Networking

[umerkhan]

Hi
I am a new member to this forum, I hope i am not dupliating.
I want to connect 2 computers using router, switch and cables.
I am using NTL broadband, please someone guide me how to do it, which Router, switch and cables to use.
Do i have to use both Router and switch, what are they and what is the use of them, I know these words as i tried to discuss it with people online but coundnot find anyone who can help me in this process A to Z.
I tried cross cable but there is some problem with the cable. I want to go for wireless networking.

Hope you people will help me.
Thanks in advance
UK

[MovedGoalPosts]

to cable forum

There are quite a few guides and articles already written:

For router recommendations:
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/article.php?a=74

For wireless setup:
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/article.php?a=39
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/article.php?a=12

[Gareth]

If the PCs both have network cards in them already, and all you simply want to do is to connect the two PCs together (eg to copy files from one to the other), then your cheapest option is to get a Cat 5 crossover cable, plug one end in the one PC and the other end in the other PC - no need for a router and definitely no need for a switch.

Assuming you're using Windows, you will need to make sure they are both in the same workgroup, and not on different subnet masks. There's a useful thread about that... will search for it using the Search option on the forum.

by the way

[MovedGoalPosts]

You will not require a switch if you get a router. Indeed a switch is unlikely to work. Think of a switch simply as a junction box. Messages come in from one computer and will go to every other one connected to it.

A router can provide the functions of a switch (most have four wired ports - [sockets]), and also direct messages to and from the modem. Routers can also add functions of allocating IP addresses (the means by which computers can identify themselves on a network), and be a firewall (a defence against nasty intrusions on to your network from the internet).

A cable modem or Set Top Box, can only communicate with one computer at a time. By placing a router between the modem/STB the router is the device seen by the modem/STB and which receives the communications to and from the internet. The individual PCs and possibly games consoles communicate with the router for anything they want from the internet. The router thus channels information to the right destination. A switch, which allows everything to go everywhere, cannot separate the signals and just confuses the STB/modem.

[Gareth]

Here's the post I was thinking about.... http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ghlight=subnet

All this kinda depends why you want to connect the 2 PCs... file transfer, printer sharing, internet sharing, etc...