Creating a LAN: problems

[emperor]

Im told the languages of the OS shouldnt matter but has anyone had any trouble networking English and Japanese XP pcs together.

I just bought and installed a network card for my Dell desktop which runs on Win XP (English) and am trying to connect it to my VAIO laptop which runs Win XP (Jap) and already has a ethernet socket built-in.

Ive installed the drivers on the desktop and tried connecting seperately both pc and laptop to the ethernet socket on my broadband modem (it connects via USB for internet) which gets a reaction from both (not internet access mind you) but an acknowledgment that a LAN connection exists.

However, when i try to connect PC and laptop to form a network >> Nadda...
Even though the cable is plugged into both its saying that "A network cable is unplugged"

It must be a case of make the right configuration, but after fiddling with it and looking at some online guides for a couple of hours - ive gotten nowhere.

Could anyone throw me some advice?

Cheers

[jingai]

Are you sure your modem is meant to function as a router? Check the instructions. I don't think language is an issue- ethernet is standard.

How are they connected? Both PCs are connected to the modem at the same time via ethernet? You're not plugging the computers into each other, are you?

Do you know why doesn't internet access work for at least one? You might need to install the software on one computer so you can configure the modem first.

[emperor]

How are they connected? Both PCs are connected to the modem at the same time via ethernet? You're not plugging the computers into each other, are you?

The modem only has one enet socket.
I am trying to connect them directly:
PCs enet socket to laptop enet socket.

Do you know why doesn't internet access work for at least one? You might need to install the software on one computer so you can configure the modem first.

I can connect to the net on both pcs but only by using the USB connection from the broadband modem.

[GridReaper]

I just bought and installed a network card for my Dell desktop which runs on Win XP (English) and am trying to connect it to my VAIO laptop which runs Win XP (Jap) and already has a ethernet socket built-in.

...

However, when i try to connect PC and laptop to form a network >> Nadda...
Even though the cable is plugged into both its saying that "A network cable is unplugged"

So, are you trying to make a computer to computer network? IOW, plugging a network cable from your desktop directly to your VAIO laptop? If so, you may need to get a crossover cable, which is just a network cable with one end modified for these computer to computer connections.

[cstaylor]

Just go and buy a hub.... you can get them at the local computer store for 3000yen, then hook both of the computers to the hub.

[emperor]

So, are you trying to make a computer to computer network? IOW, plugging a network cable from your desktop directly to your VAIO laptop? If so, you may need to get a crossover cable, which is just a network cable with one end modified for these computer to computer connections.

I want to be able to transfer files between computer and access the net on both of them simultaneously. I have 2 ethernet / crossover cables of differnt lengths and ive been trying to use both of them.

Just go and buy a hub.... you can get them at the local computer store for 3000yen, then hook both of the computers to the hub.

Alas, Im not in Tokyo anymore - im sure i can get one here though.
When you say "hub" - do you imply "router"?
Do I really need one of those?
Its just to connect 2 computers - I thought they only become neccessary when you have multiple pcs?

[cstaylor]

What you want is a "5 port" or "8 port" switching hub or hub. Some router companies (like Linksys) will include a 4 port switch in their router products; that would work as well.

If you *do* get a Linksys router, make sure to set both of your PC's for DHCP (this is in the TCP/IP settings) so they will receive their network addresses automatically.

[emperor]

[quote="cstaylor"]What you want is a "5 port" or "8 port" switching hub or hub. Some router companies (like Linksys) will include a 4 port switch in their router products]

Ah, so a router is necessary to connect even just 2 pcs?
For a few more shillings I might be as well to get a wi-fi router then..

Incedently, these are the connections and my broadband modem..

[cstaylor]

Can you configure that broadband router? Or do you set your PC to DHCP and it just works?

If that's what you do, you'll need a router like a Linksys that will set inbetween your local LAN and that cable modem of yours.

[emperor]

Can you configure that broadband router? Or do you set your PC to DHCP and it just works?
If that's what you do, you'll need a router like a Linksys that will set inbetween your local LAN and that cable modem of yours.

PC has always been set to DHCP as far as i can remember.
The Desktop (and more recently the laptop) are using a USB connection for Internet up until now, I wasnt able to connect it via ethernet cable.

I guess i better pick up one of these bad-boys:
http://www.peats.ie/cgi-bin/shop/db.cgi?view=1&id=7962&type=6&path=14x120x593
http://www.peats.ie/cgi-bin/shop/db.cgi?view=1&id=6576&type=6&path=14x120x7934

Thanx for the help CS

[cstaylor]

No problem. IIRC, if this is a cable modem, it uses the PC's name (which becomes the DHCP client id) when connecting. The Linksys routers can do that without any trouble.

[puargs]

Be careful! If you use a hub or a switch, your connection could get collisions and bad packet routing if you are trying to have internet on both PCs and have them networked at the same time. I assume this is what you're trying to do:

Internet -> Hub -> 2 x Computers (LAN)

If you do it this way, you have to use Windows' built in ICS (Internet Connection Sharing), or run the risk of having terrible networking issues. If you don't know how/don't want to set that up, you should purchase a ROUTER, not a hub or a switch. Routers are classified as such because they have what is called Network Address Translation (NAT) and can redirect internet traffic and LAN traffic between computers. Switches and hubs lack this feature, and can only route *Local* Area Network traffic between computers, not resolve IP issues. If you want to split the internet on top of having your computers networked, you either need the router, or you need to set up ICS with the switch. Basically the difference here is a simple plug-in and go (router) VS complicated, byzantine, poorly routed network (hub/switch).

On top of this, I should mention that routers are only about $20 USD more (Never checked nihon prices, you should see how pricey they are), and offer built-in firewall protection, faster routing, and easier configuration.

Just trying to warn you, switches and hubs might be more trouble for you than they're worth!

[emperor]

Thanks for the warning puargs

Ill keep that in mind.

Right now, Im just making sure that its not my firewall settings that have me in this this fix first...

[puargs]

Hehe, good luck. Windows is really fickle sometimes.

[cstaylor]

Yeah, just get the Linksys WRT54G and you should be fine. Hook it up to your cable model, configure it for the right DHCP settings, then connect your two PC's to the WRT54G and it will work fine.

I wouldn't mess with ICS... it's a pain in the ass.