2 macs - 1 internet connection: solutions?

[INEEDANOTEBOOK]

My notebook is about to arrive and I'm trying to learn how to connect two macs to a single internet connection. I'm starting from scratch, really -- I'm learning what a router / switch / ethernet are!

Ideally, it would be nice if I could keep my existing cable connection to my Imac and install a wireless connection to my notebook. But I don't know if it is possible and how to do that. I've not found clear advices on such installation, yet. Also, since I'll move in June, I searching for the cheapest solution.

Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[stridemat]

Any wireless router will allow you to do this.

 

[miles01110]

Any wireless router will allow you to do this.

That's not entirely true. Some wireless "routers" are actually just access points and don't have ethernet ports.

Most consumer routers have both, though.

 

[stridemat]

You could also use one of your mac's to distribute it's internet connection wirelessly.

System Preferences > Sharing

 

[AdamRock]

get a linksys dual band router (2.4ghz and 5ghz), that way you can use your old wireless devices, new ones and have upto 4 wired devices.

 

[INEEDANOTEBOOK]

That's not entirely true. Some wireless "routers" are actually just access points and don't have ethernet ports.

Most consumer routers have both, though.

For instance, does this one, from Apple, have what I need? There seems to be only one ethernet port.

 

[stridemat]

For instance, does this one, from Apple, have what I need? There seems to be only one ethernet port.

The airport extreme you posted will only create a wireless signal. You would not be able to have your current Mac connected to the internet via ethernet.

 

[MooneyFlyer]

For instance, does this one, from Apple, have what I need? There seems to be only one ethernet port.

The one ethernet on the Airport Express needs to go to the modem. The Airport Extreme would do what you want but costs more. I would recommend getting a refurb one from the Apple online store if you choose this route. (You can also have a shared Time Machine drive this way).

Otherwise, the Linksys referenced above is a fine solution and more reasonably priced.

 

[INEEDANOTEBOOK]

You could also use one of your mac's to distribute it's internet connection wirelessly.

System Preferences > Sharing
View attachment 266840

Could you be more precise? Seems interesting but no techie here!

The one ethernet on the Airport Express needs to go to the modem. The Airport Extreme would do what you want but costs more. I would recommend getting a refurb one from the Apple online store if you choose this route. (You can also have a shared Time Machine drive this way).

Otherwise, the Linksys referenced above is a fine solution and more reasonably priced.

Ok, I will have a look. Thanks!
(I might come back for the installation, though... )

 

[stridemat]

Could you be more precise? Seems interesting but no techie here!

I just tried it with my iPhone, and it worked. Im not sure the range this gives you.

Say for example if you have an iMac that is setup in a static position you can share the interent connection that it receives. If you navigate to System Preferences > Sharing and set it up as the screen shot, then you should be able to connect wirelessly with your new Mac.

It might just be easier, and more robust for you to purchase a router from your local tech store.

 

[INEEDANOTEBOOK]

I just tried it with my iPhone, and it worked. Im not sure the range this gives you.

Say for example if you have an iMac that is setup in a static position you can share the interent connection that it receives. If you navigate to System Preferences > Sharing and set it up as the screen shot, then you should be able to connect wirelessly with your new Mac.

It might just be easier, and more robust for you to purchase a router from your local tech store.

That seems perfect for me! Ok then: I will wait for my notebook to arrive (should be here by Wednesday) - and I will try to do that: I'll first try to connect my notebook to internet through my imac. If it is not sufficiently stable / quick, then I'll consider a Linksys router (the WRT400N is at $88 on Amazon).

I will post the result (good or bad) for those who might be interested by then.

Thanks a lot!

 

[INEEDANOTEBOOK]

You could also use one of your mac's to distribute it's internet connection wirelessly.

System Preferences > Sharing
View attachment 266840

Just one quick thought: Doesn't allowing wireless connection mean that ANY notebook in the vicinity could have access to my Imac? (provided that they are sufficiently close). Doesn't it imply security issues?

 

[stridemat]

Just one quick thought: Doesn't allowing wireless connection mean that ANY notebook in the vicinity could have access to my Imac? (provided that they are sufficiently close). Doesn't it imply security issues?

Click Airport Options on the Internet Sharing screen.

 

[MooneyFlyer]

Yeah, this is a good solution for you thinking about it more. I've done this while on trips a number of times to share a link to my phone, iPad, etc... Good luck and good suggestion guys.

 

[pyroza]

A wireless router would be more useful if in the future you buy more devices.

 

[INEEDANOTEBOOK]

View attachment 266851

Click Airport Options on the Internet Sharing screen.

Excellent. Again: I will update the result next week. Thanks for all the replies!


Edit / Update:

The Airport Option works perfectly. I don't use the macbook pro for heavy internet usage (videos etc.), but I could. Strong & continuous reception signal everywhere in the apartment.

And BTW the transfer of all my data & preferences with Time Machine was a breeze!