's. Can I still have that if two computers connect to the internet through another? I doubt that, but than again I'm not an internet guru.

Jeratain, you're bringing up another problem that might be related: the computer that's having trouble getting internet - it usually has internet but sometimes not - also can't see the other computers through Network Neightbourhood/My Network Places. The settings are identical though. But I'll have to check that again.

Thanks for the help thus far!

 

[Jeratain]

Question: What OSes are you using on the three computers?

Also, make sure you log in if asked for a password at startup - if you don't enter a username and password you wont load your network settings thus cutting you off from the internet and network. Let me know if this solves your problem, because if so I can help guide you through the process of making it so that it doesn't require the password/username all the time.

If all three computers are on the hub and sharing the network connection, then they should all have internet access. Each computer has its own unique IP address, and it doesn't make a difference on your connection, so don't worry about the IP address issue.

 

[Matrix]

They all three have Windows XP.