Ethernet link help for a newbie

[alexzabr]

I'm trying to establish a LAN by Ethernet between my home desktop PC and my T43. T43 obviously has 10/100 Ethernet, my desktop has it on-board as well.
I guess I need a twisted LAN cable. Besides of that, how to configure both machine to establish a local network (for files sharing and Internet given by desktop has internet connection) ?

Additional question: I plan to acquire Ethernet/Wireless ADSL router intending to wire it to my desktop and use wireless for my laptop within my home walls. Can wireless also be utilized fro files sharing between the desktop and laptop, or this supports only internet (TCP/IP) ?

Thanks, Alex

[bill bolton]

I guess I need a twisted LAN cable.

A T43 has MDI-X capability on the Ethernet port, so it will automagically detect what is happening and configure the T43 port accordingly to establish data transfer capability at the lowest OSI stack layers when using a normal Ethernet cable for a direct PC to PC hookup.... so you don't need a crossover cable.

Besides of that, how to configure both machine to establish a local network (for files sharing and Internet given by desktop has internet connection) ?

See http://freepctech.com/pc/002/networks009.shtml

Additional question: I plan to acquire Ethernet/Wireless ADSL router intending to wire it to my desktop and use wireless for my laptop within my home walls. Can wireless also be utilized for files sharing between the desktop and laptop...

Yes.

Cheers,

Bill

[alexzabr]

Thank you Bill.
So I do not have to use crossover cable even though my network card in the desktop is of regular type ? I'm not aware what does MDI-X capability means but according to what you said I assume it shall automatically figure the proper TxD and RxD lines and switch over between these is necessary (depending on the cable used - crossover or not).
Don't know what are OSi stack layers either, sorry to sound dumb, but I'm new to networking (always relied on our IT dept at work to keep my working PC network-connected).
To make the things simlpe, I guess I have to proceed as follows:
1. Connect between my desktop and laptop by either, crossover or regular network cables.
2. Follow the instructions at the link you kindly provided to configure the settings.

Do I miss something else ?

[davidspalding]

Additional question: I plan to acquire Ethernet/Wireless ADSL router intending to wire it to my desktop and use wireless for my laptop within my home walls. Can wireless also be utilized fro files sharing between the desktop and laptop, or this supports only internet (TCP/IP) ?

Wifi networking is TCP/IP just like Ethernet. Your Windows shares and such will work the same. Need more help, you'll find the networking FAQs at www.broadbandreports.com very informative. And the forums can be a great resource for general networking info, as well as help with your particular brand of router.