Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: royphil345 on December 28, 2005, 04:39:33 PM
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Hi,
Have absolutely no experience at all with networking.
After some upgrades, have almost enough "leftovers" to build a second system. Would like to make it a system for my home theater in the other room, with the ability to access audio / video files from this computer. I already have a DSL modem plugged into the on-board networking on this computer.
I tried to do some reading on networks, but it's pretty confusing stuff for me!!! Am I correct in assuming that I can achieve my goal by adding a second network card (have a spare) to this computer and using a crossover cable to the other computer? Would I be able to access my DSL connection on the other computer if I bridge the two network connections in XP on this computer? Will the network connection be fast enough to stream DVD quality video? Is there a better way?
Thanks MUCH for any help!!! Know it's alot of questions!!!
Roy
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it should be easier if you say you have 2 network cards to just make a small network. A switch is inexpensive these days maybe running like $30 for a descent one.
That way you can put your DSL to the switch and run both your pc's on the network. And is if its a totally different room this would be a better choice.
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A router would serve your purpose better than a switch. Wired would be better and more reliable than wireless for streaming but wireless should be OK for internet sharing. A router also has the advantage of providing a hardware firewall.
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Thanks!!!
So, using a router would allow both of my computers to share my DSL connection and share files with each other?
Any suggestions on which router to buy? Know I've seen threads about certain makes / models being troublesome.
Thanks again!!!
Roy
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royphil345...... I use a D-link with 3 machines connected to it and have never had any problems . All you need is an ethernet card in each pc ( which is probably already installed and your good to go .)
dl65 ::)
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Great... Thanks!!!
The guy at my CompUSA also said D-Link was the way to go when I was shopping for a network card (which as it turned out, I didn't need).
The night I rebuilt my computer, there was a DSL outage all night long 'till about noon the next day in my area. 1st outage I've ever experienced. All the lights on the modem were on, just couldn't connect to the internet. Since I just rebuilt the computer, I was sure the built-in networking on my new mainboard was to blame. Went to go buy a network card just before service was restored. Came home, popped it in, and it worked. I was happy. Found out later about the outage. Built-in networking works just fine now!!! LOL
I still need to return the network card. Looks like I'll exchange it towards a D-Link router and some cables.
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BTW Dlink is not a router its a switch..
And router is way more expensive than router which will do the same and your Os hoping you have Xp has a firewall installed which you should be fine :)
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BTW Dlink is not a router its a switch..
And router is way more expensive than router which will do the same and your Os hoping you have Xp has a firewall installed which you should be fine :)
D-Link makes routers, switches, NIC's and lots of other things. And I don't understand any point you're trying to make in the second paragraph. Any OS can use a router. A router is a hardware firewall as well.
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racealoot...
BTW Dlink is not a router its a switch
I don't wish to give you a bad time ....racealoot But D-Link do most certainly produce routers ........ I use one all the time .....and know of many others who also have D-Link routers. So in the future , when offering advice ......engage brain before bursting into print or do a quick google to be sure the info you are offering is correct.
I believe what you were trying to suggest was that a hub is less costly than a router .......however a hub doesn't offer the firewall protection that the router does.
dl65 ::)
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Well maybe i was mistaken but dont you think for what the person is trying to use it for , its more suitable for him /her to use a swtich or hub??Just trying to give the best option and Xp does use firewall but its software. but then again i was just saying whats best for price.
/shrug my bad
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I know some Linksys routers are switching so you get full dl and linksys is better than dlink anyway ;D
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full DL? Switch? Router? Switching router? I'm lost!!!
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Full dl means full downloading. If I can remember correctly, a hub will divide the bandwith between all computers on it plus it broadcasts all packets to every node. I think a router also divide unless it is a switching router which gives every computer full bandwidth. And a router will only send an incoming packet to the computer the packet is destined for. I am sure this is not accurate but it is what I remember from ELN class.
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Check this site out. It does a pretty good job of explaining it all: http://www.asante.com/support/routerguide/faqs/hardwared.html
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Thanks Tadracket!!!
That info should help a bit when I start looking for a hub / router. Looks like maybe I'm looking for a switching router now. No wonder starting a network seemed complicated to me... it is!!!
I will check out that link also.
Thanks again to everyone for their input!!!
Roy
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A plain router will do you just fine.
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I love my Linksys. :D It is a router/switch/wireless AP and has an upload link to add
additional hubs/switches. All my desktops are wired; My notebooks are wireless.
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My brain hurts!!! How 'bout if I want to play one of my audio / video files from the computer on my system in the other room... I just rip out all the wires, carry the computer to the other room and hook it up to the home theater system. Thereby, becoming a sort of human switching hub or routing switch or hubbing router... LOL :)
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Phil,
I have a D-link DI-514. It has 4 ports for wired computers, and can do wireless all over the house and into the yard. No additional equipment required. Here is a similar one, but you may be able to find something similar locally for even less, or with no rebate:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=485092&CatId=373
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royphil345...... Wow , I didn't expect your straight forward question to generate so much discussion .....LOL
Happy New Year to All
dl65 ::)