Home Networking

[Spencer4love]

I have 4 computer 2 running on WIN98SE and 2 on WIN2000 professional. All hooked to SMC EZ6505TX Switch. I have 4 network cables coming out from all 4 PC's and one Cable coming out from Cable Modem are connected to this Switch. My ISP allow me 3 IP addresses. At any given time I can only get connected to internet or share flies and priters on any 3 PC's 4th PC stays offline and not recognized by the LAN. Whenever I need any 4th PC on the network I have to shutdown any one PC...I tried internet connection sharing and all etc but nothing seems to work for me. any suggestions????

[koldchillah]

buy a router. They are cheap ($30-90), secure (built-in NAT firewall) and easy to setup. I recommend Linksys, Netgear, or if ya want something a little on the high-end, Nexland..

This will also allow you to ditch those other 2 IP's as you will only need one with a router and you will be able to support probably more PC's than your house will ever fit off that one connection.

just my 2 cents.. ;)

oh, and welcome to SpeedGuide! Our other wise network gurus will be around shortly to add their 2 cents as well..

[JackMDS]

A little more theory to the good post above.

Link: Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing. (http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=105)

Link: Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...? (http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=48)

Ignore the prices in the links above. The same or similar hardware can be found for 60%-90% less.

Example: Belkin4 Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router. 9.99 (after rebate) (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0151876)

Installed system should look like this.

Diagram of Broadband Connection with Cable/DSL Router. (http://www.ezlan.net/~network/router.jpg)

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[Spencer4love]

TY Guru.....do I still have to use my switch or just a router will do the job???

[koldchillah]

Originally posted by Spencer4love
TY Guru.....do I still have to use my switch or just a router will do the job???

the router will replace the switch as it typically has its own built-in switch.. You can then use your switch to add additional PC's that your router can't support OR you can find a way to get rid of it.. maybe sell to a friend or something. :)

see Jack's links above for the jist of how it all comes together.. Any more questions, just post away.

[Spencer4love]

Thank you folks..u are awesome