new to networking - pls help!

**dopeyd73** · July 17th, 2006, 09:44 PM

I'm so confused.

All I want to do is hook up 2 pc's and one laptop to the same internet. Not wirelessly. everything is in the same location. I have an old computer on Windows ME, a new on XP and a laptop on XP. the laptop will only be hooked up on occasion when i have to work from home. I don't need to connect to my computer(s) remotely. I just need some basic networking suggestions/guidance.

what do I use? a router? a switch? a hub? i'm usually technically savvy, but they all seem the same to me. Can someone tell me the difference using "layman's" terms?

after doing some reading, I'd like to have some expandability, so I'm thinking something with more than 4 ports. that much I'm pretty sure about. but i'm open to suggestions.

thanks in advance!
A.D.

**GroundZero3** · July 17th, 2006, 09:49 PM

What type of internet connection do you have?

Your best bet would be to get a cheap home router. A router connects two networks together that works at layer 3. The hub works at layer 1 and the switch works at layer 2. All they do is pass traffic.

**dopeyd73** · July 17th, 2006, 10:03 PM

I have a DSL connection. any recommendations on brands, etc?

**GroundZero3** · July 17th, 2006, 10:04 PM

linksys or dlink

**fpantovich** · July 17th, 2006, 10:45 PM

This one served me very well for a while before I decided to go wireless...give it a go, it's reliable, secure, and cheap :-)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833156001

As for setting it up, it's fairly simple...plug the router in, then connect it to your DSL modem as if it were your computer...then connect your computers to any of the 4 ports...That's about it, your connected all around...one suggestion, however, create a password for your router...when you perform the initial setup the router instructions will tell you how...

As for more than a 4-port router, you are looking at paying ALOT more than the standard 4-port router. I'd suggest sticking with the 4-port router and if you expand past that, then buy a hub (which is in essence a network cable splitter) and attach it to one of your ports, this gives you 3 more ports to work with (4 on the hub minus the one that the hub uses on the router)...good luck..

Best I could find price-wise for something higher than 4-ports...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833127029

**usslindstrom** · July 18th, 2006, 01:05 AM

I recommend getting one with both wired/wireless if you have the little extra cash. Once you jump on the wireless bandwagon, you may never go back. That, and they're really isn't that much difference in price between one that can do wireless routing and one that can't.

Every device that has wireless (Even if you have a PSP) will be able to get on the internet from the router. Wireless can be a very beautiful thing.