Hello, my issue is, I wish to connect my 3 laptops together for shared networking. Windows7, 10 &10.
I can connect 2 together via ethernet cable but since my internet access is a private network AirCard (wifi),
I don't have a physical router. I am wondering what I need in way of hardware to link 3 computers together via
ethernet? I would prefer something passive if possible (non electric).
Thank you.
Dorian
What connects the computer to the AirCard? Is it WiFi? And I assume the AirCard allows only one WiFi connection? I've used one of these in the past - it can run off USB power:
HooToo Wireless Travel Router USB Port High Performance- TripMate Nano (N... New | eBay
The little router would connect to your WiFi AirCard and create a mobile hotspot that your three laptops would connect to. They would all be networked together via WiFi.
If you really have to stick with Ethernet, then you need a switch (and your laptops will have to have static IP addresses set for the Ethernet network adapter). There are no unpowered (passive) switches, but there are USB powered switches, but they are relatively expensive (unless you want to order :
Black Box Usb-powered 10/100 5-port Switch - 5 Ports - 5 X Rj-45 - 10/100base-tx 822088065098 | eBay
AC powered switches are much less expensive, about 20 bucks.
Sorry I wasn't more specific in my original post. The AirCard is both wireless or USB powered, most of the time I use it in
wireless mode. It can connect multiple devices at the same time, all in wifi.
I really want to stay with ethernet as I am simply networking my computers together on a private network to share and backup
files and data across all 3 machines.
Thanks for the link.
Black Box Usb-powered 10/100 5-port Switch - 5 Ports - 5 X Rj-45 - 10/100base-tx 822088065098 | eBay
This looks like it should work for me. I will look into the AC powered switches, now that I know what to look for.
The only issue I have with AC power is that my home is offgrid, totally powered by batteries, which are charged by solar panels.
Most of the year this is not an issue but for approx. 2 months during the season we are in at present, I have to be very frugal
with my electrical consumption.
Thank you for the help.
That Black Box is usb-powered and comes with an external AC adapter. You could buy a 12v to USB adapter to use instead of the AC adapter, or even make your own...
http://www.instructables.com/id/12v-...former-great-/
Thank you Bree for the link, this is a great site, I am now subscribed.
I also found this.
How to Reuse Your Old Wi-Fi Router as a Network Switch
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