Connecting

[Jokerswild]

I have a dsl modem hooked to a router that serves 2 computers. I just got a old laptop and I want to know if I can connect to the computer in my front room with a rj45 cable and connect it to the laptop. I tried and it tries to connect but my firewall was preventing bonjure service from connecting so I allowed that access but it still doesn't go through. It says limited or no connectivity but there is none. I'm sure there must be something in networking that needs done but I'm clueless as usual.

[theburan]

I'm a little confused as to how you're hooking everything up.... are you trying to connect wirelessly with the laptop, and hook the computer up with a cat5 to the laptop, to share that wireless connection to the desktop? Using the laptop as a wireless card for the desktop?

Or is it the other way around? Or something else entirely?

Also... what brand of router are you using? If you're getting limited/no connectivity you might be able to just force an ip and then be good to go... but I'm just not sure how you're trying to set everything up.

[screwballl]

If you have 2 network ports on the computer and connecting directly into the computer instead of the router?
If so, on that desktop enable ICS (Internet Connection Sharing). That should allow it full access as if you were connected to the router.

If it still will not connect then you may need a crossover RJ45 cable to go from computer to computer but most nowadays since Socket 754/939/423 days had a auto-switch so it can use either standard or crossover cables.

[Jokerswild]

Ok the desktop is the one in my sig running Vista 64 bit and is hard connected to a router in my kids bedroom. My desktop has 2 r45 jacks with one filled from the router. I want to connect to the other rj45 jack on the desktop computer and run the rj45 cable to the laptop which is running XP Pro.

[Reloadron]

Originally Posted by Jokerswild

Ok the desktop is the one in my sig running Vista 64 bit and is hard connected to a router in my kids bedroom. My desktop has 2 r45 jacks with one filled from the router. I want to connect to the other rj45 jack on the desktop computer and run the rj45 cable to the laptop which is running XP Pro.

OK so if you are going machine to machine you need to use a crossover cable and not a regular ethernet cable.

Ron

[Jokerswild]

Ah ok thanks.

[Jokerswild]

I see cat5 cables listed as crossover cables. Is that what I need?

[theburan]

Yes, but I've shared connections like that with standard cat5 patch cables myself (unless all the cat5 i have at my house is crossover for some insane reason, lol)... probably works because of what screwball said.

Windows Vista Help: Using ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) is a pretty good guide on setting up what you're trying to setup. Even has some video's and stuff.

[Jokerswild]

Thanks guys.