how do i share internet connection with a PC and an iBook?

[razordog]

hello

whats the best way to share internet connection between my pc (desktop) and an iBook

the building i live in provides broadband so i don't have any type of cable modem, i think the residents share a t1 or something and currently, i just connect the cable from the outlet to my NIC card and i get a connection and when i want to use the iBook, i have to reach in back and disconnect the cable from my computer and plug it into the iBook

please help me with the following options:

i was wondering if there is such as thing as an ethernet cable splitter that will allow two cables to come out of one outlet? i'm ok if only one computer can be on the net at once for this choice if its available

i was wondering what my options are if i want to setup the network thing, do i need a router or a switch to set this thing up, do i need a new NIC card for my PC? and could you reccommend a good, cheap router/switch for this? hopefully both computers can surf the net here...

also, if i want to go wireless, could someone reccommend good quality, cheap router (or is it a switch i need), the guy at comp usa said i needed a wirelyess, linksys access point? and i'm pretty sure i need an airport card for the iBook (or do i?) and if i go this way do i need a new NIC card for the pc? hopefully both computer can surf the net here too....

thanks for your help

 

[Fallen Kell]

A switch would be needed in this case. If you want wireless, you will need a wireless router/access point. You may need to get a router depending on how the apartment is setup (i.e. 1 IP per network jack in room).

 

[razordog]

bump

 

[amdskip]

Originally posted by: Fallen Kell
A switch would be needed in this case. If you want wireless, you will need a wireless router/access point. You may need to get a router depending on how the apartment is setup (i.e. 1 IP per network jack in room).

A switch should work just fine. You didn't have to configure either computer to connect like a certain name or anything did you?

 

[Doh!]

Just check the hotdeal forum for a router. For the entry-level routers, the features and performance do not vary much and they all get the job done. You'll be able to grab one for less than $20 (I got one of the d-link routers for a little over $10 after discounts/rebates). Going wireless will bump your budget to about $100 since you would have to get a wireless router and a pc-card (unless iBook already has a built-in feature).