I am planning to network several devices in my room to my home network. My desktop has two cat5 ports. I would like to connect it like so: Code: network | Desktop | Switch / \ Laptop Printer How would I go about doing this? Im not that good with networking. I also hope to connect the laptop and desktop via synergy. The printer will be shared with the whole network, but will also be connected to the desktop via USB.
Your Desktop would have to have 2 NIC cards. Network | <---Going Out and into Desktop NIC #1 Desktop ----->Printer connected and shared | <--Going out from Desktop NIC #2 Switch -----> Going out to Laptop Now the thing is UNLESS YOUR PRINTER has a NIC CARD with Network capability built in, you will have to plug it to a computer and share it. With your setup, your desktop will have to be powered up and connected to the switch for your laptop to print. I have a better solution. How about this: Network | Switch --->Laptop | Desktop --->Printer
better off going. Code: Network | / | \ Desktop printer Lappy the way your got it you'd have to have the desktop on all the time.. not a problem most the time till you wana do something to the desktop well reading off the net on the lappy but have to rewire something first to get lappy internet.. as far as doing it you just take the cat comming into the room.. that the input for the switch.. then the pc's go in the out puts.. then install the printer and set up printer sharing.. although i got one of these http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833130020 which just lets you connect the printer to the switch so one again you can print without having to have a specific PC on.. Just my thinking
the printer does have a built in NIC. Im not that much of a n00b. John Cena: My mobo has 2 NICs built in.
Yeah, those HP printer NICs are really good. I would say your best bet would be in your first post, that way your PC could also be acting as a router, unless you want to buy another box to use as a dedicated router.
