need to link 3 pcs together whats the best solution

**sanjuro** · 27th September 2002

I have 3 pcs that need networking whats the best way to do this all i want to do is send files to and from each machine and allow my son upstairs to use my cable modem.
I have been all you need is a router, then told i need a hub,then told i need just a switch, any network guys on here can help.
What are those Linskys router things that get mentioned now and again they used to be �150 but you can get them now for �79ish some of the members here have them, are router/hub combined?

thanks
sanjuro

**fe_man2000** · 27th September 2002

There are various ways you can do this personally I would get a Hub as there cheaper - you dont need a switch which is basically a hub but better (and more expensive). I would use the hub to connect the 3 PC's together and then use internet sharing to allow the 2 PC that arent connectec to the cable modem to get to the internet. You dont need to confiure a hub its plug and play.

cheers
Ironman

**dingle_666** · 28th September 2002

Originally posted by fe_man2000
There are various ways you can do this personally I would get a Hub as there cheaper - you dont need a switch which is basically a hub but better (and more expensive). I would use the hub to connect the 3 PC's together and then use internet sharing to allow the 2 PC that arent connectec to the cable modem to get to the internet. You dont need to confiure a hub its plug and play.

cheers
Ironman

dont forget the pc that has the internet on needs 2 network cards in it... and a proxy server (which i hink runs better than intyernet sharing)

**Dan** · 28th September 2002

the best way would be to get urself a router which is basically a switch and a cable/dsl modem combined. As you're on cable, you wont even need the more expensive kind wwhich have DSL modems inside, you only need the cheap(er) kind. You could always just buy a hub/switch (switches are better but more expensive) and share by ICS but its not as secure/reliable and you have to leave the computer connected to the internet on all the time.

**ParadoX** · 30th September 2002

Ive got a linksys BEFSR41 which I use with my Tele2 wireless DSL connection. Its a 4 port hub/switch and router. Just plug ur cable modem in the WAN port and connect up to 4 computers.
Think mine was about 80 quid from dabs.com

**GETanner** · 1st October 2002

The Netgear RP114 works a treat with my Cable Modem.

The only setup required was to set the MAC address of router to be the same as the PC currently attached to the Modem

G

**Mr.James** · 3rd October 2002

Is it a switch? Is it a router? no it's.....

ALL-ROLLED-INTO-ONE

http://www.seg.co.uk/products/a_vigor2200e.html

From the sounds of it, it will sort your situation out perfectly.

**curlyfuzz** · 9th October 2002

By far the easiest and cheapest way is to ut 3 nic cards at a tenner wach run an old bnc cable between them have comp 1 and 3 cables ended with a terminator and comp 2 in the middle daisy chainin it