Hi

I was wondering if it is possible to have 2 identical network cards in one PC as I want one for ADSL and another one for networking two computers. If this is possible, how is it done? Aslo, can the internet be shared via the network as well as files and gaming?

Please help ASAP.

All help will be good.

Thank you

Rikki

Re: 2 Network cards in 1 PC

Rikki,

The answer is yes. Go through previous posts. This topic has been discussed several times in the last few months. Here's an edited copy & paste from a previous post:

2 methods of doing this.

Method 1. Put 2 network cards on the PC that you are planning to use as the 'host'. Connect 1 network card to your ADSL modem. Connect the other network card to a hub/switch. Put 1 network card on the 2nd computer and connect it to the hub/switch. Go to your 'public' network card properties and click on the 'Advanced' tab and make sure you tick "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection", or else you won't be able to connect from the 2nd.

Method 2. Put 2 network cards on the PC that you are planning to use as the 'host'. Connect one network card to your ADSL modem. Put 1 network card on the 'client' PC. Use a crossover network cable to connect the client and the host without the need for a hub/switch.

In both cases, run the ICS wizard (assuming you are using Windows XP).

Regards,

Daniel

Re: 2 Network cards in 1 PC

Yes, you can have two NICs in a PC. And they can be identical, but that makes it difficult to figure out which card is configured to do which.

You ask if your internet connection can be shared across the network. Yes it can. If the device you are connecting to the internet with is a modem then the PC that the modem is directly connected to has to be running gateway or router software like Microsoft's internet sharing product. And other PCS have to be configured to be clients for it. If the device you are connecting to the internet with is a combination modem and router then it acts as the gateway. You just plug it into your ethernet hub/switch and PCS plugged into the LAN will all see the internet through it. ADSL modems are cheaper. ADSL modem/routers cost more but eliminate the need for a particular computer to be running, and gateway/router software to be running in it, for any PCs to be connected to the internet.

I'd suggest that if you've only got an ADSL modem you go buy yourself a combination modem/router.

Re: 2 Network cards in 1 PC

The answer is yes. It is both easy and common, indeed I have that situation myself. Just bung the second card in, it will be detected and you can provide drivers if necessary, but if it identical to the card already installed, the drivers will already be available. Internet can be shared, but inplementation varies depending on your OS. Check the help files on the subject. Post back if you need further assistance.

Chris B

Re: 2 Network cards in 1 PC

Hi

Thanks for everyones help. I have installed an extra network card (exactly the same as the first) into the computer with the internet connection which is ADSL connected through ethernet (1 network card). I would like to connect the other card to a network to share the internet and files. The problem is I can't set the network up as ICS Wizard (Internet Connection Sharing Wizard). It says the network is ready to use but I can't see any files in the network connection window. I am running Windows XP Pro SP2 on the computer with ADSL connection, and just Windows XP Pro on the 2nd PC.

1st PC- (ADSL Connection)
P4 1.7Ghz
512 MB RAM
2xNetwork Cards
Windows XP Pro SP2

2nd PC-
P42.4Ghz
256 MB RAM
1xNetwork Card
Windows XP Pro

Plus Cross over Cable linking both computers.

Thank you for your help in advance.

Rikki

Re: 2 Network cards in 1 PC

OK. Moving right along. File sharing is turned off by default in XP, so you won't see any files straight away. Enable it by navigating to Shared Documents, which at this point isn't shared at all, right click the folder, click sharing & security and pick an option depending on your state of mind at the time.

Does the ADSL share work? If it does, your ip addressing is OK, if not, post back. While you are doing this, I would definitely (temporarily) disable Windows firewall on both PC's - there will be enough difficulties at this point getting the shares to happen without Windows blocking them and not telling you. Once up and running, you can enable firewall and set exceptions, but that is another story.

Chris B