Lan setup

[jayanath]

There is a network in my flat that is shared among everyone... The problem is i only have one lan "socket" and i need to get the connection on two computers...

I'm guessing that there's some kind of router like thing that can help me connect both my computers to the same "socket". One PC is Vista and the other is XP if it matters.

I dont know what kind of network there is in the building but i'm guessing that everyone is connected to a router...

Sorry about my terminology hope you know what i mean. Any help appreciated.

 

[dfuze]

Sounds like you are looking for a switch, which you can find pretty cheap. I got one off of newegg for $25 about 2 weeks ago.

 

[JackMDS]

You need a simple switch with at least three ports if you want to connect the two computers with a wire.

You plug one port of the switch to the wall socket, and the two computers to the rest of the ports.

If you want also Wireless, you can buy a Wireless Router and configure it like this.

Using a Wireless Router as a switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

 

[jayanath]

I'll see what i can find thanks for the help. But if i convert it to wireless will it slow down the connection.
Thanks for the help.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: jayanath
But if i convert it to wireless will it slow down the connection.

If you are only using the network access the Internet, then it's unlikely you'll notice a speed difference between a wired and wireless connection. Most Internet connections are slower than the WiFi connection.

If you use the WiFi connection to transfer large files between two PCs, then you'll see a difference in speed.

 

[jayanath]

Using for internet... The wireless is only for the laptop because it'd be easier. Is it possible to have a "mixed system" with one wired PC and the Laptop to be connected wireless.

 

[chronodekar]

What you are asking for is most possible. I recommend that you buy a 4-port wireless switch. I've got one in my workplace and it performs satisfactory.

[1]
+
+
+
[A]{B}[C][D] ........ wireless laptop


This is hard to show a figure with ASCII, but I'm going to try. Assume that [1] is your only lan "socket". Now Let [A]{B}[C][D] represent a 4-port wireless switch.

If your laptop is connected to the switch, it can communicate with your lan socket [1] just as if it were connected via a wire.

Simultaneously, you can connect XP to [A] and Vista to {B} (or any of the 4-ports). If all 3 machines were connected, they all can access your internet connection at [1] simultaneously. (If you need to use some kind of dialer for your internet, the situation will be slightly different)

And considering that it's a 4-port switch, you'll still have 2 other ports spare!!


Well, I think THAT should answer any more doubts if you can have a mixed system or not !


If anyone is wondering about the odd {B} , it's because I can't seem to put [] around B without making all the text bold....

 

[jayanath]

Ah i understand. Thanks for your help. Will hit the shops when i get some time. No online shopping for me