Networking help

Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 8:49 pm

I have two PCs that I would like to network together. I have no idea where to even begin. The purpose of having the two, maybe more, machines networked is to play UT2K4 head to head or against others on the same server. What type of router should I buy? Is the router and ethernet cables all I really need?

Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 9:55 pm

If it is just two pcs you don't need a router you can just use a cross-over cable. However small 5-port hubs are only like $19 now.

Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 10:07 pm

if you want to share high speed internet connection between the two you need this:

-2 network cards (1 for each pc)
-cable/DSL Router (preferably Linksys... ive had too many problems with netgear but this is yours and do what you want....)
-then the networking cable

thats all you need to buy. the rest is the easy part Smile

put the cards into the pc's then run the cables from each pc to the router.

After you do that, you will want to do this:

run the windows networking setup wizard.
(To start the Network Setup Wizard, click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network Connections. Under Common Tasks, click Network Setup Wizard.)

one tip on seting the network up on the pc - dont name the pc's the same thing, and remember the name you give the network because you'll need it when you do the other pc.

any other questions?

that should give you the basic stuff...

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 1:04 am

Personal recommendation: Linksys BEFSR41 router. Beautiful piece of equipment that's never given me any grief.

You'll most likely want to go with a router solution for gaming, as other networking methods can lead to higher latency than is generally prefered on a good network.

Crazed Fan Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 268 Location: RC MI

If you are not going to share a broadband Internet connection, then Two Network cards and a crossover cable is all you need.

If you are sharing the Internet, then go with a Router, and make sure you find one with a 4-port switch built in.

Also, if you are not sharing the Internet, but want to connect more than two computers, get a 4-port switch or larger (depends on how many are connecting). Make sure it's an N-way negotiable switch so you don't have to worry about which cable you are using and you will be in good shape.

Most routers have good installation guides and they are veyr easy to set up if you are just basically sharing a connection.

Linksys is good brand for most part, but a couple of models dont' work well with some Cable Modems. Probably some of the older models though.

I use a D-Link router with a built-in print server which I bought for $50. Another good, cheap brand.

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 9:50 am

Im going to cast my vote for an SMC Barricade. It's a great router.

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 10:07 am

hey, id like to thank you guy to for this info, prety helpfull to me to.
also 1 question, when opening a port, what do i fill in the "inside IP" field?

Rabid Poster Joined: 09 Feb 2004 Posts: 225

how do i open 1?? it need to enter my ip adress in explorer or something but it wont do anything....

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 10:10 am

no no no. not your IP. but the routers one. mine is 10.0.0.138. but it depends on which one you got.
start>run>cmd>ipconfig
there you can see it.

Rabid Poster Joined: 09 Feb 2004 Posts: 225

thx
btw: you can also do "net send" trough cmd Smile

start=>run=>cmd=>net send (then computer name or * for all computers on the network)=> message

"net send * hi" is a example of a message or "net send Ravens computer hi raven" for example....

Ultimate Fanboy Joined: 18 May 2003 Posts: 508

and you can also disable the messenger service to prevent those annoying popups Wink

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 12:28 pm

realy? so i can like popup a message on my other PC in the network with a message? wont that work trough the internet to?
i think barbos is reffering to "shoot the messenger" a nice program.
download here:
http://grc.com/
or direct linkg:
http://grc.com/stm/shootthemessenger.htm
theres some more nifty stuff on that site.

Rabid Poster Joined: 09 Feb 2004 Posts: 225

yes you can, try it out

"net send * hi other computer" works fine Razz

how can i create a network on my computer???, i got adsl from planet internet, a speedtouch modem, dunno what router i have (to lazy to check Razz

) and a network card.

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:27 pm

should works, probably same internet as me, got planet to.
why create a network on 1 pc? you need 2 or more.
but anyway, if you got a router, you should network to, else you dont needa router, a router is made for a network.. Confused

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:39 pm

Or just disable it without downloading anything:

http://www.peoii.com/messenger.php