Networking

Hello, this will be my first time Networking. I am familiar with parts and pretty much have the basics down. What I am doing is hooking about 5 or so computers to a cable modem. I am hard wiring it all. I guess what I need to know is if I am getting everything I need. Almost all of the computers here are some what older but still pretty good, so I would buy maybe 5 10/100 Eithernet Cards for each computer maybe about 100 or so feet of Cat5 (RJ45) and a Cable/DSL Router. Is this all I need and is it as simple as it sounds? Thanks alot! All comments and sugestions are greatly apreciated!
Thanks,
Tedro

First I would try to get a router with a built in 10/100 switch. Most have 10Mb/s switches. If you're planning to transfer large amounts of data between the PCs often, you should maximise the bandwidth for them.

5 x 10/100 NICs is fine. Identical ones will reduce potential problems.

You'll also need RJ-45 plugs and a crimping tool for the cable making, possibly RJ-11 plugs too (not sure what your router's DSL link will need.)

Have some links:

<A HREF="http://duxcw.com/digest/Howto/network/cable/cable1.htm" target="_new">Making Cables</A>

<A HREF="http://www.adslguide.org.uk/links.asp" target="_new">Link to lots of links</A>

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