SMC EtherEZ Hub won't work with Laptop

[Syd]

Recently, I hooked up a small, two computer network between my laptop
and my pc. The laptop is a Dell Latitude Cpi, and currently has Windows
XP Professional Edition on it. The only computer that is experiencing
problems right now is the Laptop. The PC's internet connection is fine,
but it won't recognize the laptop as in it's network. The connections
for the network go this way: The laptop has a Microsoft Notebook
Adapter MN-120 (ethernet card) hooked into it. The ethernet card is
connected to the Hub (a SMC EtherEZ 3605T Hub) which is connected to
the Cable Modem (which is connected to a broadband connection). The PC
is connected in a similar fasion, except it uses it's standard,
built-in, ethernet card. The lights on the hub come on and blink and
everything, but the connection won't work. The laptop, in addition,
will not recognize the PC.

The second thing I couldn't figure out, is what a Daisy Chain is. I
know, seems like a simple thing to figure out, but it's not.

If you could give me any advice, or even the slightest hint of
suggestion, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm really stumped on this
one, and I need to have my own computer (the laptop) because I need my
own software freedom (my dad hates it when I download stuff onto the
PC).

Thanx Again

 

[Val]

I think the problem is that there is nothing in your setup to provide an IP
address to the laptop - and there is none that you can directly set as you
are situated.

The desktop is most likely using the IP address assigned by your ISP - it's
talking directly to the Internet via the hub-modem path. All the hub does
is provide a junction for any connected devices - it has no real "smarts".
The Modem can only connect to one device - the desktop.

What you need in place of the hub is a router. This will become the device
the modem (and your ISP) see as connected to the internet. The router will
assign local IP addresses to your desktop and laptop, allowing them to
communicate with each other and each with the internet. Benefit to this is
that the router will then mask the presence of your computers to outsiders,
providing another layer of security.

Something like the Linksys BEFSR41, D-Link DI-604 or similar would suit your
needs. You might also consider a WiFi router that will provide both wired
switching and wireless connection.

Val

 

[Syd]

Thanx Val, I'll try that right away. I really needed the help, and
hopefully that will work.

Best Reguards,
~~Syd