First home network ... help!

[rgstewart]

I am thinking about setting up a home network, mainly for sharing of an internet connection via a cable modem. I've got PCI Network cards for both machines, and the modem can run off an ethernet connection ... what I need to know is, what sort of hub/switch do I need to get, and will it mean that both computers will be able to share the connection independantly?

I've looked into the Windows Home Network setup, and it just looks a little restrictive, in that one computer needs to be on all the time with a live net connection in order for the other to share it. I'd rather both machines were able to use the connection, regardless of whether the other is on or not.

Both machines are running Windows ME, one is a PII 300MHz with 512Mb RAM, the other is a PIII 500MHz with 256Mb RAM.

 

[hudr]

If you have a cable modem, get yourself a router from either Dlink or Linksys. The router will sit between your cable modem and your PCs. The router will perform the 'sharing' of your internet connection and provide some extra security for your PCs. Most of the routers from Dlink or Linksys even have a switch built into them to allow you to connect multiple PCs. It will give you a lot more flexibility on your network. Either PC can connect to the internet independently or simultaneously.

 

[rgstewart]

Thanks for the advice ... I ordered a Dlink 4 Port router - hopefully that will do the trick!

 

[rwf36]

i've got the same setup with a dlink 8 port router, just connect your modem to the router and likewise with the pc's, when setting up the network select 'other' and then 'this computer connects directly to the internet through a hub.