How to network 2 computers off of one network drop

[Arinoth]

I was wondering if its rather straight forward to network two computers off of one network drop by installing a second NIC into one of the machines and somehow sharing/splitting the network from this second NIC into the second computer.

Here is a diagram that may help

network -> NIC # 1 of Main PC -> NIC #2 of MAIN PC -> NIC of Second PC.

[enaberif]

If the computers are close and are both running windows you can use Internet Connection Sharing.

But the 1st computer needs to have 2 network cards.

[blaze_125]

why not just a simple hub? or just another router?

[Arinoth]

The computers will essentially be running side by and side and its because i'll be using 2 computers at work and i only have one network drop. All the other network drops in the room are being used and i wont be able to use a switch or router at my desk. I'll look into internet connection sharing once i have the second machine up and running. Essentially its one pc for day to day corporate stuff, other is my developer machine.

[blaze_125]

Virtual machine then?
I still think a switch would be the best option.

What does your IT department have to propse to accomodate you?

[SugarJ]

Why can't you use a 4port switch at your desk? I do in my office, so I can work on my machine while fixing the company boxes.

[Arinoth]

I don't believe we have any switches left laying around here.

[blaze_125]

Originally Posted by Arinoth

I don't believe we have any switches left laying around here.

15$ will get you one.
NCIX.com - Buy Trendnet TE100-S5 5 Port 10/100 Ethernet Switch - TRENDnet - TE100-S5 - in Canada

[enaberif]

ICS works perfectly fine. Why spend money!

[blaze_125]

Originally Posted by enaberif

ICS works perfectly fine. Why spend money!

A 2nd network card will be just as expensive, and then add this to the equation.
-open the computer case
-install the card
-close computer case
-install drivers
-set required settings
all that took what? 30 minutes? 30 minutes if he got the settings bang on the first time.

So lets say his nic cost him or his company 15$
Then lets assume he gets paid 20$/h
So 15$ for the nic, 10$ for the 30 minutes he used to set this up.
That's 25$ right there.

With a cheap switch... 15$ to buy the damn thing, 30 seconds to connect everything together.
Final cost? 15$

Who's waisting money?

When it comes to expanding his cubicle's network(to acommodate a third or forth computer), the switch wins again.