Network Setup

Sharing an IP Address Using a Single Computer

You can use a single computer instead of a router to share a single IP address provided by your Internet Service Provider. In this case, the computer is a host that takes or receives requests from other computers on the network and transmits them to or from the Internet. You can use a single host computer to share an IP address either by using dual network interface cards, or a software program that supports Internet connection sharing.

Before You Begin
Option 1 – Use Dual Network Interface Cards
Option 2 – Use IP-Sharing Software
Additional Information

Note: ITS does not recommend Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), as it can open up a number of security breaches in your machine. ICS is automatically installed during the Windows XP installation process if you choose to set up a home or small office network using the Network Setup Wizard. To avoid installing ICS, do not use the wizard.
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This article describes how to enable Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) forwarding on a Windows XP-based computer. By default, TCP/IP forwarding is not enabled in Windows XP.

MORE INFORMATION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To enable TCP/IP forwarding, follow these steps: