Networking Help (n00b Question)

[Homer52]

Hi i am interested in linking my computers together so i can play games with friends, share files between the computers and share dial up access (soon broardband).

I want it to be able to have atleast 8 computers connected. Does anyone know what exquipment i would need to do this? All help is much appreciated. :D

Oh and it has to work with windows 98 and up to xp (if that helps...).

[Ioman]

If you are using dial up, you will need to find a router that supports this. It may be hard to find one though.

If you want to wait until you get broadband, a switch or router will both work. I recommend a router with an integrated firewall though to protect your computers. Check out www.netgear.com they make some great stuff.

[Homer52]

So does that mean all i need is a swich or a router?

[ECA]

WHICH highspeed...cable or DSL?

Network card, in computer(best way to go)
Router(it connects the computers decides who gets what)
Then highspeed access.

It all hooks to the router. You access the net thru the router(dont need router if only 1 comp).
Other comp can access internet also.
You both can access each other also.
Not to expencive, depending. Starts about $100, 2 net cards, + router, then internet modem is supplied from company(unless you wish better, add about $80).

[Homer52]

ADSL i live in Australia ithink that the same as DSL

ok so i need a network card for every computer i want to connect i need 1 router that connects to the network cards then i need high speed access thingy to connect to the router. is that all correct?

so how many computers would be able to plug into the lan at 1 time?

[Ioman]

Originally posted by Homer52
ADSL i live in Australia ithink that the same as DSL

ok so i need a network card for every computer i want to connect i need 1 router that connects to the network cards then i need high speed access thingy to connect to the router. is that all correct?

so how many computers would be able to plug into the lan at 1 time?

That is correct. And the number of ports on your router determines how many computers you can hook up to it. Or add a switch to that router and make even more.

[Homer52]

ok i went to that netgear site i went to the routers section it came up with:

Wireless Routers

Firewall/VPN Routers

Internet Routers

Modem & Gateway Routers

i'm guesing i either need Modem & Gateway Routers or Internet Routers ???

[ECA]

First, you need some specs on your Highspeed ADSL modem.

Now heres a thought. Wireless can be cool, and a little expencive, but, You dont have any physical wireing. So all your neibhors can connect to you also. Range is the key. Anyone close to you(about 100-200 feet) can have a wireless net card and connect to you, and you to THEM. And adding a NEW friend is as easy as adding another wireless card.

Be-aware you will have to set Properties on both computers to SHARE data.

I have a small problem with wireless. seting properties can leave your system open to others also, windows can be set to use passwords for access to your SHARED info. But even this, if a person comes into the area with there own wireless, may GET access to your system, even a laptop.
Also, with all the wireless gadgets coming out, some frequencies may already be in use and cause problems, on both sides.

[Homer52]

Ok so i went to the NetGear product selecter thingy about this wireless one

this is the router

http://www.buynetgear.com/product.asp?sku=2016047

but i want to be able to use it before i get broardband so will it work?


because it said you need a broardband connection

System Requirements:
• Broadband (cable, DSL) Internet service and modem with Ethernet RJ-45 connector
• Ethernet adapter and cable OR 2.4 GHz Wireless adapter for each computer
• Windows® 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, Mac® OS, NetWare®, UNIX®, Linux®
• Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape® 4.7 or higher
• Windows 98, Me, 2000, or XP for Freedom, PC software


and this is the network card

http://netgear.links.channelintelligence.com/pages/prices.asp?sSKU=MA111


that all i will need?

[ECA]

System Requirements:
• Broadband (cable, DSL) Internet service and modem with Ethernet RJ-45 connector
• Ethernet adapter and cable OR 2.4 GHz Wireless adapter for each computer
• Windows® 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, Mac® OS, NetWare®, UNIX®, Linux®
• Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape® 4.7 or higher
• Windows 98, Me, 2000, or XP for Freedom, PC software

Not sure on all of this... Others will tell.

second link, should be right. but would rather internal insted of USB. dont like taking those slots up for this myself. and internal can be faster.