Connecting Second Computer

Toothmaker · 08-28-2002, 05:51 AM

I just bought second computer. I already have the first contected with high-speed. I was wonder what is the best way to connect second computer, switch, hub or just another cable modem and why? I already have a cable hook-up close by.

**Der Rabe** · 08-28-2002, 07:00 AM

If the computers are with in cabling distance to each other I would suggest a router and hook the cable modem directly to the router so so each computer does not have to do the routing services.

Toothmaker · 08-28-2002, 05:33 PM

Thanks for the reply Der Robe,
I have cable throughout the house. I can connect a router in the basement and easily connect to the two computers. Can you recommend a good router? I don't expect to own more than the two computers. Price is an issue. Thanks for your advice.

DaTruMasta · 08-28-2002, 05:39 PM

Ok, here are your choices.

If you are going to connect ONLY 2 computers to each other, you don not need a router, or a hub. All you need is a "cross-over cable". It is a type of RJ45 Network Cable that you can find anywhere. You would however need another Network Card, AKA Ethernet Card. The extra NIC (short form for network interface card) will be put in your main computer that is connected to you cable/dsl modem. You would basically have your modem connected to your computer through one card, and the crossover cable connected from the same computer to the other one through the other NIC Card.

That Way, You don't have to spend about $120 for a router, and you also don't need a hub.

IF you decide to buy even another computer and want to connected it to the network, you will than have to consider buying a router, or a hub.

Routers are better because simply saying, routers intake the signal, and regenerate it to all the computers connected to it whereas Hubs split the signal up.
Therefore, hubs are almost tripple times cheaper. The Crossover cable method only workds with two computers.

Interms of the routers, I think Linksys is a good and affordable router. (get the Linksys 4 port router)

Well, Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

"Da Tru Masta"

**TheTechIsIn** · 08-28-2002, 05:43 PM

Welcome,

For routers IMHO Linksys is the best choice, you can get a 4 port Linksys router @ around $79 dollars.

However to use a router you would need to connect your cable modem to it, and then run Cat5 cables to your other computers network cards....
I didn't know if you where aware of that or not ... from the sounds of it you were not, but if you were .. sorry, just wanted you to be sure of what you were getting into.

[edit] Sorry DaTruMasta, looks like I stepped on your toes, we posted @ the same time. :D

DaTruMasta · 08-28-2002, 05:54 PM

Hey,

Forgot to say one thing........About the $120 for a router thing, I was talking Canadian Prices.... It's about that price, like TheTechIsIn said (around $79US)

Just makin sure, I don't want you to think Routers are that expensive. Like I mentioned earlier, the 4-port LinkSys DSL/Cable router is good and affordable.

Don't forget, you won't be using Crossover Cables if you have a router. Instead, you would be using CAT 5 UTP Cables.

Best Regards,

Da Tru Masta

08-28-2002, 05:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
Toothmaker Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 2 OS: XP Home	Connecting Second Computer I just bought second computer. I already have the first contected with high-speed. I was wonder what is the best way to connect second computer, switch, hub or just another cable modem and why? I already have a cable hook-up close by.

08-28-2002, 05:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
DaTruMasta DaMan With The Masta Plan Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 403 OS: Windows XP	Connecting Another Computer Ok, here are your choices. If you are going to connect ONLY 2 computers to each other, you don not need a router, or a hub. All you need is a "cross-over cable". It is a type of RJ45 Network Cable that you can find anywhere. You would however need another Network Card, AKA Ethernet Card. The extra NIC (short form for network interface card) will be put in your main computer that is connected to you cable/dsl modem. You would basically have your modem connected to your computer through one card, and the crossover cable connected from the same computer to the other one through the other NIC Card. That Way, You don't have to spend about $120 for a router, and you also don't need a hub. IF you decide to buy even another computer and want to connected it to the network, you will than have to consider buying a router, or a hub. Routers are better because simply saying, routers intake the signal, and regenerate it to all the computers connected to it whereas Hubs split the signal up. Therefore, hubs are almost tripple times cheaper. The Crossover cable method only workds with two computers. Interms of the routers, I think Linksys is a good and affordable router. (get the Linksys 4 port router) Well, Hope this helps. Best Regards, "Da Tru Masta" Last edited by DaTruMasta : 08-28-2002 at 05:41 PM.

08-28-2002, 05:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
TheTechIsIn Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Roaming the US Posts: 1,693 OS: WinXP & Linux	Welcome, For routers IMHO Linksys is the best choice, you can get a 4 port Linksys router @ around $79 dollars. However to use a router you would need to connect your cable modem to it, and then run Cat5 cables to your other computers network cards.... I didn't know if you where aware of that or not ... from the sounds of it you were not, but if you were .. sorry, just wanted you to be sure of what you were getting into. [edit] Sorry DaTruMasta, looks like I stepped on your toes, we posted @ the same time. :D __________________ <-- This Space for Sale --> Last edited by TheTechIsIn : 08-28-2002 at 05:45 PM.

08-28-2002, 05:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Toothmaker Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 2 OS: XP Home	Thanks for the reply Der Robe, I have cable throughout the house. I can connect a router in the basement and easily connect to the two computers. Can you recommend a good router? I don't expect to own more than the two computers. Price is an issue. Thanks for your advice.

08-28-2002, 05:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
DaTruMasta DaMan With The Masta Plan Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 403 OS: Windows XP	Hey, Forgot to say one thing........About the $120 for a router thing, I was talking Canadian Prices.... It's about that price, like TheTechIsIn said (around $79US) Just makin sure, I don't want you to think Routers are that expensive. Like I mentioned earlier, the 4-port LinkSys DSL/Cable router is good and affordable. Don't forget, you won't be using Crossover Cables if you have a router. Instead, you would be using CAT 5 UTP Cables. Best Regards, Da Tru Masta