I have 2 computers Computer A lets say is connected to a router for internet access.....?

Question

Now computer B i want to hook up to the internet also however i don't have anymore room on m y router, i have 2 network cards installed on computer A. Network card 1 is connected to the router while i'm thinking wich isn't working is hooking a network cable to Network Card 2 on computer A to Computer B. however on both computers it says "network cable unplugged" is this possible to get internet to computer B thru Computer A with Network card 2? If i confused anyone i'm sorry . Please help! I'm lost

Answer 1

The quick answer is yes, you can get B hooked up through A (using a crossover cable), but that would mean you have to configure A to do routing, or Internet Connection sharing.  This complicates your setup and I wouldn't recommend it.

The simpler way is to buy another switch - you can get a 4 or 5 port 10/100 Ethernet switch for about $20.  Disconnect, say computer A from the current router, connect the switch to that vacated port (using a crossover cable), then connect both computers A & B to the switch.

You can also use an ordinary straight-through patch cable to connect the switch to the router if either:

A. the switch has a special "uplink" port (connect to that special port, with it set to "uplink" mode)

B. either the router or switch has "Auto MDI/MDI-X" sensing

HTH,

David

CCNP, Networking Professor

Answer 2

Hi there

You cannot just connect two PCs together via their network cards with a standard piece of ethernet cable. You can however, use a "cross-over" cable and then you idea will work Ask at your local computer store.

Good Luck!