Small network help

[mrtristan]

I want to set up a small network at work, that can share broadband internet and possibly a printer. I can build a server no problem, but I have absolutely no experience with networking.

There will be a minimum of three computers. One server, and two laptops that will access it. I'm not sure if there will be a third laptop. I don't need the laptops to be able to communicate with each other at all.

We're also going to be using wifi, so if there's a way to set up the network using the same equipment that splits the broadband connection, that would be great.

What would be the easiest way to do this?

I might be way off track, but I was thinking that I could connect the server directly to the cable modem and then run a connection to a wireless hub from the server. Each laptop should then be able to share the internet connection and printer through the server, right? (Assuming that I can figure out windows' networking setup.)

[freak_in_cage_10k]

yeah, because u need to network more than 2 pcs then u will need a hub (wireless is fine!).

all i can suggest is that u use Win XP as your operating system! networking isn;t easy, but its about as easy as it gets with win xp!

[The village idiot]

Well, to use the internet properly, you will need a router. If you are going to use wireless, you might as well buy a wireless router. Normally gives you 4 wired ports plus the wireless. You could get an ethernet print server device for the printer. If you look around, you might find a wireless router with printer server all in one box.

Look to Linksys first, then to D-link or Netgear next. And you might want to spend the extra and get 54G wireless or better yet the 5Ghz wireless.

[The village idiot]

Oh yeah, you do not need to run a server for the connection sharing. The router will take care of everything. Though you can get better control of when, who, and where you users can go online with a real computer proxy server, but mostly it just adds expense.

[netxtc]

The set up you describe in what you would like to do is very possible and is actually for you probably going to be the most cost effective (read cheapest) method of connecting.

You mention no operating systems you are using but if you run win2k or XP on the server connected to the broadband modem you will be better off. This server should have two network cards (nics) installed...one connected to the modem and other to the wireless hub which will be connected to other pc's. You can run internet connection sharing on the server to share the connection. This will take care of ip address assignment of the client machines behind your server.

The server with two nics will act like a natural firewall because two network cards in 1 machine will now in essence be a router.

Going the route of purchasing a router will be faster and easy but less cost effective (read you dont need to spend more money )

www.support.mircrosoft.com ...do a look up on setting up ICS on their knowledge base...this would be a good start in getting the "server" off the ground.

I am in Toronto, Canada and I work for a broadband isp (Rogers). We are now introducing caps on amount of data you can transfer per month without additional charge. So needless to say...I have not found a download I didnt like.

My modems on fire.

Good luck.

Netxtc.

[Altip]

i was wondering if i could hook a cable modem directly to my ethernet hub, then hook two pc's up on ports one and 2. and share the modem. Is this possible and if so how can I do it?

[gmatov]

I am on cable and when I have a problem with networking, I re-instaall Win 98.

I am always able to connect with the 4 machines I am running, 2 permanent, a 3rd and 4th on occasion. My third machine and a machine in for repairs.
I have a Router, but it is no different than the Switch, or the Hub before it.

Never a connectivity problem. Mind you it may take a minute or two before you can connect. And, you might have to connect from the main machine before the others can talk to it. Somebody has got to be in charge.

Cheers,

George

[gmatov]

Altip,

No. Ifyou have the cable modem working, connect the hub tothe modem and your computers to the hub. A router would be better, but hub will work.

The modem has to be the first gate to cable. Split as you wish, after.

Cheers,

George

[ChrisX]

You need a 100 Mbps LAN network switch and a wireless access point to your laptops.

I don't have a problem and I am using WinXP Pro for my notebook computer. The wireless speed is 22 Mbps and this works well into another room.

You also need a compatible wireless cardbus adapter in your laptop to be successful with the source signal and best to be the same make such as from a D-Link to D-Link.