Struggling with a new home network

[saturdaygig]

This is what I've done so far.
I have two pcs with on-board lan (sis900 on host, via rhine II on client) - I plan to connect a third later. Both machines run xp pro and I've run the network wizzard on them both.
I've got the host connected to the net with an internal asdl modem. I can access the net with this one.
The host and client are connected with patch cables to a sweex router. When its powered up TP1, TP2 and power are lit up, adsl and rdy are flashing. I'm not attempting to use the router's modem.
I can ping the client from the host, but when I ping the client from the host I get no reply.
Any ideas?

[flanzig1]

From what I can find on the Net, you can't share the internet connection with a router when using an internal DSL modem. Check here for info: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/dsl.htm
Check with your ISP and see if they have an external modem that is available.

[saturdaygig]

Thanks. That could be it.

The router has a built in router but the set-up looks so scary I was trying to avoid using it. I'm trying to configure it now, any tips would be welcome.

[Mesaeus]

You need to clarify which exact sweex router you're using, is the modem in the router an adsl one ? And check your last sentence of your first post, which is unreachable, the client or the host ?

You could skip the router and buy a cheap switch. If you connect both client and host to the switch, you can use Internet Connection Sharing on the hosts internal adsl model to share it with all machines connected to the switch. The host pc will then emulate a router.

[saturdaygig]

Yeah, sorry I messed up that first explanation. I can ping the client from the host but not back.
I don't want to use ICS because I'll be connecting a third PC later.
The sweex is an adsl modem router annex b, product code Cd300011

[Mesaeus]

As long as you hook a switch up to the pc with ICS, you can share up to 255 pc's (although the switch will probably only have ports for 4-8, you can connect switches to switches to expand even more). In fact the only disadvantage compared to a router would be that the host pc would have to be on for any clients to access the internet, but that's about all. If you still want to use the router instead, try to configure it and post back here with any problems you have. Usually there's some sort of wizard/setup dialog that asks you a few things and configures the router for you.

[saturdaygig]

Can you tell me what product I need to do sort out ICS switching. There's nothing on my supplier website (aria.co.uk) that looks like it.