ok im just starting my networking search and i found this.
Linksys 5 port hub, http://directron.com/etherfast.html
its the only brand iv really heard of and i was wondering if there were anybetter brands.

and i dont know what prices there are out there for this kind of stuff $34 sounded good for the one above

im only going to network 2 computers and a cable modem so i think it should be enough with 5 ports.


anything else i need besides this stuff?

1.hub/router
2.network cards
3.CAT5 cables

Is a hub the same thing as a router .... I got a router I think
-MF

a router will establish a connection with a modem a hub wont, and most routers have some sort of firewall which hubs dont.

Yeah a router is more expensive but it'll do stuff like DHCP. Have any of you pimps got a similar setup to me_johns setup to work with just a hub? How do you make the cable modem connect to the ISP? Can both computers use net at same time with just a hub? Enquiring minds ....
-MF

Hubs only allow switching internet access so only 1 computer can use the internet. The routers allow shared internet access, which is what you're after. I'd suggest picking up the D-Link from Slider that he has in the Trading post. I have the new 604 and the minor problems I've had with it are easily fixed. The software for it is superb, allows ALOT of tweaking. Try and find someone who makes network cables, or just buy a crimper, some cable, some connectors and then learn to do it yourself. It's easy once you get the hang of it, but it can be frustrating at first. I'd suggest Cat5e instead of normal Cat5, but you'll be fine with regular Cat5.

You can get wireless/wired routers pretty cheap, I'd go with that if you have the money.

A switch is a switch is a switch . .I bought the cool looking Silver Netgear one that has the auto-sensing WAN connection . .so all you have to do is plug the cables in and not have to worry about what port is the WAN switch. . .cost around $30

From my expirence with Home Networks:

1) You can connect two computers together via a crossover cable.
1a) You can add another NIC into one of the computers and share your internet connection between the two (as long as the computer attached to the computer is on). This can be acheived via software or WinXP Operating system.

2) You can purchase a 4 port gateway router which connects to your DSL/Cable Modem and allows you to Network your computers and share the same Internet connection.
2a) I have seen 10/100 Wired 4 Port Gateway Routers from $39.95 (on sale or after rebates) to $110.
2b) Another option is Wireless which is more expensive due to the Wireless cards you would have to purchase.
2c) I have seen Wireless 4 Port Gateway Routers from $79.95 (on sale or after rebates) to $200.

I got the 8 port Linksys router BEFSR81. I went and checked.

The DSL modem is connected in the WAN uplink port and I have four computers connected.

Am glad I have eight ports ... lighning blew out one so I'd be short a connection without the spares.

No wireless for me.
-MF

ok my shoping list so far from www.newegg.com

1 - 25 Ft. Cat. 5e Patch Cable, 350 Mhz.

2 - Dlink DFE-530TX+ Fast Ethernet Adapter 10BT/100BTX - OEM VERSION IEEE

1 - Dlink DI-604 D-Link Express EtherNetworkTM 4-Port Ethernet Broadband Router - RETAIL

grand total of $54.99

good deals or not?

Yah, that looks like a good deal.

I went wireless in my scenario since I live in a 1BR apartment and didn't want wires going all over the place. If you check eBay for used Wireless "B" version routers, you might find some cheap ones there, since geeks sell those to get the 802.11G type routers. It will cost more though . I use the wireless for my 2 laptops and TiVO2.

GMoney...I agree about running wires all over, I have a wired network with a wireless access point. I only use the WAP currently for laptops, it's great walking around not having to worry about wires.

ok i went ahead and got what i posted ^^up there^^

i would have gone wirless but i dont really need it. the other computer will be about 15' away. Eventually my dad might get a laptop so we might get a wireless accesspoint sometime but for now its just so i can be on my computer and he can do his buisness stuff without him booting me off my computer

to a point...

If you have SBC Yahoo DSL, when you get everything, uninstall all the crap software that they have you install in order to activate the line. You will no longer need it to connect since the Gateway Router will contain your username and password.

I use the Blitzz wireless router and 4 port switch to link my cable modem and computers together. I get 100Mbps for each connection and a total of 400Mbps on the network bridge..

Heres a quick look:



Heres the specs on my setup:
Blitzz wireless router

I have three computers (My main, and two stations wired) and the fouth is wireless and is a HP Pavilion 4210ze Laptop.

The cost is around $89 US dollars for the router/4 port switch but it was really easy to setup in WindowsXP. Just run the Windows XP CD and choose Setup home/office networking. Its that easy.