Networking: ICS, Cable modem, cross-over cable, NIC???

[Michael Horowitz]

Good morning -
I'm considering setting up a basic wired network to connect two
machines to the Internet via a cable modem. I"m running XP on my main
machine.

I'm confused with some of the descriptions I"m hearing.

There is discussion of using a cross-over cable between the two
machines, plugging into the NIC at either end. However, I only have
one NIC on the main machine and it's connected to the cable modem.

In order to use a crossover cable and connect to the 'Net, will I need
two NICs in the main machine, or is there there some magic I'm
missing?

I'll go the router route if crossover is not appropriate - Mike

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Good morning -
I'm considering setting up a basic wired network to connect two
machines to the Internet via a cable modem. I"m running XP on my main
machine.

I'm confused with some of the descriptions I"m hearing.

There is discussion of using a cross-over cable between the two
machines, plugging into the NIC at either end. However, I only have
one NIC on the main machine and it's connected to the cable modem.

If you don't have a NIC on the second computer, you need to buy one. They
are *very inexpensive--$5-10. WIthout that NIC, you can't connect to
anything, neither the second computer nor the cable modem.

A crossover cable can be used instead of going through a hub or router on a
two-computer network It permits the NICs on the two computers to connect to
each other directly.

In order to use a crossover cable and connect to the 'Net, will I need
two NICs in the main machine,

No. You don't want a crossover cable in your case. You have *three* things
to connect, not two--the two computer and the cable modem. All three should
be connected via a router.

If you don't have a NIC on the second computer, you need to buy one. They
are *very inexpensive--$5-10.

 

[Sharon F]

I'm considering setting up a basic wired network to connect two
machines to the Internet via a cable modem. I"m running XP on my main
machine.

I'm confused with some of the descriptions I"m hearing.

There is discussion of using a cross-over cable between the two
machines, plugging into the NIC at either end. However, I only have
one NIC on the main machine and it's connected to the cable modem.

In order to use a crossover cable and connect to the 'Net, will I need
two NICs in the main machine, or is there there some magic I'm
missing?

I'll go the router route if crossover is not appropriate

As Ken, said you have a choice between two NIC cards in the system
connected to the cable modem (one for modem, one for the other computer).
Or you can have one NIC in each computer, connect each to a router and have
the router connected to the modem. Your choice.

For cables, this is how I remember what cables are needed:

When connecting two similar items (computer to computer), use crossover.

When connecting two dissimilar items (computer to modem) use straight
through cable.

There's exceptions to every rule of thumb but that formula has worked well
for my wiring needs.

 

[GuessWho]

Michael,

The biggest problem with ICS is that the 'gateway' computer must be on for
the 'client' computer to connect to the internet. I recently picked up a
D-Link wired router for $5 ARs.

Wayne

 

[Michael Horowitz]

On Mon, 02 Jan 2006 09:06:45 -0500, Michael Horowitz



Thanks to all for your advice. I think I like the flexibility a router
will give me - Mike