Networking 3 or more computers

  • Thread starter Thread starter sarah
  • Start date Start date
S

sarah

Hey.. I know you can share an internet connection between
two computers using the wizard in xp home.. but how would
you network 3 or more computers?

Do you need a hub/switch/router or something?

Thanks in advance,

sarah

xxx
 
If you use DSL or cable, the absolute best choice is to use a router.
Connect the WAN port of the router to your cable or DSL modem, then connect
the Network Interface Card (NIC) in each PC to one of the I/O ports of the
router. If a wired router, use CAT 5 straight-thru cable rather than
crossover cable.

With a router, all PCs can access the internet independently without
requiring that some "host" computer be up and running, and Internet
Connection Sharing (ICS) software is not required. Also, there is no need to
pay your ISP an extra monthly fee for additional IPs.

I have a wired 4-port SMC7004ABR router. It even includes a printer server
port, so that each PC has independent access to a printer. I think it was
about $50.

For further information, go to www.practicallynetworked.com.
 
sarah said:
Hey.. I know you can share an internet connection between
two computers using the wizard in xp home.. but how would
you network 3 or more computers?

Do you need a hub/switch/router or something?
Click to expand...

Sarah,

you need a switch. If you also want a common Internet
connection, the best solution is to buy a WAN router that
already includes the switch.

For example, for a cable or DSL connection you could buy the
cheap SMC 7004 VBR. If you have higher requirements, you can get
a better one, but for mail and web this one will do just fine.
Most of these small routers have four computer connections, so
they would suffice in your case.

If you have further questions, please keep asking here.

Hans-Georg
 
Back
Top