Wired and wireles working together?

[ozrica]

I have two computers connected together via a crossed cable. They share the internet via a Telewest connection and internet sharing under XP Home (I have 2 NIC's on the main PC - one connects to the cable modem - the other connects to the second PC).

Both machines can share files, printers and internet access.

I have now bought a centrino based laptop and am trying to connect that to share the net.

I have added a netgear wireless card to the main machine and this now allows me to share files etc. but I cannot browse the web!

A techie at my local computer shop said I have to bridge the connections but when I try this on the main machine it says 'To create a Network Bridge you must select at least two network connections that are not being used by Internet Connection Sharing or the Internet Connection Firewall'.

Does anyone know if this is possible and how to do it?

I know a router is the best way but I would rather try everything before spending any more money.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[NooNoo]

tutorial here

microsofts instructions

I think you may be better off investing in modem/router/wireless point - certainly it would simplify things.

[ozrica]

Thanks NooNoo. I'll have a read but I have found an internet company selling a wireless router for £41 which seems a bargain.

Thanks again

[confus-ed]

... as soon as you've got more than one machine to be connected, think hub, router or switch ! ( & really considering both hubs & routers have gotten so cheap, forget all about x-over totally unless you understand all the whys & wherefores )

Here going straight to wireless router & ap, would have saved a nic cost & an ap cost, so actually works out cheaper in the long run ? (I ain't seen what you've spent, but at a flying guess ?)

Using two or more nics is not only 'complicated as hell', but its not good use of your connections (your pc has to do router fuctions & depending on whats talking to what when, it may be munching bandwidth for no good reason as it ships it from one pc to another, when that could have been done directly between those machines with no involvement {so taking bandwidth away from} the 'hosts' own receiving processes)

Point to note for all wireless router appliances : When they say a,b or g class networks giving x Mb/s, remember this is the total bandwidth available to all connected devices via the wireless link.

So I, for instance, have a wireless class g router at home & a few laptops, connect one & I get my full quota 54Mbps, connect another lappie, 27 each & so on