I have a similar scenario home and a small 8 port 10/100 hub did the trick
for me. I have 4 PCs, 2 laptops and 2 desktop systems, the oldest of the
laptops has 2 NICs and is connected to the internet via a cablemodem (this
pc is turned on all day long) and shares the internet access via the hub
using Win98 ICS (Internet Connection Sharing). For security all PCs run
ZoneAlarm (it's free).

This could be a solution for you if you have an old system and are willing
to transform it into a dedicated internet connection server, because even
though you can use it, that would slow down a bit the connection sharing.
The big PRO here is that you have 2 networks only compromising the outside
network (with one PC - the ICS server) over the internet.

Anyway this is only a way to go, not the definitive solution, you'll get
many other alternatives from the people on the list.

Cesar Mendoza

-----Mensaje original-----
De: PCBUILD - Personal Computer Hardware discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]En nombre de Cal Peters
Enviado el: jueves 4 de octubre de 2001 04:52 p.m.
Para: [log in to unmask]
Asunto: [PCBUILD] networking: hub or router?


I am in the process of setting up a 3 machine peer-to-peer ethernet network.
I have Win98 installed on all 3, and would like to be able to provide for
future high speed internet access.  Do I need a hub and a router, or just a
router?

            Do you want to signoff PCBUILD or just change to
                    Digest mode - visit our web site:
                   http://freepctech.com/pcbuild.shtml

               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
              Mandrake Linux or Red Hat Linux CD sets along
         with our NOSPIN Power Linux CD...  at a great price!!!
             http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml