Simplisticly, a NIC only has one connector, you need a connector to plug the cable from the cable modem into, and a connector in each PC to plug the cable between the PCs into. Also, the cable between the PCs has to be a crossover cable if you aren't going to get a hub.
To be a little more correct, you're actually connecting 2 networks, your 2 PC home network and you cable co's network, via the cable modem. The PC with the two NICS acts as a gateway between them, it needs an interface for each network.
You may be able to run a 2nd cable out of your cable modem and hook up 2 PCs that way, depending on the hardware, but that will require action by the cable co and most likely an additional monthly charge, maybe a house call and installation charge too. Might be simpler, though, depending. Almost certainly more expensive.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find a good easy howto in a quick search (well, actually, sort of slow, but that's another story). Here's one that covers the PC-PC part, that's half the battle, anyway. anandtech.com
Cheers, Dan. |
