Router to network my three PC's?

[gingo]

Ok, I've had two computers in my home networked by a simple cross over cable connected between the two. Its been working fine.

But I am going to setting up a third PC and I want this one to be connected also.

So basically I need a router so they can all be connected, right?

I've heard of switches and routers, but I've forgotten the difference between the two.

Will the cross over cable still function as a normal cat5 cable?
It'll just be going one way now, right?
Also, if someone could recommend the cheapest router(or whatever I need) that will handle a small home network sufficientley.


Thanks.

[jajmon]

You might try looking at these, they are stickys in this section of the forum. They should be helpful.

http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=230671

http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35294

If you still are having problems, post back.


ps; you don't need the x-over cable anymore, regular patch cables

[gingo]

Originally posted by jajmon
You might try looking at these, they are stickys in this section of the forum. They should be helpful.

http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=230671

http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35294

If you still are having problems, post back.


ps; you don't need the x-over cable anymore, regular patch cables

Ok, so basically a router is what I need?

I dont have to worry about a cable or DSL connection, I'm on dialup.

I know I dont need the X-over cable anymore, but its the right length I need and it'll save me the trouble of buying a new one, can I still use it?

[jajmon]

If you want to connect all 3 to be able to share files etc, then all you would need would be a 5 port switch, rather inexpensive ~$30 and 3 reg patch cables. Cost would very, depending on length. The x-over cable will do you no good. If you have furture plans for cable/dsl, then you might consider a cable/dsl router, that would have a built in switch. These routers (w/built-in switch) are around $50-$60, or more depending on mfgr. I bought a cable/dsl router w/switch before I had high speed, because I knew eventually I was going to get high speed. I plugged my pc's in just to be connected to each other and waited for they day they could all be on the Internet.

[gingo]

Yeah, thats what I'm thinking I may do. Just get the router so when/if I ever get cable/dsl I can be ready to go.

Thanks.

Btw, if anyone knows a good router/switch that'll connect my 3 PC's together for pretty cheap (but still of good quality) let me know.

[jajmon]

SMC, Linksys, and DLink (3 most popular) are comparible cable/dsl routers for the SOHO environement, some features may differ, and the prices are fairly equal. I myself have a Dlink DI-704 router and 3 dlink 5 port switches and have had no problems. What's best? is subjective to what one has experienced. Somebody had problems with this/that etc. and they may say, it's junk.
Check around on-line, you may find some good deals/rebates on the 3 I mentioned above. IMO, any of the above will do you just fine.

[{PMS}fishy]

I second the SMCs.