Computer Geeks

[MikePA]

Jerry,

The satellite modem would be connected to one PC (call it the Satellite PC), this PC would also be connected to a hub via an Ethernet connection. IOW, the Satellite PC will also need an Ethernet card. The other PCs will also need Ethernet cards and would connect to the hub.

The other PCs would access the IOnternet through the Satellite PC. This is accomplished by the TCP/IP set up on the other PCs. The TCP/IP set up on the other PCs would point to the IP address of the Satellite PC as their gateway address.

ZoneAlarm, running on the Satellite PC, would be your firewall.

 

[Mrwurm]

Thanks for clearing that up Mike. I undrstand what I need to do.

Random Thoughts:.........

Several people have now told me that I need a Hub to connect the two PC's. I understand why three PC's would need a hub but I'm still not sure why two would need one. (I'll do it anyway)

If I run 100ft of cat5 to the 'slave' will the slave have slower internet response? Seems that it would.

 

[MikePA]

<font color=blue>Several people have now told me that I need a Hub to connect the two PC's. I understand why three PC's would need a hub but I'm still not sure why two would need one. (I'll do it anyway)</font color=blue>

With 2 PCs, a crossover cable from the Satellite PC to the second PC would work fine. Using a hub makes things less complicated and allows for expansion should you want to connect additional PCs to the network.

<font color=blue>If I run 100ft of cat5 to the 'slave' will the slave have slower internet response? Seems that it would. </font color=blue>

Everyone on the network will get the same Internet response time. We're talking speed of light here, or whatever speed electricity travels over the CAT5 cable. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Mrwurm]

Thanks Mike /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[looch]

The Ethernet card has a "send" pair and a "receive" pair. Regualr CAT 5 cable is "straight-through," so that the send pairs are in the same place at both ends of the cable. If you took 2 Ethernet cards and connected them directly you would be "sending" to the "send" pair of the other card and "receiving" from the receive end - not very effective. A cross-over cable simply flips the send and receive pairs at the other end of the cable - something a hub already does for you.

 

[Mrwurm]

Paul, thanks for that explanation. A computer geek here at work was trying to explain the same thing but he did'nt quite know how to explain. Once again, TBN'ers rule !!

 

[TerryinMD]

FYI - Cat5 can support 100mbs!! So, if you have ethernet cards that support and are configured to 100mbs, you will have ample network speed between your PCs.

Yes , be careful on the 568A or 568B connections at the end of each cable. If you go to <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.blackbox.com/>Black Box</A>, they have diagrams of all the cabling connections. Additionally, they will be more than happy to sell you cables already connectorized. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Hmmm... I just though of something. With direct cabling, you may have an increased chance of packet collisions - I think. You may want to ask someone about that.

Another nice thing about using a hub is that you get lots of pretty flashing lights, going blink... blink.... blink.blink. blink.... /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif As you may detect, I am easily amused. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Terry

 

[Mrwurm]

Ok, I'm seeing Cat5e cables out there. They are rated at 350mhz and are priced the same as cat5. What should I get?

Also, I talked to an online cable retailer and he told me to buy one of his 'cross-over' cables for the same price as a regular cable and don't get a hub.

Not sure what to do /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif

 

[DavidInNH]

The Cat5e cables are higher quality than Cat5 (the 'e' stands for enhanced). If they are the same price, go for the Cat5e.

I wouldn't bother with a hub if you only have two nodes. When you add a third node, you can replace the cross-over cable and add a hub.

 

[DavidInNH]

<font color=blue>Hmmm... I just though of something. With direct cabling, you may have an increased chance of packet collisions - I think. You may want to ask someone about that.</font color=blue>

You shouldn't see any difference in collisions. If your NICs will run in full-duplex, you won't see any collisions.

You aren't alone on the blinking lights - my previous employer used lots of blinking lights because it helped sell equipment. Lights out in the QA lab was pretty impressive.