networking Q

[stant093]

i just got cable internet, through charter communications. now im wondering what i have for options for a cheap home internet accessible network, do i have to run my cable modem into my ole 10mbps 8port hub via the uplink port to share the connection? or do i have to run two ethernet cards in my main pc and run a crossover cable to another pc? also does having a 10mbps hub going to really slow down anything considering the cable internet is running at 768kb, and nowhere even close to 10mbps?
Thanks anyone, and if i left anything out that is of importance, let me know!
Thanks for any input!
Sam

[meese]

The easiest way is to get a Broadband Router http://www.linksys.com/products/prod...cid=29&prid=20

[goldenbuddha]

You could use your existing hub to share the connection. But the hub being a hub, is not a really good piece of hardware inherently, prone to collision.

A switch, is a better version of a hub, as it dedicates collision zones as required. They now have 10/100 switches built right into Broadband Routers. Like the one Meese recommended (which also has a basic NAT firewall). I personally use Netgear, they are more money, but with a better firewall (enterprise quality stateful inspection and filtering etc) IMO well worth it.

But in short, yeah you could use the one you have now, make sure you use a crossover cable if required between the modem and your hub.

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

If you hook a Hub directly to you modem and to the PC's you will have to purchase an IP for each computer, using a dualnic method works well aslong as the dual PC isn't rebooted often (will kick everyone offline)

I use a router and a Hub (slower part of network is only 10base for those 2 PC's but the other 3 are 100)

Routers have many advantages over dual nic and hubs. if you can pick up a router and save yourself a lot of headaches.