Easy home network - how do I do this?

[Bkanneg]

Here is what I would like to do. I know it is probably easy, but I'm not sure how to do it.

I have two PCs, and I want to network them together for file and print sharing.

The main PC is running XP Home, and the secondary PC is running NT 4.0.

I bought 2 Linksys NICs, and am getting ready to install them. I don't know where to go from there, however. Do I need some kind of hub for this kind of easy network, or can the XP machine handle that. Also, I will be using the NICs for broadband sharing using Internet Connection sharing.

I bought a patch cable for the 2 cards, but I'm not sure if that is the right kind of cable.

I would appreciate any advice, or if someone can point me to a website tutorial for this.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[blurredvision]

I'm assuming by you stating that "I will be using the NICs for broadband sharing using Internet Connection sharing", you have a broadband internet connection like Cable or DSL. If so, definitely go for a router. You WILL need a hub/router to network these together, especially since you want to share your internet connection between the two. I don't know enough about routers to recommend a particular one, but I just picked up a LinkSys router today, and it's been working great. You can go to your local computer store and ask an employee about their routers.

Definitions you may need to know:

Hub - for home use, usually comes with 4 ports for 4 computers, used simply to share files and printers....a hub shares the bandwidth between all computers connected to it
Router - used exclusively for sharing broadband internet connections, such as cable, DSL, and T1....routers almost always come with atleast a 4 port switch for multiple computer sharing
Switch - same as a hub, except each port is given a full 10/100 connection....each port isn't shared like a hub....switches are preferred for speed

Hopefully this helps a bit and hopefully someone else will come in here and explain it a bit better than me.

 

[JackMDS]

For general understanding of the issues involved read the content of the following links:

AnandTech - FAQ . Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

AanadTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

AnandTech - FAQ. CAT5 Straight, Crossover. What is CAT5, which one should I Use?

To set Win XP Home Network log here: Windows XP Home Networking Guide

 

[acidvoodoo]

jack, can u suggest some good 'cheapish' broadband routers, basicly ones that will have all the features needed to share a connection between 2 computers. i have my eye on the netgear rp114 and the Ellink HIP-800E. i have a cable connection by the way,

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: acidvoodoo
jack, can u suggest some good 'cheapish' broadband routers, basicly ones that will have all the features needed to share a connection between 2 computers. i have my eye on the netgear rp114 and the Ellink HIP-800E. i have a cable connection by the way,

If you are a gamer, and or use your connection for some form of server. You need to find the specific Router that will answer to your specific needs. It is really a matter of logging to the major Router manufactures, and look at the data sheets.

Putting aside Sales, and MIRs.

The cheapest ($40) for simple connection with no demand is: Link DI-604

Flexible (Ports & VPN support) for reasonable price ($70-$80) is: Linksys BEFSX41
=======================

I am not familiar with the Ellink HIP-800E.

As far as the Netgear, if you can find the RP114 on sale for around $40-$50 it is a better deal then the D-Link. If you have to pay $60 or more check out the LinksysBEFSX41.


Just my humble opinion, YMMV.

 

[amdskip]

As everyone has already mentioned, do find yourself a nice router. I have one and it has definately paid for itself.

 

[acidvoodoo]

unfortunetly i'm buying my router in england, although i am currently in the US on vacation, a US router would have a diff power supply andi didn't wanna screw around with that, so i have to spend like 60 pounds ($100) on a router in the uk, just for a cheap one. i'll search for the ones u suggested though

 

[JackMDS]

I can emphasize with the situation.

I resided for a while in a 220VAC place. Since the 50/60 Hz. Is not an issue with these DC power supplies, I ended up buying a 500W 220/110 (quite expensive), and stuck all my 110s into it.

 

[acidvoodoo]

well it's too late now, i'm goin home in a few days




can u tell me what sort of specs i should look for in the router of choice? i know i need the MAC address cloner (or is that a standard in internet routers). i'm gonna be gaming, alot, and will sometimes host games. both computers connected will be using the internet and/or gaming at the same time (my computer, and my brothers). i may just go with the netgear, as people on my ISPs forum have said it works great to share the connection, but i'll check up on the features first, if u wold be so kind to tell me what to look for

 

[acidvoodoo]

ok i kinda took over this guys thread and the topic is changed so i'll start my own thread......

 

[Bkanneg]

No problem Acidvoodoo. I'm just trying to learn what I can.

Here is what I am thinking of, someone please tell me if it will work.

Install a NIC in each machine. Hook them up with a Linksys 5 port 10/100 Hub (Model EFAH05W). This should allow me to use File and Print sharing, correct?

Then I will use Internet Connection Sharing to share my Wireless internet connection. I don't think I can use a Broadband router because the only thing I have coming out of my modem is a USB cable. Do they make some kind of USB -> Ethernet adapter that I could plug into a broadband router? If so, would I still be able to share files and printers between the two?

Also, remember that one PC has XP Home and one has Win NT 4.0. Is that going to be a problem?

Thanks for all the help.

Brian

 

[rw120555]

Then I will use Internet Connection Sharing to share my Wireless internet connection. I don't think I can use a Broadband router because the only thing I have coming out of my modem is a USB cable.

Yuck, so you got stuck with a USB, not ethernet, modem? 2 things you might consider:

(1) Buy an ethernet modem and a router, or a combo unit.
(2) Buy a Draytek Vigor2200USB Router for ADSL USB Modems. Here is a review.

Either will cost you a little more, but then you won't be stuck having to use ICS and having to have an always-on machine as the internet server.