Totally new to wireless

[cybertechelpand]

Thank you for taking a look.

A clear explanation of the problem you are having
I have zero knowledge about wireless networking. I used to connect to the internet with a DSL modem via ethernet cable. The very old DSL modem also had a port that let me route data via cable to my Roku box, model 2000c.
I recently switched to a fast cable internet provider, but their modem only has one ethernet cable port.
My computer is a Hewlett Packard model p6710f, and it has a 802.11n Wireless LAN card.
I have not been able to find any "for dummies" instructions to walk me through setting up the computer so that it will continue getting internet
from the cable modem via hardwire, but will communicate with the Roku box wirelessly.
Or, simply some kind of device like the old DSL modem, that had lots of ports on it, and allowed me to send that internet
signal to both the computer and the Roku box.
I really don't want to have to buy any more equipment.

I have searched the Roku site, Microsoft, and Hewlett Packard, but there is nothing that is both specific enough to my exact equipment combination and also simple enough for a total novice to follow.
.


A description of your network
Cable @ 25 Mbps

Make and model of your modem
Cisco model DPC2100R2

Whether you have a router (If you do then include the what make & model)

I do not have an external router, but my computer has a
802.11n Wireless LAN card

Do you have multiple PCs networked
Only one computer in the household

Is it wireless or not (If wireless include the make & model of the wireless adapter)

I don't understand what the "it" in this sentence is.

Are you using Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

I have no idea what ICS is.

The OS(s) you are using
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit.

[MaDef]

The two links are the manuals to both your Roku and Cable modem:

Roku setup guide
Cisco modem guide

The problem is that you have a wireless card in the pc and the modem isn't wireless.

You have 2 options here:
1. Use a usb cable to connect the pc to the modem while leaving the Roku on the ethernet connection.

2. Buy & install a wireless router/gateway between the modem and other equipment

There are other options, but those are the 2 easiest, The first option means internet access is allowed only with the Roku and pc, and needs to have cables attached. The second option; a combination wired/wireless router/switch and/or gateway (a gateway is just a modem and router/switch combined into one container) allows you more options (ie: you can go either wireless or wired, or a combination of the two). It also allows you to connect other network capable devices such as I phones, Ipads, game consoles, laptops, other pc's etc, all at the same time.

[cybertechelpand]

There are currently 1 chat request(s) before you in the chat queue.
Your Question: I want to make my cable modem work with both my computer and Roku box. I have a USB cable that fits the RCN modem, but I'm getting an error that the Driver is missing for the modem.
Please wait, an operator will be with you shortly.
There are currently 1 chat request(s) before you in the chat queue.
Your request is important to us. Please wait, an operator will be with you shortly.
You are now chatting with Yvonne I. - Customer Care
10:37Yvonne I.: Good Morning
10:38RCN Customer: hi
10:39Yvonne I.: do you have a router that you are using? as Far as I know connecting through the router may work
10:40RCN Customer: I do not have a router. Input is via cable. Output to computer will run through USB cable port on the router. Output to Roku box will run via ethernet cable to Roku box. I am getting an error message that Drivers for the router are missing.
10:41Yvonne I.: give me a min to see if I can find the info for you
10:41RCN Customer: Thank you
10:42Yvonne I.: please give it at least 5 min before trying to access
10:43Yvonne I.: sorry give me a couple of min to access info
10:43RCN Customer: I don't understand what you are saying. Please repeat in full sentences.
10:44Yvonne I.: please give me a couple of min to access the information concerning the Roku connection
10:45RCN Customer: Yes, fine. I just need the modem drivers to make it work with a USB cable.
10:46Yvonne I.: Sir can I have your home phone number or account number I need to see if the modem you have has the usb connection active
10:48RCN Customer: I was not given an account number. Phone number is 202 000 0000. RCN Customer at XXXX Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington DC
10:48Yvonne I.: thank you
10:54Yvonne I.: Even the USB connection will not work with RCN cable modem services. The only way for the Roku box to connect is via Ethernet-connection and through a router.
10:55RCN Customer: That is completely unacceptable. Unless I can send the RCN signal to both my computer and my Roku box, this service is WORTHLESS to me. I am not paying for a wireless router when your Cisco modem has both an ethernet and a USB port.
10:56RCN Customer: All I need are the DRIVERS that will make the Cisco router you gave me work. Otherwise, it's worthless.
10:58Yvonne I.: The USB port is not active on the modem that is supplied by RCN.
10:58RCN Customer: What do you mean "not active"?
10:59Yvonne I.: RCN does not have the driver installed onto the modems. This means the USB ports are not active.
11:00Yvonne I.: I can cehcek to see if we have a modem were the port is active ?
11:00RCN Customer: Yes, I am AWARE that the drivers are not installed. As I started out saying in this message, I am getting an error message saying that Drivers are missing. I am now contacting you to get those drivers.
11:01Yvonne I.: RCN will not activate the drivers.
11:01RCN Customer: Why?
11:02Yvonne I.: THE USB port is not needed for modem services with RCN.
11:03Yvonne I.: I am checking to see if there is a modem we have that has active USB ports available to you
11:03RCN Customer: Yes, it IS needed to make my Roku work. As the installer KNEW when he was here in person. Are you trying to rip people off by FORCING them to rent a wireless router, when all that is needed is a FREE set of modem drivers from Cisco to make the USB port function?
11:07RCN Customer: What is the exact and complete model number of the installed Cisco modem?
11:08Yvonne I.: Sir please hoked i am getting info for you
11:09RCN Customer: "hoked"? What language are you speaking?
11:10Yvonne I.: I am sorry it was supposed to be hold
11:10RCN Customer: ok
11:17Yvonne I.: Sir I am still here I am working on getting you the info
11:20RCN Customer: ok, thanks for letting me know. Why don't you just email me the results at my email address of @yahoo.com. The results I would tolerate would be drivers to make the current modem USB port work, supply me at no cost with an enabled modem, or cancel my service, and I will go over to Comcast. Thank you.
11:21Yvonne I.: Ok I will email you with the info

[cybertechelpand]

I gave up and bought a wireless modem. I was surprised. The internet seems faster.
Roku is just as slow as it ever was to respond.

[supercheapit]

btw ICS is Microsoft Internet Connection sharing.

Its an inbuilt Windows networking application that allows a single computer to share its internet connection with another device