Cable modem network - home

[NetworkDad]

I need to put together a cable network at home. There will be 2 Pc's, both running win98. One of the PC's is already hooked up to cable internet. This will be strictly for internet sharing, no online or LAN gaming at home.

What do you recommend? I would like to keep this simple. Parts needed? Software recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[JackMDS]

The cheap option:

Install a Second Network Card (NIC) in the computer that is already connected to the cable service. Install NIC in the second computer; connect the computers with straight through wire.

Configure the two computers with TCP/IP protocol, and Windows Internet sharing software (ICS is part of Win98).

Cost: two NIC (about $30), straight through Cat5 cable (about $5).
Configuration can be a pain, you can run into IRQ problems in the double NIC computer, and you need to open both computers.
The main computer must be ON when the second computer is used for surfing.

However, Cost is rock bottom.


The elegant way:

Buy a Cable/DSL Router (like the SMC barricade). Install NIC in the second computer. Configure Network protocol, and you have nice fast Network with DHCP server, and Hardware firewall.
No need for any additional software, you need to open only one computer.


Cost about $100 for a Router (SMC include cables.)+ $15 NIC.

 

[NetworkDad]

A friend emailed me and suggested a simple hub, 2 nics and CAT6 cabling?

He recommended Intel Nic's and D-Link hub...

 

[mmaki]

I highly recommend JackMDS's "Elegant way" It sure beats having that PC on all the time and concerning your self with the config, not that it's really that hard. Later on if you want to get a wireless access point for a notebook or just add another client, you just plug it into the port.

Here is a good tutorial:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/sharingcable.htm

Good Luck!

 

[NetworkDad]

Does the cable modem connect directly to the router? and then run the 2nd pc to the router?
What about additional IP address - will i need this for the 2nd pc? I can order one if needed..

 

[JackMDS]

Assuming that you have external Cable Modem.

You connect the cable modem to the Hub (or Router), and the two computers to the rest of the ports.

Most Internet Cable service register the mac number (id) of the Networkcard. By using hub (or router) your cable modem is not connected any more to the original card so the number that is seen by the cable service is different, You will have to contact your cable company and arrange a change (if their policy allow it).

In the ?Elegant Way? the router has DHCP server inside, that means automatic assignment of network components (no need to configure IP numbers) in addition the router has the capacity to clone your original network card id, so the cable system does not experience any change.

 

[NetworkDad]

It is an external cable modem, hooked up to an internal NIC. I think i am liking the elegant way better. On the 2nd pc, do i only need to add TCP/IP in network setup? Then run the 2nd pc to the router, and the external cable modem to the router as well?

 

[JackMDS]

To be more specific I will use the SMC Barricade as an example.

http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10255428&loc=101

The router has a WAN port; you disconnect the modem cable form your computer, and plug it to the Barricade WAN port.

You connect a cable from one computer to port No. 1 on the Barricade, and a second cable from the second computer network card to port number two. Both computers have to be configured with TCP/IP protocols and bound to the nic.

Log here for step by step instructions:
http://www.thetechzone.com/reviews/routers/smc/barricade700br/index.shtml

 

[NetworkDad]

Thanks for everyones help and input - i think i understand this now. I'll read up on this info.

Doesnt seem to difficult at all.

THANKS!

 

[magix]

Unex router works well,i've used it to share my cable connection,
lan gaming,file sharing & print sharing. So far nothing has gone wrong so i would definitely reccommend that u get a router or a switch.