Setting up Network and ICS (Internet Connection Sharing)

[Kinesis]

OK I guess I just hit my limit of knowledge, or else I am stupid! Here is the situation:

I have a computer which is connected to the internet via ADSL connection. On that same computer I have another NIC (a D-Link 10/100 card). And on another computer I have the exact same network card. So 2 on the Internet Computer and one on the other system. I have a 3 COM OfficeConnect Ethernet Hub 8 to create the LAN. I am using 2 CAT 5 cables to connect the computers to the HUB and create a LAN. The network is working....sort of. It is only running at 10 Mbps. Not bad right? But if I try to transfer files then Collision Alert shows up on the HUB, and anything bigger than 500 KB the Alert LED lights up. So what the heck am I doing wrong? The computers are only 5 feet apart right now. Meaning the cable is only 5 feet long. And I have check the connections, they are securely in place.

Second issue is I have setup ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) according to the Help & Suppoer walk through and the connection wizard, as suggested by Microsoft, with no successs. The client computer has the ICS connection shown in the Network Connections, but I can not surf with my browswer or even ping any web sites.

Please advise. Please....

 

[JackMDS]

The combo of DSL (probably with PPPOE), a hub, and ICS is a constant source of trouble, you much better off getting a Cable/DSL Routers. There are few of them for sale this week for less then $50.

For the price you get Hardware Firewall, and Hardware PPPOE "keep alive".

You Log on to a Router, in the PPPOE menu type username and password. Make sure that PPPOE is checked. Set the router to obtain IP automatically.

As long as you don't switch off the DSL Modem, and the Router you are connected "forever" (the computer can be switched off). If you switch the Modem, and the Router off, when you switch them on again, it will take less then a minute, and the Router will automatically connect to the DSL ISP.

You can uninstall WINPOET (or whatever software they dished you). Or you can leave them installed; (The software PPPOE appears as another Dialup connection, in the Browser).

The Router's PPPOE capacity is independent from the Computer, and it keeps the connection alive.

Working through the Router should yield faster (5%-10%), and smoother Internet connection.