Wired Network for 3 PCs

[sydneydydney]

I want to network my kids PCs to ours so they can share the broadband connection. I have heard that this means the main PC needs to be on when they use it. Does anyone know how to set up so that it doesn't need to be on. I think I need a modem router and ethernet cables - anything else? Does anyone do kits?

[pauln90]

If you use a modem router then the main pc does not need to be on.
You have two ways to go either wired or wireless.the wireless way would require each pc to have a wireless card fitted.

With a wired system you just set up the modem router on your main pc and then feed ethernet cable from the modem/router to the other pc's on the network.

If you browse sites like novatech or savastores you will probably find bundles which include the items you need.

[sydneydydney]

Hello Paul,

Thanks very much for your answer, it's much appreciated!

SD

[pauln90]

Thanks for that. I dont know how experienced you are with pc's but if its basic perphaps the site below will give you some insight into networking.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm

[fo3nix]

If you have a modem for your broadband already that connects via ethernet (like chunky phone lines, with similar endings), then a router will suffice. This tends to be cable broadband, from the likes of NTL and telewest. ADSL broadband, that through your phone line, is usually set up with an USB modem. If this is the case, you'd be best getting a modem+router in one.

If you don't want a mass of cables, and your house isn't that huge, then you could get a wireless router. Then you'd just need some wireless dongles to plug into each of your kids' PCs, and they'd be able to access the internet wirelessly.

Something like this (ADSL modem+wireless router):
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/52244

Then you'd need some adapters like these:
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/60014

for each of your computers.

if you don't want to go down the wireless route (wired connects are more reliable, because wireless can have interference problems), then you could get something like this:
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/52754
and some cables like these:
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/106457
which is 15m long -- longer ones are available though. your local electrical store, like radioshack, will stock them. just look for cat5e or cat6 ethernet cables.

(note the prices of the wireless and wired routers that I link to -- probably best to just get wireless model anyway, even if you want cables. the wireless is exactly as the other model, but with wireless too.)

[sydneydydney]

Thank you everyone for your advice - I feel well educated now and am going for the wired network (I have an old house with thick walls and a funny set up!)