Two network cards in one PC: is it possible?

[RobertX]

Apologies for the off-topic post.

See, my sole intention is to make a connection to share PS2 games on a computer so a PS2 (not bought yet, but will) can access the network and play games shared on that shared computer.

Now, this would be easy if all my router's Ethernet ports are occupied or if a PS2 would have a wireless function.

Moe, recall that you said that I can use a switch. I don't want to; I don't have the sums to spread around buying a switch. Even if I have, the switch is far away from the TV where I plug my consoles on.

This may not be your problem, but it sure is mine.

All right, thanks everyone for all your answers. I will quickly derive a conclusion.

[Moe]

A switch will not be significantly more expensive than a network card.

Plugging your PS2 into a second network will not allow the PS2 to access the rest of the network without configuring the host computer to bridge the two network cards.

You don't have to place the switch at the router. You can place the switch where it is accessible to both the PS2 and the host computer.

[RobertX]

Thanks!

EDIT: I'm willing to do whatever configuration necessary to the second network card, but I'll try it your way.

I guess I was easily discouraged by a eight-port switch and its price.

Now, you said that the switch doesn't have to be plugged into a router. Well, can a switch support DHCP, or is that a router function?

EDIT: Never mind about the switch and DHCP question; the answer is yes.

Well, time to search for a switch.

Thanks, Moe.

[Moe]

I said you didn't have to place the switch at the router, not that it wouldn't have to be connected to the router.  The switch is basically adding additional ports to your router.  They have to be connected.  They just don't have to be physically near each other.

A basic 5 port switch shouldn't cost more than $20.  An 8 port switch might be $25.  I don't know what you have been looking at.

Put your switch by your computer.  Unplug the cable from your computer that goes to your router and plug it into the switch.  Put a short jumper between the switch and computer.  Run a second cable from the switch to the PS2.  Download some pr0n and give yourself a big high five cause you are done.

I know you are really bent on getting a second NIC, but you are making a mountain out of this molehill.

[RobertX]

OK. I think I have what I need.

Thank you.

And I don't like pr0n. Do you believe that?

[dueda]

Do you believe that?

Sorry to intrude, but - Hell No! Gee, Rx...

[RipSHA1]

Thread TLDR;
Buy a cheap switch, plug in the cables to everything.
Just works!
Profit!!!


(No porn, jk! PP)

[Athlonite]

Maybe this is off-topic, but I want to get this off my chest: can a router still assign dynamic IP addresses (DHCP) if it's not connected a modem?

Yes it goes like this

LAN (however many PC's are connected to the router) <DHCP from Router for each connection > Then Router > Modem > Wan (ISP) and the world wide web via an public IP address

so the router will give each PC a private IP address even if you have 254 PC's connected to just 1 port on the router via multiple switches even if the router is not connected to your ISP
as most consumer devices for internet access have both a Router and Modem contained within the router will still do its part of doling out IP's to PC's on the LAN (Local area network ie: your PC and however many more you have connected to the router)

[stts2]

I didnt even use a router. My motherboard has 2 NICs built right in. I added a third wireless one. And I connected all my PCs into a wired gigabit switch. Then I wire connected my main PC to the internet modem. Then I turned on ICS to share that connection over the switch on the second NIC. Works like a champ. I can connect wifi to my phone as a hotspot. That works great too but only in a pinch. Pop up ads, you cant control, suck the life out of not truly unlimited data plans. So my main PC is my router.