Can I network 3 PC's w/o a hub?

[darrelld]

I've got two computers networked now direct connect with cat 5 crossover, is it possible to add a third to this setup? If so how?

[alapeter]

You probably could but it would not be worth it. You can get an inexpensive 4 port hub for aroung $50. Trust me it is well worth the investment.

[ufrich]

hey there, i have to agree with alapeter . You can get a good Netgear 4 port 10baseT hub for 30 bucks. Plus getting a hub alows for expansion if you ever consider it in the future.

[GroundZero3]

why are you telling him to get a hub when it would be better to get a switch? there about the same money for better preformance.

Jason

[darrelld]

What is the difference between the hub and the switch?

[mtpros]

Hope this helps to show you the difference in a switch and a hub:
http://www.farallon.com/products/hubs/hubvsswitch.html

[DVNT1]

To clarify some of the other comments a little... you can use a 2nd network card in one computer to connect the 3rd. The 3rd won't be able to "see" the first (and vice/versa) unless the computer with two NICs can route. Win95 & Win98 do not do this without 3rd party software (or possibly an obscure registry modification). Win98SE, Win2K, Linux, and WinNT do this easily.

A hub or switch would be a much better way to go. The difference in a hub/switch is low in a small LAN unless all the computers transfer files frequently and at similar times. As mentioned though, the costs aren't much different anymore and hubs can not be linked together as much as most switches can. The is relates to the 5-4-3-2-1 Rule.

[smokin1]

I still see a lot of networks connected with no hub, they are using RG58 coax ("ThinNet") cables and BNC connectors,generally good for 10mbs, and use the older ISA NIC's..as long as they are properly terminated, they run just fine. They are a bit harder to troubleshoot though...

[DVNT1]

Coax? ThinNet? ThickNet? I think I read about those in history class once.

Actually I would have to agree, those methods can work fine but do have the basic issues smokin1 stated (speed limitations and difficult troubleshooting). I just don't think much about those alternatives anymore.

[darrelld]

I will get a hub eventually, dut the third pc is a loaner and won't be here long, but while it is I wanted to include it on the network.
DVNT1, It is as you said, the first and third pc's don't see each other, the one with the two cards says ip routing is enabled when I run ipconfig.(win2k).
Can you give me some instruction please?

[DVNT1]

I think I understand that W2K is on the PC with two NICs.
1) What are the OSs on the other computers?

[This message has been edited by DVNT1 (edited 05-29-2001).]

[darrelld]

All win2k

[DVNT1]

2) What protocols are used?
3) If TCP/IP, then what are the IP addresses?

[darrelld]

The only protocol being used is tcp/ip.
PC1 192.168.0.1
PC2,NIC1 192.168.0.57(auto detect)
PC2,NIC2 169.254.136.4(auto detect)
PC3 169.254.161.70 (auto detect)

[DVNT1]

It appears that PC 3 and the 2nd NIC in PC2 are not on the same IP network.

a) manually set PC2 NIC1 to 192.168.0.2
b) manually set the PC2 NIC 2 to 192.168.2.1
c) manually set the PC3 NIC to 192.168.2.2
d) manually set the Gateway for PC3 to 192.168.2.1
e) manually set the Gateway for PC1 to 192.168.0.2

(in all cases use a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0)

This should clear things up.

[This message has been edited by DVNT1 (edited 05-29-2001).]