Connecting to the Internet

[Drayne]

I'm not entirely clear on how Vudu connects to the Internet. I have a computer connected to the net via a cable modem. The modem has only one ethernet port. How would I connect the Vudu to this set up? I do have a CAT 5 cable with rj45 connectors on each end running in the wall that drops down behind my computer and runs about 30 feet and drops down below my plasma. Can this be used for the connection?

[RonV]

Re: Connecting to the Internet

Great question. Only one device can be connected to a cable modem but if you go out and by a router, it can be wired or wireless, most have a 4 port switch. This is common practice today in the home due to the number of devices that need to share one Internet connection.

The router then becomes your connection point to the Internet. And your computer and the VUDU plugs into the router. Here are a few routers you may want to look at. You can buy them at Best Buy or online at Amazon or Newegg etc.

Wired Router:

Linksys BEFSR41

Wireless Router (with wired 4 port switch)

Linksys WRT54G
Buffalo WHR-HP-G54

So what you will have hooked up when done looks like this:

 
[Cable Modem] --> [Router Port 1] --> Computer
                  [Router Port 2] --> VUDU

Let me know if you need any additional info....

[NA9D]

Re: Connecting to the Internet

In addition to allow you to connect more than one device, a router will also act as a "firewall" and keep your computer and everything else more secure. With no router in place, your computer is given what is called a public IP address. Anyone in the world can then try to get into your computer at that address.

With the router in place, the router is given that public address instead. By default, it rejects all incoming traffic. Your computer is then given what's called a private address behind the router. Only traffic from the outside world that you allow into your computer can now come in.

It's one of the easiest things you can do to keep your computer safe.

[mdrejhon]

Re: Connecting to the Internet

In Plain English, a router behaves like a "phone jack splitter" for the Internet.

(it's more complicated than that inside the box, but this is the easiest way to explain the purpose of a router to the masses: Share one Internet connection with multiple Internet devices)

One Internet connection goes into router. Multiple Internet connections go out of router. Connect both your VUDU and computer simultaneously to the router, and connect your router to your Internet (high speed modem)