How much does it cost/what do I need for a simple LAN?

[Haervii]

I don't mean a giant complex office/business sort of thing, such a simple connection between 2 computers@home, just for games. How much is the cost, and what do I need to buy?

 

[office boy]

If it's just two computers, all you need are two network cards, and a crossovercable to connect the two. any more then that, and you need a hub or switch, and more cables.

 

[sparkle]

about $130 will get you a "Linksys network Starter Kit"

includes
-2 10/100 pci nics
-1 5-port hub
-2 15' long cables
-drivers

should be it to get going.

many other companies have similar products as well

 

[jonnyjack]

i second office boy's suggestion...i have a network at home between two computers...i bought 2 D-Link NIC's (about $10 for the PCI 10Mb version) and a coax cable...plan to get a crossover cable soon though...

thsi setup only works for 2 computers though...if you decide to add more computers in the future you will have to buy a hub and more cables...the crossover won't work anymore...

 

[RossGr]

OR: About $40.00 will get you 2 NICs and a crossover cable, less if you shop around. I have had very good luck with generic $10.00 NICs. for 2 systems the crossover cable is your hub so do not spend the >$25 needed for a hub. If you expand to a third system or someone brings in more systems for LAN gaming then you may need a hub, but don't spend the money unless you have an excess.

BTW: I have a 4 system home LAN connected to @home through a SMC Barricade router. I stared with 2 ISA 10Mbs NICs and a crossover cable.

 

[abu]

find out almost EVERYTHING you need to know about setting up a small home network @

HERE