crossover cables?

[imaboutaquit]

Hello all, i'm new to the networking thing and have been researching different ways to link my 2 computers together. I was going to use a linksys router, a friend uses one, but then i came across other ways to do this. Hubs,gateways, routers, crossover cables, whats the difference? I have 1.5 mbit adsl, generally runs at 1mbit down, 107k(K?) up. I would like to share internet connection(simultanious), files and printer. Crossover cable sounds like a real cheap way to go but I can't find much info. I use win98se, rasppoe, both computers have 10/100 nics. Any info or links to good articles or such is greatly appreciated. BTW, my modem is an efficient networks speedstream 5260 if that matters. Thanks in advance.

[LimeyGreg]

You can link your two computers together with a crossover cable, one can be purchsed from any good computer store, it is cheaper to make your own except you have the initial outlay of the crimping tool.

If you wish to share internet service then you'd also need another nic in one of the computers for the dsl modem to talk to.

The best way is to use a hub or better still a switch to connect your computers, that way you can easily add on later. To add internet sharing you need a router, your dsl modem goes to the router and your router goes to the hub/switch. This has the added advantage of also being a firewall.

Probably the easiest way would be to buy a combined Router/Switch, SMC has one that also has a print server port in it so you don't have to leave your computer on all the time if you only have one printer and it's hooked up to your computer.

I am by no means an expert on this subject, this is just info I have gathered in preparation for putting a small LAN in my home.

[Thelemac]

Well, here goes:

Hub: Connects a bunch of computers, sharest it's bandwidth between them.

Switch: Connects a bunch of computers, dedicates bandwidth to each one.

Router: Routes internet traffic. :) When combined with a switch or hub can share an internet connection between them.

Crossover cable: Connects two computers. Like a switch or hub, but much faster (less processing to figure out where the packets go)

Gateway: IP of the computer that routes your internet traffic.

The best for you would be either to get a crossover cable and another NIC for the computer that is going to share the internet connection (can use something like internet connection sharing or a proxy server or something for that).

Or you could get a router with a switch/hub (switches are faster, but not noticably for just two computers).

[pii100]

the best way is to go get a dsl router theyre about 100 dollars and allow you to share the connection between a few comps (anywhere from 4 to 254) hey btw this forum isnt workin to well i cant go to the threads directle have to bring up a member profile and click the link plus to reply i have to click on reply with qoute othrer wise nothing happens plz help me

[dugans]

Crossover cables are a cheap, easy way to go, BUT!

You can only connect 2 pcs, ever. Better off with even a hub, you can usually find a cheap 4 port for 30 or 40 bucks. That way you can add a couple more pc's, network printer, etc. Routers, switches are even better, but more money.

Run a firewall if you use crossover cable or a hub: keep the unwanted OUT of your pc!

[Thelemac]

Originally posted by rogerdugans
Run a firewall if you use crossover cable or a hub: keep the unwanted OUT of your pc!

Actually, you should run one whether you have multiple computers on an internet connectoin or not. Unless you just don't care, of course.

[Paiynn]

Originally posted by Thelemac


Actually, you should run one whether you have multiple computers on an internet connectoin or not. Unless you just don't care, of course.

I'm always looking for a good virus :) I run them just to see how I can get rid of them!

[imaboutaquit]

thanks for all the info people. Sorry it took so long for me to read these but my son was born on the 7th and this is the first chance i've had to get to the pc. I appreciate all the info.