Setting Up A Home Network for the First Time - What Needed?

Here I go again...I need this, I need some help for that, etc.
Well, this is the situation here folks. As some of you know, I will soon have two computers. Thanks to all the help some of you have given, I have essentially solved all my problems on which accessories I should buy.

Anyway, I want to network my computers together when I finally have both. I have read up some things about phone-line networks, wireless networks, and regular ethernet networks (all in-home networks), but for my situation, I am still somewhat unsure on what to get. Here are the VERY basic specs of what will be both of my computers:

(1)
ABit KT7A-RAID Motherboard
1.2+ GHz AMD Athlon Processor
512 MB PC133 SDRAM
3Com/USR 56k Faxmodem Pro PCI

(2)
BCM KR632 Motherboard
533 MHz Intel Celeron Processor
224 MB PC66/100 Compatible SDRAM
3Com/USR 56k Faxmodem PCI

I don't think anything else is info that necessary (e.g. soundcard, graphics board, etc).
But if it's needed, I can tell everybody what they are.

I am planning on using both computers for network gaming, sharing files, and sharing a printer. I want both to connect to the Internet without having one another powered on all the time, and if it is possible, I want both to be able to get on the Internet when the other is already on it. I just want to know what networking peripherals I should use.

I talked to a friend of mine and he said that essentially, I don't even need a hub to setup my network. All I have to do is get 2 10/100 MBps Ethernet Cards, install each in each computer, and connect both computers up using a cable specifically made for networking AND sharing internet connections (I forget what the cable is called... :().
I could simply connect both computers into a phone jack on the wall using each one's modem, and in order for both to be on the Internet at the same time, one already needs to be connected to the Internet. I would have to set each computer up as a server & client.

In short, is this a good way to setup my network up, or will it not work?

My thanks for any help given. If you have any questions, just e-mail me or ask via a post. :cool:

1. Buy two NIC's
2. buy a d-link 5 port switch/router
3. buy a 3com/usr ext. 56k sportster modem and db25 to db9 m cable
4. buy two cat5 cables long enough to connect from the machine to the router/switch.

(All of this assumes that you are using a 56k dial-up and want simplicity)

1. Plug in the switch/router
2. attach the modem to the router at the port as indicated in the instructions
3. Install the NIC's into the computers, setup the software
4. Install TCP/IP and NetBEUI along with File and Print Sharing.
5. Set TCP/IP to DNS
6. Attach the cables (CAT5)- from the machines to the switch.
7. Follow the direction in the d-link manual to configure the switch.
8. Create the shares on the local machines.
9. Test.
10. Set your internet properties to use the LAN.

Now when you run IE the d-link will automatically dial your ISP and either machine, or both can use the internet at the same time.

If you do not want to buy the d-link and external modem you can still network - exclude those two items, and change the cable to one CAT5 crossover cable long enough to go between machines. Still install the software and install ICS on one of the machines - at this point the machine with ics setup is the gateway/proxy server and will need to be on all the time, which is why I did not reccommend this, your requirements demanded that you did not need to leave a machine on to use the internet.

Thanks a lot...a direct answer finally!

:eek: :D

Two comments on your setup:

- You want to install the network for gaming issues: Then you normally have friends to come to you with their own PC's ... so if that's the case you should definitely use a switch/hub instead of a simple crossover cable.... as you can simply plug-in your friends and connect.

- You want to be able to connect both PC's on it's own to the internet: For this I use a router that's connected via ISDN to my provider... My PC's (3) are connected to a 10/100Mbps-switch (my router too!) and all can access the Net on it's own via the router (set up as default gateway on the PC's)... just what you want... you'll only have to learn a little bit about the router ;)

Higg

What your freind had mentoned about only needing two network card and a special cable (A Crossover Cable). Would work but it would require that the computer with the internet connection be on in order for the one with out a modem to connect to the internet. If you use cyberhh's plan you will meet all of the goals you want and will have an easy upgrade to broadband in the future. A crossover cable is the cheapest as you don't have to buy all the components so maybe do that first and as you can spare the $$$ buy the full setup.

Seems like the only wasted component would be the $10.00 crossover cable. at least he can get his feet wet using that setup between the 2 pc's. Once he wants to hookup a third and a fourth pc etc. then all he has to do is invest in the rest of the equip.

Quote:

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Originally posted by sennister:
What your freind had mentoned about only needing two network card and a special cable (A Crossover Cable). Would work but it would require that the computer with the internet connection be on in order for the one with out a modem to connect to the internet. If you use cyberhh's plan you will meet all of the goals you want and will have an easy upgrade to broadband in the future. A crossover cable is the cheapest as you don't have to buy all the components so maybe do that first and as you can spare the $$$ buy the full setup.

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WOAH! I already said my thanks...and what do I get...more info.

Thanks guys! Anyway, I got some of the equipment already, just need the hub.

Thanks again!

:D :cool:

Help :( I have two comps networked using netgear ea201 with a 4 port hub. The problem I have is when i install the nic one of the comps its is conflicting with another device using the same IRQ5 setting (legacy audio). The only way around this seems to be manually changing the nic to work on IRQ3 sharing with com2. (my modem uses com3). will this cause a prob????. im very new to this. :confused:

Quote:

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Originally posted by Gooner:
Help :( I have two comps networked using netgear ea201 with a 4 port hub. The problem I have is when i install the nic one of the comps its is conflicting with another device using the same IRQ5 setting (legacy audio). The only way around this seems to be manually changing the nic to work on IRQ3 sharing with com2. (my modem uses com3). will this cause a prob????. im very new to this. :confused:

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Gooner, disable the legacy audio, unless you are still using programs that need DOS. You won't run into problems with sharing the IRQ unless both devices are being used simultaneously.

Thanx Kymera, the card is working fine now :p