Networking options

[buddhad]

I need to network 2 PCs, a Win98 and WinXP, that are in seperate rooms. At this time I have a dial-up connection, but will be switching to DSL in a month, hopefully

My question is, what network options are there that will support both dial-up and DSL?

[DrZaius]

Hi buddhad,

The best solution would be a DSL router, which splits the incomming broadband connnection to as many computers as you need and provides a firewall to prevent attacks from the outside. Until you get the DSL connection, you could just connect each computer modem to a phone line with their modems, and the router will act as a simple switch and allow you to share files (which will still work when the DSL is shared).

[ktkendall]

Hi buddhad;
The best option especially when you get your dsl will be a router, which can be had for 70 to 100 dollars now. It provides protection and takes care of sharing the connection. I have two PC's, 1 laptop and a networked printer on mine with built in 4 port switch and it works great. Made by linksys. but there are others. like netgear, and D-Link, SOHO which I believe are all good. You'll want to be sure and get an external adsl modem if your going to go that route. Then you just put NIC card in each PC and run a wire to the router.
Other options are not as god but probably cheaper, like direct connect the two PC's and use ICS, or configure 1 as a proxy to share the connection. For dial up though unless you put an analog modem in each PC, you'll need to network them and use ICS.

[buddhad]

I will have a DSL modem in each PC.

[DrZaius]

I will have a DSL modem in each PC.

But then you won't be able to have both computers connected at the same time.

[buddhad]

What are my options if I don't have an external modem, whidh is required to use the router?

[DrZaius]

What are my options if I don't have an external modem, whidh is required to use the router?

You can share the net connection using ICS that comes with Win98 and XP, but the computer with the modem must be on for the other to get on the net. I would highly recommend you get an external modem and a router (~$50), it's the best option.

[buddhad]

Originally posted by DrZaius You can share the net connection using ICS that comes with Win98 and XP, but the computer with the modem must be on for the other to get on the net. I would highly recommend you get an external modem and a router (~$50), it's the best option.

If I go with ICS what hardware, besides the modem, will I need on the PCs? Also, where can I get a router and modem for $50?

Thanks for all the help DrZaius.

[DrZaius]

For ICS you'd just need a NIC in each computer and some Cat5 cable (crossover if just two computers, patch cable and a hub if more than two). You can find a Linsys or D-Link router with a printer server at MWave.com for $50. You need to buy a seperate modem, though your DSL ISP should provide one.

[glc]

I would strongly recommend that you not use internal DSL modems in the machines. Get an external Ethernet model and your flexibility will be greatly enhanced - this will allow you to use a router to share everything and act as a firewall.

[piasabird]

I think if you use ICS over a broadband network you need 2 NIC's

[buddhad]

Thanks for all the help. I have decided to get a new modem and use a router.

[DrZaius]

Good choice.

[Lethedethius]

guys; cat5 is great; but they have cat6 now; which burns rubber; and pretty soon; cat7.

Cat6 can't even be measured; and Cat7 is the same way; I believe it's guranteed up to like 160 feet to be SUPER FAST at it's highest level; BUT; after that it's no longer guranteed; I'm hooking up my network with Cat7 baby =)

[glc]

Well - standard Cat 5 is certified for 100 mbps, there is no home network that will come even close to using that speed. Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 7 is a waste unless you have the rest of the equipment to take advantage of it. If you are using gigabit cards then it is required, but with 10/100 cards and equipment don't waste your money.

[Lethedethius]

Dood everywire has it's slump; cat5 is perfect for home networking; it can do the speed u want; but hey; anyfaster... may optimize the connection; even if you use a 10/100 thing; or a 1000/1000000 w/e haha; it'll help it =)

Can't argue with speed
Even if it too fast haha; and as for price; I seriously doubt it'd cost SUPER much.

I don't care though; my bro works for telecommunications; I'm lucky I guess =)

[Lethedethius]

I have the same problem; I have one machine running on WinXP Pro. and I have another running Win98 SE; I'm just gonna put Win2000 pro on both ;-)

[glc]

The only time I use Cat5e (350 mbps) is for outdoor runs or when I can't get standard Cat5. I've yet to waste my money on Cat6. It just isn't going to get any faster than the slowest component. It's like putting racing gas in a lawnmower. If you are wiring a building and want to "futureproof" it, then you may have a point.

[Lethedethius]

The bigger; the better; as computer parts get cheaper dood; so does the internet; I may by a T1 line or even get an OC =-) (not likely but hey ;-)...)

and that extra speed comes into play; buy the necessary... nics; or usb ****; exc.; have a nice gaming blast haha


QUOTE OF THE DAY --------

Speed never hurt anyone; only gave them the power to hurt themselves =-)


LOL that can go with everything.. lemme go write that down
HAHA

[glc]

T1 = 1.544 mbps
Cat5 = 100 mbps
OC3 > 100mbps but that's fiber, not copper. Then you need Gigabit Ethernet to hog it all for yourself and then you do need Cat6.

[Lethedethius]

I thought OC went up to 10 gbps?? (GB Per Second)

Man anything for the speed!?

[glc]

That's just OC3 that I mentioned - that's about 20 grand a month I think.........but even 100 mbps is pushing the capabilities of most PC's abilities to process the info, the hard drive is usually the limiting factor.