What do I need to network 2 PCs??

welshliz

Hi I am hoping one of you can help me, I would like to wirelessly network two computers and have no idea what to get to do it. What do you suggest is the best way to network 2 computers and exactly what products do i need to buy?? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

albertross_2

Do you mean allow two PC's to connect to the internet using broadband, and connect to each other as well? If so you need:

An adsl router if you have a BT line (e.g. Netgear DG834G, GT etc), or a DSL/Cable router if you have cable phone.

You will also need one or two wireless enabled laptops, or wireless usb dongles, or wireless pcmcia cards, or wireless pci cards(for desktops), or any combination of these..

(Basically a wireless card for each device you have.)

You could connect one with a wired connection, if you have a normal wired ethernet card, if the PC is in a fixed position near the phone point, so you would only need one wireless enabled PC in that situation. (Wireless routers usually allow upto 4 wired connections, and multiple wireless connections).

e.g.

BT line:

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopSearch.asp?CategoryID=80

Cable phone line:

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=539

Also checkout https://www.ebuyer.com and http://www.dsl-warehouse.co.uk/ and http://www.pcworld.co.uk/ for prices.

Whatever you get, you need to be aware that wireless is a security risk, unless you setup WPA encryption with a strong password. If you don't do this, then potentially everyone in the street can get access to your network, and your passwords, and your emails etc.. There are some instructions on how to setup WPA (for Netgear's) here:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=142390&highlight=%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%40

The same principles apply to other brands.

--

If you just want to network 2 PC's, without a broadband connection, then you can either get a Wireless access point, or connect them in peer to peer mode.., provided that they both have wireless network cards of some sort.

There is loads more advice here:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=121274

or seach the forum for "Wireless"..

lcharm

Check this out http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/networking/0,39023970,10002769,00.htm

Do u already have a modem? (If u r using internet)

If so the you will basically need to buy a wireless router to connect to the main modem and this will broadcast ur wireless signal which can be picked up at any computer with a wireless network card.

It's easier than it sounds!

I use this router at home as it gives an amazing signal with the latest technology (my house is quite big and i can use my laptop in the garden!!)

http://www.zdnet.co.uk/reviews/hardware/networking/0,39023970,39165600,00.htm.
Connects to ur modem easily and then all u need to do is use the wizard on the CD provided.

If u don't have a reciever on ur PC (u can find out from ur "my network places" icon) then Belkin do one as well with the same PRE-N technology that is shown on that website for laptops or PC's.

Security is also an issue u need to tackle!

It's well worth doing ur research into other wireless routers and recievers but that's basically what u need!.

I'm sure there are others out there who will know a lot more but i hope this gives u the basics.

Little_John

Another point to add, the configuration of what ever you buy will need to be done with a wired connection from 1 pc you cant do the initial config on a wireless connection.

matty_c608

Not read all the post, but heres my input!

A Single Crossover Cable - Mine cost me £3 inc Packaging for a 5 metre one!! They go up to about 50 meters I think...

Make it yuorself if you like DIY stuff:

http://www.makeitsimple.com/how-to/dyi_crossover.htm

Info here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossover_cable

HTH.

denlancs

Could I please ask an additional question?Could a printer be accessed by the additional computer?

Chippy_Minton

denlancs wrote:

Could a printer be accessed by the additional computer?

Yes. If the printer is connected to the router then any computer on the network can print to it independently of any other computer. If the printer is connected to a computer then that computer must be switched on to allow the other computers to print to it.