networking for the 1st time.

[lesdogg]

I am preparing to hook up my 2 computers to share my internet access via cable modem, except I need some advice;

I am planning to buy:
Linksys 5 port switch
EtherFast 10/100 LAN Card PCI Adapter

One of my computers already has a network card:
(Combo V.90 Modem and 10-Mbps Home Phoneline Network Adapter)

I don't know what 10-Mbps Home Phoneline is? (Will this perform the same as the EtherFast?)

I am planning to go through AT&T cable modem service, their website says that the 5 port switch, Network card, and CAT5 cable is all I need.

When I went to my MSN Help & Support, they are telling me that I should hook up 2 network cards on one computer, which will act as a host. One network card to hook up to the cable modem and the other network card to hook up to the Linksys switch. Then plug in my other computer(s) in the switch. That means I will have to buy 2 network cards.

I don't want to use my main computer as a host, I'd rather pay the extra $4.95 a month for another IP address through AT&T, so I have two computers on different IP addresses.

If any of you networking experts would like to give me a word of advice, I am all ears.

Is there any difference in performance on sharing my cable modem through my main computer as a host? or should I just invest in $4.95 a month and get a different IP addy? Please help..........thanks, Lester

email addy: aquinnorl@aol.com

[redder]

wow, you seem to be on the right track. I don't know whey you would need two NIC's on a PC unless they are talking about internal PC driven internet sharing. A program called Sygate uses similar features.

I would simply get the linksys. You plug the line from the cable modem into the linksys and then plug your PC's into the other side of the linksys. Thats all you need.

The modem/phone line 10 base... I think that is for a set-up that runs your network thru your phone lines. This eliminates having to buy extra network cabling as well as drilling holes in wall etc. I think you have to use compatable cards in each PC to use this phone line system.

Me, I use the standard Cat 5 cables and NIC's. Good Luck

[lesdogg]

thanks for your advice redder!

I will stick to my original plan with buying just the linksys switch, ethernet nic, and cables.

As far as my 1st computer with the Combo V.90 Modem and 10-Mbps Home Phoneline Network Adapter?

It was prebuilt with that NIC, do you think I need to purchase another one or would that one work with my setup?

My other computer does not have a NIC, so I am going to install a linksys ethernet NIC.

I tried looking for some specs on that 10-Mbps Home Phoneline Network Adapter NIC, but could not find any.

Thanks,
Lester

[Explorer]

The HPNA (Home Phoneline Network Alliance) adapter is likely only for a phone line connection between computers although there are some that offer both the RJ-11 jack (standard phone) and a RJ-45 jack which is a larger 8 pin jack used with Cat 5 network cabling.

The Home Phoneline Network protocol is different than that used by ethernet and they are not interconnectable without the correct hardware. See http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=176&grid=18 for some general info and a specific product that can connect to a cable modem and then feed the data to a phoneline network equipped PC.

In our small shop we have cable modem access and just plugged the ouput from the cable modem into a hub and 3 computers into the hub ports. Works fine with good speed on all computers.

[maface]

Check out http://www.practicallynetworked.com/howto/

Good site for internet sharing