Networking 2 computers with 56k....I think I found my problem!

[Super56K]

Ok, i'm going to have a second computer in the next week or so and am thinking of ways to get them hooked up to share a 56k internet connection. My first question is...do I even want to mess with this? I mean 56k is slow enough already. I'm thinking with both being on the net at the same time the speed would be cut in half, which would suck pretty bad. Now, second question, I think there is only going to be two computers hooked up, no more. Would I be able to just hook up a crossover cable just so I could have LAN capabilities, like playing games and such? Now, third question, would it be a little easier just to buy a 4-port hub and hook the two computers up that way? And if I did that would it make the second computer(without a 56kmodem) online? Cutting the connection speed in half?

I googled this subject for a little while and didn't really get a lot of good ideas. So, all help much appreciated.


EDIT: Read last post by me for the update. Thanks.

 

[Kwatt]

What OS? How far apart are these computers? In the same room? Do you have NIC's it the computers already?
If yes use a crossover cable. If not try a USB network maybe.

If using MS ICS good luck. I had nothing but problems with it. Other people I know have had good luck though.

Before DSL I used FREESCO and a cheap computer to share a 56K modem. With 4 computers running SETI@Home. It worked well.


Kwatt

 

[AFB]

#1) Your choice.

#2)Yes.

#3)Not really, considering both computers will have to be on at the same time anyway.

 

[Super56K]

They will both be using xp pro edition and will only be about 6-8' apart in the same room. And ya, there both network ready. I'll propably just choose the easiest path for now and just run a cross over cable between them but the freesco program just looks like a fun thing to set up. I've already got an old gateway gathering dust that would work great with it anyways.

 

[Bloodstein]

1.
Dunno 'bout speed being cut in half.....unless u're accessing internet resources at EXACTLY the same time on both computers, the speed won't be cut in half. Hmm....it really depends on what u're planning to do with your net...if both pc'z are only going to be browsing the web, it shouldn't make much difference...if you're on a p2p network on both computers at the same time downloading stuff....then u'll have a bit of a speed problem.

2.
Yes, crossover on both computers should be fine...esp. with Win XP.

3.
Don't understand ur qs. Yes, you could use a hub....that wouldn't change ur network settings on both computers....and would be unnecessary for just 2 computers.

"And if I did that would it make the second computer(without a 56kmodem) online? Cutting the connection speed in half?" <---- ????

 

[Super56K]

Right now I could get a 5-port hub from a user in the FS/FT forums for only a few bucks more than it cost's me now just for a crossover cable. This sounds like a better idea because if I ever needed to I could hook up a 3rd or 4th computer(a little LAN party or something) I could do it. I'm extremely green in the area of networking so all help is much appreciated. I've only help set up a friends network and set up a windows 2000 server for a project in school. I've never really spent much of my free time reading up about small home networks and the like.(well, not in the past year or so)

Bloodstein-What I was referring to was that if I used a hub for my network and the host computer was the only one with the 56k modem, would the second computer have internet access too? I now realize that the connection speed would only be slowed if they were being used simultaneously. Oh, and by unnecessary, do you mean that it would just be overkill? Because 95% of the time there will only be two computers connected to it, but if a friend ever wants to bring his comp down and play some games the option would be there. I'd rather get a hub for only a few bucks more though. Regular cat5 cables are no big deal. I can get a few for free no problem.

 

[Super56K]

I believe I have found my problem... My onboard LAN isn't working on my older computer(k7s5a pro mobo). I reformatted the computer(it needed it anyways) and reinstalled everything then went to the ecs website and got the latest drivers for the onboard lan. I installed them and I get a code 10 error saying the device cannot start. I verified that the cable was good. I took it back to my computer store and had them test it and give them a different one and test it anyways. They both worked fine in their store. I don't have a spare NIC card laying around so I'll be ordering one off Newegg tonight propably.

 

[AFB]

Originally posted by: Super56K
I believe I have found my problem... My onboard LAN isn't working on my older computer(k7s5a pro mobo). I reformatted the computer(it needed it anyways) and reinstalled everything then went to the ecs website and got the latest drivers for the onboard lan. I installed them and I get a code 10 error saying the device cannot start. I verified that the cable was good. I took it back to my computer store and had them test it and give them a different one and test it anyways. They both worked fine in their store. I don't have a spare NIC card laying around so I'll be ordering one off Newegg tonight propably.

I have the same problem with that board.

 

[Super56K]

Really? The onboard LAN doesn't work? I'm guessing it's never worked at all on mine. I've had this comp for a few years now and this is the first time I've attempted to use the LAN.