Dumb Question - Cons of 2nd NIC?

[Sammy5000]

Hey All...

Dumb question - I am trying to setup a simple 2-computer network with file sharing and internet sharing (primarily). I have my main rig (Computer A) setup with cable modem service (through an NIC), and want to hook up Computer B to use this as well. Computer A is running WINXP Home, Comp. B is running Win98. Comp. B also has an unused NIC (w/mobo).

Now, as I see it, I have two options:

1) Router Setup (Cat5 from Comp. B to Router, Cat5 from Comp. A to Router, ISP to Router), and I just have to get my ISP to change my IP Address to the Router's IP Address.

2) 2nd NIC Card - I can place a 2nd NIC Card in Computer A, and hook up a Cat5 in between the NICs.

Now, I am favoring Option #2 since it would a) cost less money, and b) would not require me to contact my ISP, but I am worried about losing any speed and possible conflicts with my firewall, Zone Alarm Pro.

Bottomline, what are your thoughts on the problems with Option #2. If you guys can direct me to another thread/article that explains this, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[prvteye2003]

Originally posted by: Sammy5000
Hey All...

Dumb question - I am trying to setup a simple 2-computer network with file sharing and internet sharing (primarily). I have my main rig (Computer A) setup with cable modem service (through an NIC), and want to hook up Computer B to use this as well. Computer A is running WINXP Home, Comp. B is running Win98. Comp. B also has an unused NIC (w/mobo).

Now, as I see it, I have two options:

1) Router Setup (Cat5 from Comp. B to Router, Cat5 from Comp. A to Router, ISP to Router), and I just have to get my ISP to change my IP Address to the Router's IP Address.

2) 2nd NIC Card - I can place a 2nd NIC Card in Computer A, and hook up a Cat5 in between the NICs.

Now, I am favoring Option #2 since it would a) cost less money, and b) would not require me to contact my ISP, but I am worried about losing any speed and possible conflicts with my firewall, Zone Alarm Pro.

Bottomline, what are your thoughts on the problems with Option #2. If you guys can direct me to another thread/article that explains this, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

I'm not exactly sure how it works with cable internet but I've used both options with my dsl account. I didn't have to call my ISP. But with option "B" I did find that when comp a was off or down, I didn't have internet access with comp b. I've just recently went with option a ( 2 days ago ) because of that reason. I do a lot of tinkering with comp a and when I mess something up or otherwise it goes down, I still have comp b to jump on the net to look something up to fix the problem. More than likely, if you can't get your router and modem to communicate properly between each other, they have the same lan ip. change the lan ip of the router and then use ipconfig /release....ipconfig /renew . At least that's what I had to do to get the two working together. But like I said, I'm not sure how cable internet works. I'm not sure how clear all of this sounds, but if you need further help, just give me a buzz and I'll try and talk you through it. Hope this helps.

 

[Soybomb]

You don't need to contact your ISP to do either of the above. They would both work fine, but personally I would go with a router because they're cheap, and less hassle. You also don't have to keep a certain machine on all the time.

 

[JackMDS]

Well it comes down to:

1. You want to enjoy the Interent and your Network? Go with option 1.

2. You want to save $19? Go withe option 2.

BTW, save the money so you can buy anti anxiety snacks when the Inernet sharing turns "Quirky" (and it will).



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