ethernet switch

[clupet]

Hi i have a ethernet switch to connect 2 xp computers at work, unfortunetly it has no instruction manual and i have searched and searched the internet but all I can find is info about what a switch is.

I did try connecting them and used the wizard worked fine on one, but the main pc said there was something using the ip address it needed . I am trying to share internet, file and print sharing.

A real simple explanation would be great any help would be lovely im getting very disheartened and as it is at work a lot of pressure.

thanks

[Rob]

Not sure whether a switch is the right device for your office setup, will depend on the configuration.

Your wiring will need to be

Internet > PC #A Network port #1 (PC#A is effectively going to act as a server & router to the second PC)
PC #A Network port #2 > switch
Switch > PC#B network port

As you can see the main PC needs two network cards, or you may be able to substitute a USB connection from the internet instead of the network port#1.

The switch will just save you using a crossover ethernet cable. However it can be a good idea to have the switch (simply think of it as a junction box), if you need to add any other computers, maybe a standalone bakup disk, or even an ethernet enabled printer, you won't have to undo the wiring you have established now.

[clupet]

thanks for replying so fast, my office setup is 2 xp pcs very close together like 5 ft apart.
Main pc receives broadband via ethernet connection

The set came with 2 cables and a pc card which i fitted into the main pc.

Is an ethernet switch not suitable for this?

[marky]

I would say you need a second ethernet card in the first pc, then link via an ethernet lead, very cheap and it works.

[Rob]

Originally Posted by clupet

thanks for replying so fast, my office setup is 2 xp pcs very close together like 5 ft apart.
Main pc receives broadband via ethernet connection

The set came with 2 cables and a pc card which i fitted into the main pc.

Is an ethernet switch not suitable for this?

You either wanted a router so your connections would have been:
modem <wire> router then Router <wire> PC #B & Router <wire> PC #B

without any need for a router or switch, just using the inbuilt Internet Connection Sharing functions of Windows:
modem <straight ethernet cable> PC #A ethernet card 1 then PC #A ethernet card #2 <crossover ethernet cable> PC#2 ethernet card.

NB. with the internet connection sharing scenario, if you do not have 2 ethernet cards in PC #A you can use a USB connection between the modem and PC #A, but that might slow the computer a tad, if internet use is heavy.

If you must use your switch then it goes between PC #A and {C # B in the internet connection sharing scenario. You then need standard straight through ethernet cables, not crossover for connections between PC #A to switch and PC#B.

With a connection distance of only 5ft or so between the PCs that's a nice short length of ethernet cable, so a switch is rather pointless, unless you have other networking expecteations for the future. All it will do is consume a bit of extra electricity.