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What equipment do I need???

M

Mavo

Member
Hi all,

I have 2 computers, 2 IP addresses, and one cable modem. What do I need (switch, hub) so that both my computers can get internet access at the best performance possible?

One of my NIC is 10MPS while the other is 10/100MPS. Would the network default to the slowest speed?

I apologize if my terminology is incorrect. I'm new to networking.

Thanks in advance.
 
At the minimum, you will need a 10 Mbit hub. But since switches are so cheap now, you may as well go for a 10/100 switch. Or you could go a totally different route and purchase a router (and only use 1 IP).

~bex0rs
 
Thanks for the quick reply 🙂

I get 2 ip addresses free so I'm gonna use them both. Would I just plug the cable modem into the switch, and then from the switch out 2 different ports to my 2 computers?
 
Cable modem plugs into the uplink port on the switch....

Computers plug into the ports on the switch...

then you all set 🙂
 
Yep, plug each device into the switch and you're set. If you get a 10/100 switch or hub, each device should auto-negotiate to its highest speed. And if you ever upgrade your other computer with a 10/100 card, you'll be able to do 100 mbit transfers between the two computers.

Have fun!
~bex0rs
 
Bex0rs and Fattz: Thanks for all your help. 🙂 I went out and bought a switch and everyting installed without a hitch. I was pretty surprised how small the switch actually is.

Do I have to install anyting for one machine to see the contents in the other machine (MS network client, novell client) or do I just need to have both machines on? Well, I'll go mees around with it some more 😀 .

Thanks again!
 
Provided you have network cards in both computers, your OS should "install" the necessary components for networking. Just make sure that you've set up your IP's (provided by ISP) properly, and if you want to share files, that you've enabled file & print sharing. Be careful though, since both computers will be directly on the internet. You don't want other people getting to your stuff, so you might consider investing in a software firewall.

~bex0rs
 
Whoa! After doing more research, I realized I opened a whole new can of worms about file sharing and security. Since I don't want to spend excessive coin (to buy a hardware firewall), would it be alright to install Zone Alarm on both computers and share files and printers with the NetBeui protocol?

 
I believe that is the strategy that most people in your situation use. In terms of ease though, one of the consumer router products would probably be best, and will probably cost you less than $100.

~bex0rs
 
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