OT: Question about NIC

[deerslayer]

I have a 4 port router but 5 computers. I was going to purchase a switch to use so I could hook up more computers, but I haven't been able to find one used.

Can I put a second NIC in one of my computers and hook my extra computer up to that NIC? I though I had heard of this being done, but I don't know if it will work like that. I want to do this so I can transmit WU's off of my old P133 without connecting a monitor and network cable from one of my other rigs to do it.

Thanks,
Brett

 

[networkman]

If the PC with 2 nics were configured as a router and you used a "cross-over" cable between the nic of the router PC and the nic of the 5th PC, then yes that would work.

Honestly though, I'd just plug a larger switch into one port on your router; in my home, I have the LinkSys 4port cable/router with 1 port going to an HP ProCurve 24port 10/100 switch. All of my PCs then plug into that switch - plenty of ports - no problems.

 

[deerslayer]

Could you suggest a good place to get a switch and what kind to get?

I don't want to mess with a crossover cable and all that. I really don't need more than a total of 8 or 10 ports (including the 4 on my Dlink cable/dsl router). I had been trying to keep my eye open for one in FS/FT but haven't really seen anything.

Thanks for the reply

 

[networkman]

Just go to someplace like PriceWatch, under Networking, choose Networking Other and select what you want. You can find numerous places selling 8port 10/100 switches for around $30 shipped to your door.

 

[deerslayer]

Thanks NWM

/runs off to find a switch

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: networkman
If the PC with 2 nics were configured as a router and you used a "cross-over" cable between the nic of the router PC and the nic of the 5th PC, then yes that would work.

Honestly though, I'd just plug a larger switch into one port on your router; in my home, I have the LinkSys 4port cable/router with 1 port going to an HP ProCurve 24port 10/100 switch. All of my PCs then plug into that switch - plenty of ports - no problems.

Woah, sounds impressive! I really need to get a switch for my PCs, but anything that big would be way overkill. I may settle for an 8 port netgear or something like that. Does that sound good? I use one of my PCs as a router, so there's no dedicated box here; besides, an extra PC can be used to run a DC project, while most routers can't (except maybe some high end Cisco ones with their processors).

 

[deerslayer]

I was also wondering if there are any brands to look for or any that I specifically should not purchase.


<----definitely not a network guru

 

[dmcowen674]

You won't need any special cables such as a crossover cable if you get the D-Link 5 ($25-40 depending on sales) or 8 port switch ($50-70 depending on sales). Just plug it in with normal cables and go. You can also daisy chain them with no appreciable degragation in network performance.

 

[Evadman]

I have NWM beat in the switch department? wow. I must need help!

<---- has 2 10/100 24 port switches ( both D-link ) one 8 port netgear switch, and 3 8 port 10/100 hubs ( cheap off brand. All in attic so I can not see who they are to tell ya ). 80 ports of networking goodness!

 

[deerslayer]

Originally posted by: Evadman
I have NWM beat in the switch department? wow. I must need help!

<---- has 2 10/100 24 port switches ( both D-link ) one 8 port netgear switch, and 3 8 port 10/100 hubs ( cheap off brand. All in attic so I can not see who they are to tell ya ). 80 ports of networking goodness!

:Q:Q:Q:Q:Q:Q:Q:Q:Q:Q:Q:Q:Q:Q
What the heck do you need 80 ports for??????

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: Evadman
I have NWM beat in the switch department? wow. I must need help!

<---- has 2 10/100 24 port switches ( both D-link ) one 8 port netgear switch, and 3 8 port 10/100 hubs ( cheap off brand. All in attic so I can not see who they are to tell ya ). 80 ports of networking goodness!

Woah, wtf?!?!? Do you run an ISP out of your home or something? Or are you just a SETI freak like NWM?