Home Networking Basics, part 2

What do I need, and why?

Ads by Terry

In today’s world, you have several options. However, remember that you always need an antivirus program with up-to-date virus signatures and you need a firewall program.
Be sure to review my Home Networking Security page for network diagrams and security implications.

Ethernet patch cable = an 8-wire cable designed for networking, with "RJ-45" plugs on each end. The plugs are wired the same on both ends
Ethernet crossover cable = similar, but the wiring is different. The wires connected as "transmit" and "receive" on one end are connected as "receive" and "transmit" on the other. This eliminates the need for a hub or switch to handle the hand-shake, but it only works for two computers.

Your dialup connection.
The Internet Connection Sharing software built into Windows.
A couple of used 10 Mbit Ethernet cards (usually called 10-baseT cards) at about $2-$3 each and a "crossover cable" to connect the two cards (about $20 for 25’).
You must manually set IP addresses and DNS (domain name server) addresses for your two-computer network, since you won't have a "DHCP server" on your "network."
If you're running Windows XP, the "host computer," the one with the actual Internet connection, will act as a DHCP server for the other computer(s).

A 10/100 or 10/100/1000 MBPS network interface card (NIC) or a USB-ethernet adapter for each computer ($10-$50). Sometimes, you can find 10/100 network cards that are $5 or even free after rebates.
A Cable/DSL router, not a plain "hub" or "switch." These normally come with four Ethernet connections for the local area network (LAN) and one to go to the cable/dsl modem (wide area network = WAN). You could get one that has both wireless capabilities and Ethernet ports. ($40-$100)
A Cable modem or DSL modem. The router does not replace the modem. (If you already have cable or DSL, you’ve got this already.)
No special software required
Ethernet connections, either 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Mbps, for each machine. These may be network interface cards (NICs), may be built onto the motherboards of your computers, or might be USB Ethernet adapters.
Ethernet patch cables to connect the NIC’s or USB-ethernet adapters to the router and the router to the modem. The router-to-modem cable -- use the one that came with the modem for this connection.