Need help setting up a network with a Hub...

[patislesfan]

Hello all I'm desperate for some help. I am trying to hook up two computers to share one internet connection (Cable modem) through a hub.

Let me first give you some background of the two machines and their locations. One machine is in the bedroom and it has Win98se. The other computer is here in the den (the other side of the apartment) near the front door and it has WinXP.

I know you might be thinking why don't I use wireless but it's not in my budget right now.

Now I'm trying to hook it all up with a Hub (SMC EZ Hub 10/100 5608DS 8 port). That's what I inherited so I want to try to make it work with that.

The problem is I can get one computer connected to the internet but not the other and vice versa. I know this has something to do with the IP address and all.

The Cables are all Cat 5 UTP and not crossover cables. I know the hardware is setup right but I don't think the computers are set up right.

If someone could direct me to the right way to set up the computers (and a future laptop once in a while) that would be great. If you could even direct me to a web page that can help me set it up correctly that would be great as well.

I already check out the www.smc.com website and it doesn't offer me any help.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks so much.

Patrick Stephens
Poughkeepsie, NY

[Sixpack]

I had a very similer problem which was resolved by using a router. Someone else may have an easier fix for you. :)

[Redo40]

To share the internet with a hub you would have to use Internet connection sharing (ICS) in which one computer would have to be on for the other to get online. My experience with ICS hasn't been a very good one. I would suggest you get a router which would be more stable and secure.

[Confused]

Short answer is that a "Hub" requires that each PC have it's own IP address (hence your ability to get one or the other working but not both).

Your options are:

Run ICS as has been suggested. Least desirable. No hardware firewall and will require the connected PC to remain on and connected for the second one to access the Net.

Get another IP address from your ISP. Most will charge extra for additional IP addresses. No hardware firewall protection.

Get a router. Each PC can access the internet independent of the other. Router will allow the PC's to share the net with just the one IP address and offer a hardware firewall.
Chas

[patislesfan]

Hey Thanks everyone for your reply.

I think i'm gonna head the router way. Now my question now is do you think I should go with a wireless router (for future hook ups) or with just a regular Wired router? I'm thinking by the time I need wireless there will be new technology out.

What do you think?

[s_layton]

If you don't have a laptop, and the computers are close together (i.e. the same room), then a regular wired router would be cheaper and better. In my opinion, you would only need wireless if computers are in separate rooms, or if you have a laptop then it would beneficial.

[patislesfan]

Well I do have a laptop from work but I don't work at home too often and the computers are in opposite sides of the apartment but my GF has long Cat 5 cables from college when she ran them through her house. It might not be astheticly appealing but it works. We'll see. Thanks

[glc]

Wireless routers generally have 4 standard switch ports too and only cost about $20 more than a standard wired router. The real expense is in the wireless nics - but these are less than $50. I'd get a wireless "B" router - cheap and it works and the "B" cards are the cheapest too.

[patislesfan]

I think I might go the wired route with the router. I can hold off on the wireless for now. Thanks everyone for their advice.

Now what is the best router out there for Wired Networks?

[s_layton]

I have the DLink DI-604. You can buy it here http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=1&submit=Go&description=DI%2D604 for $29.99 right now. It's a great router with lots of features and easy to use.

[patislesfan]

Ok now I see the DLink DI-604 on Newegg. Newegg is great by the way. But it's just a router. What does a switch do and do I need that?

[Confused]

Router should have a built in switch.

Hub broadcast traffic to each device connected. This is the reason each PC needs it's own IP address.

Switch broadcast traffic to individual IP addresses. Each PC would need it's own IP address if switch only was used.

Router takes IP address supplied by your ISP and in turn assigns IP addresses to each PC connected to it. In that function it acts like a switch since it doesn't broadcast traffic but routes traffic to each PC with the IP address it assigns.
Chas

[patislesfan]

Ok thanks Confused. You pretty much repeated what you had said above. I should have noticed that. Ok i'm gonna order that router. I'll post back to let all know how it went. THANKS SO MUCH.

[fudtone]

Router, amen.

I like my Linksys.