Networks question on hardware for 2 computer setup

I've got 2 computers I'm building into one case and would like to have a single network plugin in the back.

I've got a Wireless-G router by Linksys right now, and plan on using that router as the primary 'backbone' of my network, then adding a hub/switch inside my multicomputer case, similar to the way max did on his 9Ghz Rendiathon.

Is there a specific thing I should look for? Do I need a router, a hub, a switch, or just an extra card and 'daisy chain' them together? (daisy chan sounds slow and inefficient, imo)

The small cluster I'm wanting to add will be running linux for now, as I'm cheap, and will probably be used for an intranet. (LAMP) I'm hoping to have a computer for each letter at one point, just to learn how to set this stuff up. I also would like to make one directory accessible through the web, similar to how my main rig is now, and let the rest be internal.

I'm trying to learn linux and network security.... and just sort of want the first nudge out the door

Thanks!

 

IMHO you should get a small 5 port switch for the case...
If your really lucky you may find a 3 port hub/switch but I didn't find any on the net, didn't look too long tough.

 

The wireless router should have a built in 4 port switch no?

If you want something seperate you can get a 4 port switch for ~$25-45 @ compusa or something similar...Look for the stores generic brand products if you looking to do it on the cheap...

 

Are you hard wiring this or wanting to connect this two PC in one case machine wirelessly to your router.

If hardwired then get a switch and plug machine 1 and 2 into their respective port on the switch then plug the router in the Uplink port.

If this is a wireless setup then get the switch and simply plug a Wireless Access Point into the Uplink port.

Have fun.

theurgy

 

I'm looking to do this wired, so as it grows I can move it to my real office. I just idn't know if I needed a router or hub, and what I'm hearing is a basic switch will work.
Next step is, how do IPs work? Do I set an internal IP for each PC, then port forward specific ports to the different IPs?

If so, the last time I forwarded the HTTP port, then I could no longer access my router's setup page, as it was accessed via http..... do Linksys routers let you change their setup port? (I haven't seen the screen to upgrade/fix things since I last forarded port 80 to my desktop machine...)

I'll save my software/linux questions for the *nix forums, just trying to understand/research the hardware first.
(and posting here was the laziest way I could think of doing that! )

 

only need a router if your going to connect a highspeed connection directly to the machine and share it to the network via the built in switch. from the sounds of it you just need a basic switch...

Only mess with ips if you cant use dhcp which will set it up all for you. It should, notice the boldness, be plug and play...

 

Check if your LinkSys router supports Telnet or SSH. I managed to too the same thing with my Planet router and got it fixed via the Telnet console.

 

I can understand why you want to have a static IP versus DHCP (I use nothing but static). When your going to be doing port forwarding for certain services like HTTP, FTP etc... It's best to have a static IP setup.
Just be sure to update your router's firmeware and forwarding ports are simple.
Type the static IP you want to forward ports to and the ports you want forwarded.
Simple as that really...