Networking : how to bridge two NICs to share internet access ?

[Vincent Trouilliez]

> Also, non-wireless models are surprisingly cheap these days.

That's good news, because I would plenty satisfied enough with cables, I
don't need wire-less in my tiny flat ! :o)


> Your objective setup sounds like mine.  The "free port" I use for a
> network laser printer.  

Hey, great idea ! If only I could put my laser printer on Ethernet too,
that would be great.... as it's using the parallel port for now, and I
am going to need this port for something else rather soon !! :-O :-/
It's a HP LaserJet 6P, I think there existed a version with Ethernet
interface, but mine doesn't have it :o(
But I think there exist little ethernet<-> // port interface devices for
this kind of job ?
Looks like I will need a 4 port router, an Ethernet/parport interface, a
few cables... :-)

I had a look on Ebay, and found a D-Link 5 port "switch" for only 15
Euros ! Is a 'switch' good enough for the job, or do I absolutely need a
'router' ? What are the differences ? Is a switch more stupid than a
router ? Then I also saw things called 'hub' ! It's becoming confusing.
To me they all look the same... boxes that you plug lots of RJ-45 cables
in ! ;o)

I am now getting intimidated with all the theory of networking (hence,
losing interest...), I didn't mean to go that far when I asked about
internet access sharing in my original post....
I will just stay on the users side only, and learn just what I need to
learn in order to set-up the home network and get the basic
understanding of it (internet sharing, file sharing, printer sharing
etc), should be plenty enough to keep me brain busy/happy I feel... ;-)


Thanks everyone for your input...


--
Vince