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General discussion

SOHO network help

Jan 29, 2005 9:06PM PST

I need to set up an ADSL sharing network. I already have an external USB ADSL modem, but need to know the following;
1)What other equipment / hardware is needed?
2) Is there any limit to the physical distance between the 2 PCs I want to network & share my ADSL connection (other than cable length)?
3) What are the major pitfalls to avoid?

The general spec of my PCs is as follows;
one 1.3mhz AMD, XP Pro, onboard graphics, pci int 56k modem, no LAN card, 2x USB 1.1, 28gig ATA100 HDD, CDRW, CD, 3.5in floppy, ext USB ADSL modem
one AMD64 3000, XP Home (soon to be Pro), onboard graphics, 5.1 sound card, 120 gig SATA HDD,pci int 56k modem, not sure about LAN card (!!), 5x USB 2.0, DVD D/L RW, DVD rom, 3.5in floppy, firewire

Discussion is locked

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D.O.A.
Jan 29, 2005 11:29PM PST

The USB ADSL modem needs to be exchanged for one with an ethernet port. Then you connect that to your new WIFI ROUTER and you're done.

Bob

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(NT) (NT) Plus a couple of WiFi adapters.
Jan 29, 2005 11:48PM PST
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Network help
Feb 16, 2005 10:43PM PST

Thanks for your info.. however, I didn't want to go the WiFi route because one of the computers will soon be housed in a metal clad building about 50yards from the "server" pc. I finally purchased a Dynamode 4 port ADSL Router, but am still having problems with connectivity. I can set it up on both of the pc's seperately, but when it comes to connecting them simultaneously via LAN cards (or even via USB on one & LAN on the other), only the pc nearest the router is shown as connected! I've checked the Cat5e cable (using a meter & battery on each strand) for breaks & there aren't any! Are there any items which could cause a breakdown in connectivity through the cable, such as power cords or metal filing cabinets? Does the cable need to be wired straight through (patch) or crossover? Are there any other tips you could give me, please? Your help would be MUCH appreciated!!!!

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Here's the deal.
Feb 16, 2005 11:00PM PST

Wifi routers (here at least) cost the same and have been seen less than non-Wifi routers. Go figure. You can whack the antenna off and disable the radio if you feel like it.

USB is not an option here.

Bob