PCI Card Networking 2 Computers-help please

jellyhead80

After reading many previously posted threads on MSE and other websites, i think i have got my head around this networking thing!! But i would just like anybody with any knowledge or experience to clarify before i go out and buy the stuff.

I have a Broadband connection with an external modem (supplied by ISP-nothing fancy) and 2 pc's. The computer currently connected to the broadband has no PCI network card and the other one (with no broadband connection) has a PCI network card.

My question is: Is all i need to get my broadband connection on both computers 1) another PCI network card and 2) a crossover cable?

And if this is right would i beable to connect to broadband on the two computers at the same time? And would there be any problems with speed? Will getting a 100/10mbps PCI card be enough for a 2mb bb connection? Is there a really good reason to choose a router over this method of connection? - As i am not bothered about having to have the 'host' computer on to access BB on the other comp (its on all the time)

Thanks for any help - just wanted to make sure before i go ahead instead of buying a router.

Jelly x

CIS

This page should help,

http://www.gyre.co.uk/help/broadband/connection_sharing.php

and

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/

scheming_gypsy

yes it will work fine.
the only benefit to getting a router would be that the router would connect to the net (if you get an ADSL router) rather than making sure the computer that is connected to the net is on when you use it from the other machine.

jellyhead80

Brilliant - thanks for your help you two but do you know if i would need to buy an identical network card or would any similar network card do?

scheming_gypsy

any network card will do. so just go for the cheapest PCI card with RJ45 you can find.

Toxteth_OGrady

Brand new £4 inc. p&p (£2.50 + £1.50)

:cool:

TOG