Look at the Cheap Option!
There are three Basic Options:
The following assumes that you have Cable/DSl connection, at least one NIC, and one cable provided by the Cable/DSL ISP.
The cheap option
(Option-1)
A cable modem is installed, and used by one computer.
Install a second Network Card (NIC) in the computer that is already connected to the cable service. Install NIC in the second computer; connect the computers with Crossover cat5 cable.
Configure the two computers with TCP/IP protocol, and Windows Internet Connection Sharing software.This type of Installation needs to use ICS software solution, ICS is part of Win98SE (you need to install it from the original w98SE CD).
Help on ICS:
PracticallyNetworked ICS HowTo Center
Or use this Freeware.
Analog X Proxy
Cost: two NIC (about $30), Crossover Cat5 cable (about $5).
Cons: Configuration can be a pain, you can run into IRQ problems in the double NIC computer, The main computer must be ON when the second computer is used for Internet surfing. No place to grow.
Pro: Cost is rock bottom.
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The "I have a Regular Hub/Switch", and I like to use what I have! (Option-2)
You connect the cable modem to the Hub (or Switch), with Straight cable to the Uplink, or Crossover cable to regular port. The computers connect with Straight cables to the rest of the ports. Configure each computer with TCP/IP network protocol, and correct addressing system (IP numbers). Configure ICS software, so that the Internet data will know where to go.
Here is example with Sygate Sharing:
Sygate® Home Network 4.1 - Share and Secure One Internet Connection for Multiple Users
Cost: NIC (for second computer) about $15, Hub (4 ports) $20, Two Cat5 cables $6.
A possible problem?
Most Internet Cable service register the MAC number (id) of the Network Card. By using hub (or router) your cable modem is not connected any more to the original card so the number that is seen by the cable service is different, You will have to contact your cable company and arrange a change (if their policy allow it).
DSL is usually not a problem in this matter, unless it is using PPPOE for password.
Cons: Problems from Cable provider. Configuration can be a pain.
Pro: You have a complete network, with Internet sharing for modest cost.
The Elegant Way: (Option-3)
Get a Cable/DSL Router (like the SMC barricade). Install one NIC in each computer. The Cable modem is connected to the WAN input of the Router with Straight cable. The computers connect with Straight cables to the regular Router ports. Each computer is configured with TCP/IP Network protocol. You should have nice fast Network with DHCP server, and Hardware firewall.
Here is an example courtesy of Russ:
http://www.tacube.com/pages/samplenet.doc
Cost about $80-100 ($50 on a Good Sale), for a Router (Most of the products includes two cables) + $15 NIC.
A big Plus: Most Routers has the capacity to clone your original network card id, so the cable system does not experience any change.
Pro:
No need for any additional software.
In 20 minutes, you will have Cable/DSL network running.
Hardware firewall.
The router has DHCP server inside that means automatic assignment of network components (no need to configure IP numbers).
No trouble from Cable Service Provider.
Cons: If you use special ports, you have to read the manual in order to configure the FireWall correctly.
Help on port forwarding can be found here:
Special Applications - Port List
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How to Configure the Network?
It is very hard and cumbersome to explain verbally (No Graphics), how to configure a whole Network.
At the moment the following Link is the best that I found:
http://www.helmig.com/j_helmig/guidcnfn.htm
Original Post: JackMDS on 03/26/2001
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