adding a computer to an existing network

[malagash]

I didn’t see an appropriate forum to post this in so thought I might try here.
I have the task of adding a 5th computer to our small network. Currently there is a D-Link router with 4 ports (all full). I have an SMC broadband router that I don’t use any longer as well. Can I take one cable from the D-Link and run it into the SMC router and thereby split the connection? Is it that simple? What settings do I need to make or, is there another bit of equipment that I should be using instead?
Thanks in advance

 

[gbaughma]

Get a small hub/switch (preferably a switch) and uplink from your D-Link router to the switch.

Don't use the other router; that will give you more headaches than you want.



Just my 2¢
"Life gets mighty precious when there's less of it to waste." -Bonnie Raitt "Nick of Time"
--Greg

http://parallel.tzo.com

 

[malagash]

Thanks Greg
Is there anything special about setting up a hub/switch. I wouldn't be lucky enough to encounted a plug and play situation would I?
As you can tell I am not into networking

 

[gbaughma]

malagash:

Actually, the only caveat is this:

The hub/switch you choose will need to have an uplink port, OR you'll need a crossover cable.

The uplink port will have a switch next to it (usually a little pushbutton) and will essentially do the same thing a crossover cable will do.

You will simply unplug one of the computers from the 4-port router, plug a cable from the new hub/switch from the uplink port into your 4-port router (or use a crossover cable). You should see activity lights on both... then plug the computer you unplugged from the old router into the new hub/switch.

It really is pretty much "Plug and Play". Like I said, you just need to be sure that the new hub or switch that you are plugging in has the ability to uplink.

*caution* You can only daisy-chain 3 hubs together, for future reference. Any more than that, and things get goofy.



Just my 2¢
"Life gets mighty precious when there's less of it to waste." -Bonnie Raitt "Nick of Time"
--Greg

http://parallel.tzo.com