Q: This may seem a silly question, but I ordered a Epox 8rda3 + motherboard and comes with two LAN ports . I use one of the ports for connecting my cable modem router, while I like the other port to the internet with my old computer parts. The old computer has a standard 10/100 PCI NIC. Would I need a crossover cable to my Epox 8rda3 + LAN controller card to my old computer? Or can I just a normal ethernet cable? Connecting the old computer directly to the router is not an option. Thanks in advance!
Re:On a LAN with only one or two users, you probably won't see any difference in performance for HUBs or Switches. OTOH, if you have a loaded network, there's a large difference, especially if it's a peer network with no centeral server to be a bottleneck. Of course, if you do a scan at www.pricewatch.com (http://www.pricewatch.com) you'll find that switches and hubs are basically the same price. A 5 port hub or switch seems to come in at the same price, a whopping $14 including shipping!
Re:Originally posted by: PorBleemo
Originally posted by: guy
I'd actually buy a switch instead. They are almost as cheap as hubs now.
General Rule: NO HUBS. Switches or Routers because they can intelligently route data instead of blindly sending it to every port.
Check this (http://{$MySite}/messageview.cfm?catid=40&threadid=1163894&FTVAR_MSGDBTABLE=) out, 16-Port Switch and 802.11g router by Dell for $89.00 + tax!
Hope this helps! 
I agree, but heck, for 5 computers, how much can a hub really effect performance. I haven't looked at prices recently, but I'm sure they are still cheaper than switches, even though switches are very affordable now.
My network has 2 switches and 2 hubs. One hub is rarely used, but the other usually has a couple computers. I can get 7 megabyte a second between a pc on the hub to a pc on a switch just fine.
Re:May be this can Help.
Link to: AnandTech – FAQ. CAT5 Straight, Crossover. What is CAT5, which one should I Use? (http://www.{$MySite}/guides/viewfaq.html?i=91)
Link to: Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing. (http://www.{$MySite}/guides/viewfaq.html?i=105)
Link to: Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs…? (http://www.{$MySite}/guides/viewfaq.html?i=48)
Re:Actually, that Dell router is now $64, they have a $25 rebate going.
Re:Originally posted by: guy
I'd actually buy a switch instead. They are almost as cheap as hubs now.
General Rule: NO HUBS. Switches or Routers because they can intelligently route data instead of blindly sending it to every port.
Check this (http://{$MySite}/messageview.cfm?catid=40&threadid=1163894&FTVAR_MSGDBTABLE=) out, 16-Port Switch and 802.11g router by Dell for $89.00 + tax!
Hope this helps!
Re:I'd actually buy a switch instead. They are almost as cheap as hubs now.
Re:Originally posted by: pwddesign
Buy a hub or a switch. They are very cheap, and then you can support even more computers.
Hmm.. I never thought about that. Might give it a try. so going from [ cable modem > 4 port router > hub > 2 computers ] is a combo that will work properly? Would there be any significant performance issues?
Re:Buy a hub or a switch. They are very cheap, and then you can support even more computers.
Re:Originally posted by: guy
OK, I have to ask. Why in the world is connecting the old computer directly to the router not an option? :confused: It's the obvious way to solve the problem!
haha, I knew this would come up. My roommates are using up the other ports on the router, so thats why I can't hook it up directly
Re:Yes, you need a crossover cable for computer to computer communication. Why can't you plug directly into the router?
By doing it through your first PC, you will probably need to use some sort of software to pass the internet on through. A proxy server would definately work. Not sure if you can use windows internet connection sharing in this situation.
Re:OK, I have to ask. Why in the world is connecting the old computer directly to the router not an option? :confused: It's the obvious way to solve the problem!
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