Internet Connection Sharing

If you have more than one computer in your home, you can share your Internet connection among the computers. Buying a small router is the most common way that home users set up a home network. Routers are small networking devices that act a bit like electrical power strips, with one cable plugging into the wall and several outlets available for other devices (in this case, computers) to plug into. However, a router distributes network access rather than electricity. Some routers include firewalls for extra security.

You can also use built-in software to make one of your computers take the place of the router as the central point for Internet connectivity. Microsoft provides Internet Connection Sharing software on every operating system from Windows 98 to Windows XP. However, it's generally more difficult to secure Internet Connection Sharing than it is to secure a separate, firewalled router.

Any type of network connection, from dialup to broadband, can potentially be shared among your computers. For a description of your options based on your type of network connection, see Internet connection sharing at Homenetworkhelp.com. Alternatively, Internet connection sharing at PracticallyNetworked.com provides a description of options based on your operating system as well as your network type.

Of course, sharing your network connection means that each connected computer can be vulnerable to the same security issues. A personal firewall of some sort, whether on your router or on each networked computer, is highly recommended for home networking.

The CERT Coordination Center provides a thorough overview of home networking security and best-practice recommendations at Home Network Security.