im running two systems here with 10/100 pci nic cards and 10/100 crossover cable and using my system as internet server with the adsl manta ray connected to my usb speeds of internet on both systems are good and my lan is at least 20 meters apart one upstairs one downstairs 
crossover cable tends to be cheaper than wireless but the disadvantage of having a cable running to where the other system is bleh cant have everything i spose !? lol
Was a pain in the butt to get both systems sharing the net with 98se but xp does it all for you so thats one advantage heheh !!
If you never made a lan with 98se and no experience then yer in for a headache lol took me ages then i figured it by accident
crossover cable tends to be cheaper than wireless but the disadvantage of having a cable running to where the other system is bleh cant have everything i spose !? lol Was a pain in the butt to get both systems sharing the net with 98se but xp does it all for you
so thats one advantage heheh !!If you never made a lan with 98se and no experience then yer in for a headache lol took me ages then i figured it by accident