Do I need two network cards on one computer?

karerda · 11-01-2004, 02:33 AM

Hallo, I would like to install a LAN network with two computers. The OS is win XP. The problem is that one of the two computers is connected to Internet with DSL. The modem is a Zyxel 630 and it is plugged to the computer through a USB cable.
When I was looking to the help file of windows I read that in case you have a DSL modem you would need to have two network cards on the computer in order to install the LAN. My doubts is that maybe this help file considers only the DSL Modem that are plugged in the computer through the LAN cable... but this is not my case. So my question is: "Having a DSL Modem installed does affect somehow the installation of LAN?

I have another question, by the way: how can you recognize if a Ethernet cable is good for a LAN (they say it should be a crossed cable)?

thanks for helping

Volt-Schwibe · 11-01-2004, 03:30 AM

well, if your dsl modem connects through the usb port, you will need only one network card in there.

and one in the other machine, obviously.

as far as crossover cables go, they arent usually marked, but they sell them at computer stores, and they are labeled "crossover" right on the package.

**crazijoe** · 11-01-2004, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karerda

When I was looking to the help file of windows I read that in case you have a DSL modem you would need to have two network cards on the computer in order to install the LAN.

If your DSL Model was connected to your computer with an ethernet cable, then yes you would need 2 NICs to connect another computer to yours. One going to the DSL modem and another one going to the other computer.
As far as types of ethernet cables. A crossover cable would normally be used to connect one computer's NIC to another computer's NIC. A straight through cable would normally be used to connect a computer's NIC to a hub, switch, router, Cabel/DSL Modem, etc.

johnwill · 11-01-2004, 01:53 PM

If your DSL modem has the option for an Ethernet connection, I'd strongly suggest you invest in a broadband router, you'll be much happier with the results.

**crazijoe** · 11-01-2004, 01:54 PM

I second to what johnwill has said.

Volt-Schwibe · 11-01-2004, 04:35 PM

i agree with 99.99% of what johnwill has to say, probably because he knows 100x more about networking than i do.

(actually, i can't think of a time i disagreed with his advice)

11-01-2004, 02:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
karerda Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 6 OS: Windows XP	Do I need two network cards on one computer? Hallo, I would like to install a LAN network with two computers. The OS is win XP. The problem is that one of the two computers is connected to Internet with DSL. The modem is a Zyxel 630 and it is plugged to the computer through a USB cable. When I was looking to the help file of windows I read that in case you have a DSL modem you would need to have two network cards on the computer in order to install the LAN. My doubts is that maybe this help file considers only the DSL Modem that are plugged in the computer through the LAN cable... but this is not my case. So my question is: "Having a DSL Modem installed does affect somehow the installation of LAN? I have another question, by the way: how can you recognize if a Ethernet cable is good for a LAN (they say it should be a crossed cable)? thanks for helping

11-01-2004, 03:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,211 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	well, if your dsl modem connects through the usb port, you will need only one network card in there. and one in the other machine, obviously. as far as crossover cables go, they arent usually marked, but they sell them at computer stores, and they are labeled "crossover" right on the package. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? New Members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. Power Tip: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

11-01-2004, 01:53 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 30,228 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	If your DSL modem has the option for an Ethernet connection, I'd strongly suggest you invest in a broadband router, you'll be much happier with the results. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

11-01-2004, 01:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
crazijoe Moderator, Hardware Forums Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Omaha, The Center of the Universe Posts: 7,632 OS: WinXP, Win2K3 My System	I second to what johnwill has said. __________________ Microsoft MCSA + Messaging, MVP, A+, Network+ Do you want a real Republican? HDD diagnostic tools / HDD data recovery software

11-01-2004, 04:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,211 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	i agree with 99.99% of what johnwill has to say, probably because he knows 100x more about networking than i do. (actually, i can't think of a time i disagreed with his advice) __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? New Members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. Power Tip: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>