Computer network question

Mike G

Mike G

Joined
Jul 15, 2000
Messages
10,027
Guys;

Here is one for the experts.

I have a new laptop with Verizon broadband access, running Vista. Access card is the smaller express PCI card.

I want to take a XP desktop, and use the laptops Verizon broadband access.

I have connected a CAT 5 network cable, but cannot get the computers to connect to each other. I have run the network wizards to no avail.

What can I do to accomplish this?

I have heard that Verizon or someone makes an adaptor that you can plug the card into, and the other end is a USB plug. I have not been able to find this adaptor.

No other broadband access is available at this time, including satellite, so I need to make this work for my father in law.

I appreciate any help.
 
If you are connecting a Cat 5 cable from the Lan port on the laptop directly to the lan port on the other computer you will need to use a cross-over cable. Once you have a cross-over cable you should be able to use the connection from the desktop.

It's been a while since I have tried this, but believe you'll want to create a network connection between the two computers, then on the laptop with the Verizon card, you'll want to bridge the two connections. The downside to this is that both machines will have to be up and running, you will need to establish and leave running a connection on the laptop in order for the desktop to work.


Hope this helps
 
It would be easier if you just buy a EVDO router that uses the Verizon express card. Look at the TopGlobal MB6800 model. You'll need to use a PCMCIA/Express card converter. This way both devices will be able to share the signal; the desktop via a lan cable, and the laptop via wireless networking.

Otherwise, in order to run internet on both PC's, you'll need to configure the laptop as a DHCP server. The USB dongle will only allow one device at a time to use the card.
 
tonyccw said:
It would be easier if you just buy a EVDO router that uses the Verizon express card. Look at the TopGlobal MB6800 model. You'll need to use a PCMCIA/Express card converter. This way both devices will be able to share the signal; the desktop via a lan cable, and the laptop via wireless networking.

Otherwise, in order to run internet on both PC's, you'll need to configure the laptop as a DHCP server. The USB dongle will only allow one device at a time to use the card.
Click to expand...


Ok, where do I find the router?

I think I can get the card convertor from Verizon, but if you have a source for that as well, I'd appreciate it.
 
use a "cross over" network cable, (you can get them at any computer shop, same prices as a regular cat5 cable) alternately use a network switch between the two computers and two regular cat5 cables, then enable "internet connection sharing" on the host computer, should do the trick (this is in the advanced properties menu for the connection you are using i.e. Local Area Connection).
 
Is this the Verizon "wireless modem" type card? Works like a wireless card but connects to the broadband as if it were a cell phone?

Do either or both computers have a wireless card? I'd think that if it is a new laptop it would have built-in wireless.

You can buy a wireless "dongle" for the desktop and share your connection that way too.

For the network cable, as has been said, you need a crossover cable or a cheapie hub that will automatically do the crossover for you.

J-
 
I think it is considered a wireless modem.

It is a PCI express card (small), plugs in the side of the laptop, and uses Verizon software to connect via the cell phone band.

Now, I'm not familiar with the dongle I need for the desktop. The laptop does have the built in wireless, and connects up to my wireless network at home no problem.

This setup I'm attempting is for my father in law, who lives in the sticks. he bought the laptop for using when in the motorhome, but wants to use his desktop PC at home, mainly because it is easier for him to see, plus none of his current financial software will work on the laptop due to it being Vista.

I'll try searching for the router again. I'd like to buy from a known dealer if possible.
 
Mike G said:
I think it is considered a wireless modem.

It is a PCI express card (small), plugs in the side of the laptop, and uses Verizon software to connect via the cell phone band.

Now, I'm not familiar with the dongle I need for the desktop. The laptop does have the built in wireless, and connects up to my wireless network at home no problem.

This setup I'm attempting is for my father in law, who lives in the sticks. he bought the laptop for using when in the motorhome, but wants to use his desktop PC at home, mainly because it is easier for him to see, plus none of his current financial software will work on the laptop due to it being Vista.

I'll try searching for the router again. I'd like to buy from a known dealer if possible.
Click to expand...


This makes things even easier. Since you don't really need to share the connection (ie two user's using the same network). Another way to use the Verizon connnection on the desktop would be to get a add-on card for the desktop. I found several at Newegg. (make sure there is a free PCI slot on the desktop first) Add the card to the deskop, install the Verizon software on the desktop and your father can use the desktop while at home, then when he needs to just swap the card to the laptop.
 
I bought a crossover cable today at Buest Buy.

I sure didn't pay $2.99! :eek:

I'll get it going tomorrow sometime.

I also have the dongle enroute so I can plug the card into the desktop via USB. It was under $30.

Tony, those routers are over $300!!!! That is beyond rediculous for what we need to do.

Thanks for all of the advice; it is greatly appreciated.
 
Mike G said:
Tony, those routers are over $300!!!! That is beyond rediculous for what we need to do.
Click to expand...
No problem. It's the only way I know so both the PC and the laptop can use the Verizon card at the same time. I have it as a backup at my house in case the Cable Modem goes out.
 
tonyccw said:
No problem. It's the only way I know so both the PC and the laptop can use the Verizon card at the same time. I have it as a backup at my house in case the Cable Modem goes out.
Click to expand...

When I told my Father in law the cost of that router, he said he'd just use dial up on the desktop instead!

Fortunately, we found the dongle through Verizon, so when he is home, he can use that plugged in to the desktop. he doesn't need to use both computers at once.

I'm going to try the crossover cable later today and see if I can get that to work.

I appreciate the help from all of you.
 
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