Newbie Question

[Stellar]

I want to hook up two computers for gaming purposes. I have access to CAT5 cable and two network cards. Other than that, what do I need to accomplish this--a hub? While looking through some recent posts I see that some people have recommended switches instead of a hub (not sure what the difference is). My main question is, what is the best setup for gaming btw 2 computers (won't be sharing Internet connections)? Thanks.

 

[obenton]

You can use a hub, or you can just directly connect the two NICs with a crossover cable.

 

[jmcoreymv]

If your only going to have two computers on the networking a crossover cable would be the fastest thing. Also with two computers, I fail to see how a switch would be any faster then a hub.

 

[IceStorm]

With two computers playing games, a hub or crossover cable is fine.

If you're moving gigabytes of data between machines, and you tuned the network settings under Winblows 9x, you'll end up being limited by the hub (assuming you're using 100Mbit full duplex capable NICs). You'll want a crossover cable or a switch.

All depends on what you want to do.

 

[bhuie]

Getting a switch would be pointless if you only have two computers. A switch helps your network by limiting traffic directed to a specific address to the port that it is connected to. So if you only have two computers, they're always going to be talking to each other anyway.

 

[jmcoreymv]

Actually IceStorm reminded me of something. Use a crossover cable for maximum performance or a switch. A hub isnt full duplex and therefore if you want to transmit and receive at the same time you will be slowed down (Not noticable though.)