How do i setup a LAN connection between two computers???

Question

Ok, i have no clue about LAN connection. Consider me as an ablsolute layman and help me with my problem.

The Situation:

I have two computers, both working on Windows XP. Both of them are independent as of now. I have a BSNL broadband connection. The thing is, suppose computer B is connected to the internet,and if computer A is to be connected to the internet, i have to manually unplug computer B's data cable from the modem and insert comp A's data cable. This is frustrating as only one computer has access to the internet at any given time.
Both the computers have ethernet cards.

The Questions:

1.>How do i setup a internet connection so that both computers can have access to the internet independently?

2.>How much would it cost me? What brand of router(?)/switch(?) should i go for?

3.>Also i came across USB networking between two computers. Is it an efficient way of connecting two computers? If yes, how do i do that?

Answer 1

You can setup B connects to A and A connects to the Internet. This way you will have to have 2 ethernet cards in A: one card connects to the Internet and the other will connect to B. From there you will have to configure IP and subnet mask and enable ICS (Internet Connection Sharing). You use a crossover wire to connect B - A. You use a regular RJ-45 straight through cable to connect A to Internet.

A - setup IP 192.168.0.1
subnet mask 255.255.255.0

B - setup IP 192.168.0.2
subnet mask 255.255.255.0
gateway 192.168.0.1

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I will assume that the USB networking would be more easier to setup.

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You can get routers for $20 that will function fine and will ease the confusion of IP and subnet settings. I prefer Linksys for the sole reason that I can upgrade the firmware to a third party firmware that I can also configure myself.

Answer 2

Here is how I did it.
First make sure both computers have an Ethernet (10/100)
card/connection. Look in the back for a connection hole like for a phone cable but slightly larger. Buy a Router (Netgear or ....)
which usually comes with holes for 4 cables.
Connect the Modem to the Router and the Router to the Computers with LAN cables (which have the larger connectors)
On Both Computers: DblClk on My Computer and RtClk on C:
Clk on "Properties" and enter a Label any name like XPC1 or ...
,mark "Allow ...etc" then clk on "Sharing" mark "Share this folder"
and "Maximum allowed", Comment=Default Share, clk OK
Now you have to set up and name the Group that the computers
are part of and via wich they share resources and contents.

Answer 3

If you are using BSNL Dataone connection , the simplest way to achieve this is to buy a switch (5 Port Switch) and connect both your machines using Patch Cords to this switch and connect your already existing Router (BSNL might have given you one or you might have bought it) also to this switch.

Most of the DSL routers (which you are using right now) have a feature called NATTING with which any no of people can use the internet.

There are other ways also to achieve this by not going for a Switch but as you said you are a novice in this, it is advisable to go for the above method. In stead of a switch, you can go for a hub also but getting a hub is very difficult now a days. Try to find out if some of your friends are throwing these old hubs. try to grab one and make use of it.

As far as Patch cords are concerned, a patch cord is one which will connect your machine to a switch/hub. You can make one for yourself or ask some of your friends to make one or buy it in the market for around Rs.100/- each. You ask the vendor to make it one for you and it might cost you Rs.25/- per meter length.

Hope this will solve your problem

Regards

Ravi Kumar Tenneti
[e-mail]

Answer 4

Don't listen to the above answers!!
Just buy a router. If one computer has a wireless adapter, then you can buy a wireless router, thus, having one computer connected to the router via ethernet and the other a wireless connection. If both computers don't have a wireless adapter then you will need to connect both computers to a router via ethernet cable. Getting a router is the easiest option for you.

When you buy your router, just connect the modem to the router and then computers to router (make sure your modem and router are both off). You can purchase a router for about 30 or so bucks. A wireless router will be a bit more. Either way, a router is your best bet, and don't worry about that USB networking deal unless you purchase a USB wireless adapter. Trust me I do this stuff for a living.

Answer 5

Ist of all connect ur both computer through a eathernet cable(lab cable). and configure ip address for communication between them. u must have lan card in ur both computer. if ur internet connection is configure on ur lan card then u need lan cards on one of ur computer which will be ur internet server. configure internet setting on one connection and share this connection. then configure ur local ip in the gateway and Dns fields of second computer which connect to the internet throgh ur internet server........... Gud Luck

Answer 6

you buy a possible router dont buy a crossover cable just buy a router and connect with a cat 5 cable

Answer 7

bay a switch and use them to connect computers

Answer 8

buy a crossover cable. similar to a patch (ethernet) cable.

hook both computers up with that, and transfer your stuff.