Cannot see second system in Network???

[Sean]

Hi - I'm trying to set up my first network. I have two PII-350 connected via Realtek PCI Ethernet Adapters and an RJ-45 cable. I saw the 2nd system one time only and now cannot get it to show up in Network Neighborhood at all. I dont know how it even appeared that one time. Only "Entire Network" and the primary system appear. I know this is very vague on details - I havent done this kind of thing before. So if anyone can provide some suggestions on how I can get the 2nd system to show up and have access to it, I'd be greatful. I'm using Win98 as an OS and for the networking. Thanks.

[Scottw]

are you using a network hub, or a cross-over cable. If your not using a hub you need a cross-over cable. Hubs are cheap, and will allow you to add additonal systems in the future. Sometimes its quite hard to get to computers to see each other with a cross-over cable. Make sure all your setting are exactly the same in network neighborhood on both systems

[Sean]

Hi Scott - Thanks for the reply. I am using cross-over cable. Could you possibly be more specific about what settings I should be ensuring are correct? Thanks again.

[Bleeding Edge]

Those settings would be the Type of log on, such as MS Family etc.; the Protocal and Binding. These all have to jive on both systems. You do this thru the Network icon in Control Panel. Although you shouldn't have to, You may want/need to set the IP address of each adapter, such as 100.100.100.001 on one and 100.100.100.002 on the other. The key here being that the last set of three digits on the second card is one above or below the 1st card. That is under Adapter properties I think. You will also find a setting there for SubNetMask. This must be the same.
After the systems are communicating, see that the adapters are set to the best speed it supports and map your drives and printers to each computer from each computer.

[Sean]

OK guys - I got the two computers working together within a network. Thanks for the help. One last question - where or how do I check the speed of the adapters and/or how to adjust this setting? Thanks.

[ktwebb]

If you know the manufacturer and model or part no., you can go to their webpage and find out what speeds they support. If you know that the card is a 10/100 combo card the card will default to the highest speed if the hub and other NIC supports it. In other words, if both cards are 100 meg cards and the hub is a 100, you will run at that speed, which incidentally, is about 21 meg in the real world. If one card is a 10 meg card you will only run at 10, about 6 or 7 in the real world.

[Sean]

Excellent - Thanks so much to all who took the time to reply. Everything is working great and I cant believe how useful having a network really is - so I am discovering. Now I just gotta get this Wingate 3 going so both systems can share the interent connection. Later!