Ho do I add two more computers to my LAN?

[timswim78]

I have a cable-modem for my ISP, and I share it with my family. We currently have three computers wired to a router (its max). The same router also supports 1 wireless notebook. We wish to add two more wired computers to our lan. My question is, "How can I do this?" Do I need to replace the 3-ethernet port wireless router with a 5-ethernet port wireless router, or can I add a second router or a hub?

 

[MichaelD]

You can do either. It's up to you. When upgrading, always buy "more than you need" to allow for future expansion, this way you don't repeat this exercise down the road should you want to add yet more nodes to your network. So, buy a 16-port switch and you won't have to worry about down the road.

If you decide to add on using a "HUB" make sure you get a SWITCH and not a hub. The hub will work, but the switch is an intelligent device and routes traffic only to the IP (MAC addy, technically) requesting the data instead of broadcasting it to all IPs, like a a HUB will. It's much better.

Also, you may need to purchase (or have someone make you) a CROSSOVER cable. This is a piece of network cable (UTP) that has two pairs of wires inside reversed. A crossover cable is used for connecting a switch to a switch.

An exception to the crossover cable is if your new switch has "auto MDI/MDIX negotiation" or a port labeled "UPLINK". Essentially, that means the switch can use a regular patch cable (aka "straight thru") instead of a crossover cable.

It's easier than it all sounds...but you need to be told all the minor details. It's important.

 

[q2261]

Just get a hub or switch and connect it to the router's switch using a crossover cable. You'll be good to go!

 

[JackMDS]

Just get a cheap switch, and plug it to a regular port on your Router.

If you use the DHCP in the Router, the computers on the switch will obtain the IP from the Router, nothing has to be configured.

Take into consideration that you loose one port on the Router, and one port on the switch for the interconnection.

So, 4 ports Router + 4 port switch will yield 6 available ports.

For Cable usage look here: AnandTech - FAQ. CAT5 Straight, Crossover. What is CAT5, which one should I Use?

 

[TJN23]

good thing to remember: device to a like device requires a CROSSOVER cable (i.e. switch to a switch)

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: TJN23
good thing to remember: device to a like device requires a CROSSOVER cable (i.e. switch to a switch)

Most switches now have what is called NWAY connection ability meaning it doesn't care if you use a regular cable or a cross-over cable it will automatically adapt and communicate. So you can go from Router to Switch to Computers using all regular Cat 5 cables.

 

[Doh!]

Yup. If have bought the router not too long ago, crossover cable will not be necessary. You can save $$$ by buying a regular cable. Check the manual or the mfg. website for your router's specification.

 

[timswim78]

Thanks for all of the help guys. I will buy a switch and see if I need a crossover cable or a regular piece of CAT5.