Linksys Router Questions

[StirCrazy]

I just picked up the Linksys router but it's the one port version. I got a great deal on it that's the only reason I picked it up.

I'm a novice when it comes to networking and routers so bear with me. I have 2 boxes with
one NIC in each. If I use the "crossover" switch, does this allow me to network the two computers with each other? How do I do this? Do I need a hub or can this be done just with the Linksys router? What if this was the 4 port version, can I do it without a hub then?

Why can't I just take a 8 conductor splitter,
plug it into the router, and run 2 lines from it to each computer. Wouldn't this negate the need for a hub? It should work right? Will this setup reduce my download speeds? Does a hub reduce download speeds?

I have 2 nics. One is a 3Com 900b and the other is just D-Link 528 nic. Both are 10base only. Do I really need 2 100base nic's for a home network? My ISP has me capped right now at 950 kbps down.
Should I replace the 10base nic's then?

I appreciate any help because as you can see
I'm clueless here. Just never set up a network or router before. You were there once right? No...OK http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/smile.gif

[thorn1968]

Keep reading and you'll get the hang of it!

The single port Linksys will connect to 1 PC, a hub, or a switch. A hub or switch will connect 2 or more computers together. Your nic's are 10base or 10mbps. You probably don't need 100mbps for your home network, but it is nice. http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/biggrin.gif It sounds like your ISP has you set up for 1mbps. (not bad for DSL) Just do some quick math to see if you realy need the 100mbps. $$$

A hub will run you around $30 (a guess, I haven't looked at hubs in a long time) and a switch is around $70.

I have the 4 port Linksys connected to 2 PC's in one room and then connected to a switch in another room. I can connect up to 7 PC's with this configuration. The max I've ever had connected is 2 PC's, 2 laptops, and my PocketPC, for a total of 5. (more math)

Basicly it all comes down to $$$. If you have 'em go for the 100mbs.

[StirCrazy]

So a hub will be all I need to network the 2 computers together? Where does this "null modem" which is what I understand to be basically a crossover wire come in? Will the
hub alone allow the network to be set up?

How does the switch on back of the Linksys work properly? Does this allow networking?

[thorn1968]

Yes, a hub is realy all you need. The switch that's built into the 4 port version of the Linksys is like a high performance hub.

A cross over cable connected between the 2 computers could work, but then you wouldn't be able to share your internet connection.