xover or router

[sheila45]

Hi everyone this is my first time on here so be gentle. I have two computers and i would like to conect both at the same time to my ntl box........ do I need to buy a router or can I just use a cross over cable. I have heard so many storys i dont know what to do. please advise.

 

[Tommy Boy]

A router would be easier. A crossover cable just simply connects the two pc's to one another. Basically what you do is connect one pc to the ntl box and connect the other pc to the first one via the crossover cable. The downside to this is that the main computer 1) has to have 2 network cards (not a big deal really) and 2) has to be on for the other pc to access the internet.

Whereas, if you have a router, wired or wireless, it's your choice really, you connect the router to the ntl box and then each pc has an independent connection to the router, and an independent connection to the internet. It's a lot easier and not hard at all to setup. The downside though is that routers can run from $50-$100, plus if you go wireless you have to buy wireless network adapters for each computer, which can run as much as $80 apeice as well.

Hope I helped clear some things up for you.

 

[bullzi]

A router would be easier. A crossover cable just simply connects the two pc's to one another. Basically what you do is connect one pc to the ntl box and connect the other pc to the first one via the crossover cable. The downside to this is that the main computer 1) has to have 2 network cards (not a big deal really) and 2) has to be on for the other pc to access the internet.

Whereas, if you have a router, wired or wireless, it's your choice really, you connect the router to the ntl box and then each pc has an independent connection to the router, and an independent connection to the internet. It's a lot easier and not hard at all to setup. The downside though is that routers can run from $50-$100, plus if you go wireless you have to buy wireless network adapters for each computer, which can run as much as $80 apeice as well.

Hope I helped clear some things up for you.

i would say get a router, then you will be able to add onto your network at a later date, but everything tommy said is fact so dont rule out the Xover cable, it totally depends on you

 

[Tommy Boy]

i would say get a router, then you will be able to add onto your network at a later date, but everything tommy said is fact so dont rule out the Xover cable, it totally depends on you

Yeah, a crossover cable would work fine for you if your computers are close together, if you have a tight budget or you don't mind leaving one or both pc's on all the time (or at least when you are on the net).

So it's really your choice. But I would reccomend a router as well. It's just easier.

 

[muz]

Hi everyone this is my first time on here so be gentle. I have two computers and i would like to conect both at the same time to my ntl box........ do I need to buy a router or can I just use a cross over cable. I have heard so many storys i dont know what to do. please advise.

x over would be cheap but as people have said above you will need to keep the computer connected to the internet switched on at all times . also you may want to consider that if you have a laptop a wireless router will be easier .another good thing with a router is if you get a new computer then you can just add it to the set up

 

[sheila45]

thanks for your help. I only wanted the second one to be on when I'm on mine and someone want to surf the net so I think the cross over will be fine and cheaper. thanks again.

 

[Tommy Boy]

thanks for your help. I only wanted the second one to be on when I'm on mine and someone want to surf the net so I think the cross over will be fine and cheaper. thanks again.

Ah, alright, well glad we could help

 

[muz]

thanks for your help. I only wanted the second one to be on when I'm on mine and someone want to surf the net so I think the cross over will be fine and cheaper. thanks again.

glad we helped and if you need any help setting up the x over just ask