When i set up my home network for broadband DS came to the rescure and some extremly helpful members helped me as to what to buy and how to set it up.

A friend of the family has recently asked me if i can setup a network for their home when they get broadband.

Im my setup i had one PC with the cable modem, and a network cable to the other PC - nice and simple.

The network i am to setup now will consist of 3 PC's, one with XP and the others with Windows 9x.

I think they need a broadband router, but im not too sure.


Can anyone please help me out with this, i was successful with my first network setup, i hope to be successfull with this one.



Thanks in advance,




Steven A.
(TheCableGuy)

Ok, re broadband router, not necessarily. You will require a network kit with a hub tho.

anyway, on the XP set up the internet connection and run the Home network wizard- in there there is an option to distribute the connection thru the network. I can't remember the phrasing,but its something like that.

Then on the 98 pcs, insert the XP disk. When the autorun screen apeears choose the button below "install xp". There will be a link to run the network setup wizard. this will be just like the xp machine.

Sorry this is a bit garbled.

But wont a broadband router be simple as no PC has to rely on another to serve the internet to it?

A broadband router is more reliable, but definately not more simple. Its true that no PC relies on another for its connection, but you've got to configure it in the first place. It has its pros and cons. Personally, I'd choose a router. Once the router is set up, you just plug PCs into it and they get an IP and it 'just works'. Then you get the fun of port forwarding. You find things like Kazaa, mIRC and Netmeeting whinging about not being able to connect, and you'll end up forwarding ports left right and centre. Although saying that, I've not got a lot of forwards on this network, and everything behaves.

If you feel up to it, go for a router. Its a very good, robust solution.

If you feel like whimping out (and also being cheap), slave it off a PC using ICS and shove a hub in there.