Networking Problem with cable modem and 2 IP addresses

[vnitto]

I am having a slight problem with my home LAN.
My ping is too high b/w the two computers. - ranging from 20ms to 150 ms
I don't want the information b/w the computers to go the ISP router and back again.

Here is my Set-up. I will go through as much detail as possible.

Set up:

1 cable modem Motorola Surfboard - hooked up to SMC 10/100 Ethernet Switch 5 port
2 DLink DFE-530 TX+ network Cards
2 Twisted pair cables CAT-5 hooked up to the SMC Ethernet Switch and each computer
2 Computers A: Running Win 2k PRO
B: Running Win XP RC2

My ISP, COX @ Home, has provided me with 2 IP addresses.
Computer A: 24.14.21.x (x for security reasons) Subnet Mask 255.255.255.128
Computer B: 24.177.85.y (y for security Reasons) Subnet Mask 255.255.255.128

{I think the above indicates that these are on different subnet maks?}

Both computers are able to reach the internet. Both computers are able to talk to eachother (after installing NetBUI)

I have the following Protocols installed:

1) TCP/IP (DNS and IP addresses obtained automatically, DHCP enabled, using NetBIOS setting from DHCP Server)
2) NetBUI (File sharing and print sharing is bound to NetBUI, the only way it would work)
3) IPX/SPX (on Autodetect)
4) NETBIOS
5) Network Monitor Driver

Clients:

1) Microsoft Network Client
2) File and Print Sharing
3) QOS Packet Scheduler
4) NetBios
5) Network Monitor Driver


File and Print sharing is working correctly (through NetBUI, not TCP/IP, and not IPX/SPX).
{This makes me think I've configured something incorrectly, but I could be wrong, Seeing as how NetBUI autoconfigures as I understand it, but I could be wrong}


I have the physical addresses of my ethernet cards.
I attempted to use the command arp -s to associate the ip address of each computer to it's ethernet card, but to no avail.
arp -s 24.14.21.x (x for security reasons) 00-50-ba-5D-x-y for Computer A
arp -s 24.177.85.x (x for security) 00-50-ba-08-x-y for Computer B

Unfortunately the above steps (using ARP -s) did not improve my ping at all.

My Questions are :

1) Can I use IPX/SPX protocol to make my computers on the LAN talk to one another?
-Thus I can use IPX/SPX for Counterstrike and Unreal/Unreal Tournament for a LAN

2) How can I reduce the latency b/w my two LAN networked computers to the level of a LAN (i.e. less than 20 ms)?
I guess the signals between them are getting sent to the ISP's router then back via TCP/IP.

3) can I use the ROUTE command to bypass going to the ISP's Router b/w the two computers on my LAN?

4) Is there any way to use just one protocol (TCP/IP) to allow for a LAN and ICS with my physical set up?


/------------\
|Cable Modem |
\------------/
|
|
/---------------\
| SMC Switch |
| Ether 10/100 |
\---------------/

|
/ \
/ \
NIC A NIC B
/ \

Computer A Computer B


* NIC - stands for network interface card.

Thanks in Advance. Sorry about the poor quality of the diagram

PS I want to avoid buying a router if at all possible. however, if it's a last-ditch effort, I'll break down and buy one.

[vnitto]

Thanks for everyone's input. I bought a router.

[Confused]

How is the router doing. I have the SMC Barricade router. You should now only need one IP addr. as it will be stored on the router.
Chas

[Iman74]

Linksys router and one IP address I always find that you get the best performance. You know it could also be the network is slow where you are.
Most of these problems are a trial and error deal.

[vnitto]

I bought a SMC Barricade also. It's nice, I got the one with the built-in print server for $80! It has 4 ports (not including the one from the Cable Modem).

It's blazing fast, but the only thing I don't like about it is that the wiring is in teh front.