Newbie Network

Kappar · 12-01-2003 5:16pm #1

I am new to networking and am trying to connect 2 computers up using Ethernet. 1 runs win98 the other XP they both have ethernet cards installed i have them conneted direcly using Cat 5 (Should i do it like this?)

My problom at this momment is XP says "A NetworkCable is unplugged" but they are conneted

i don't know what the problom is anyhelp any one?

seamus · 12-01-2003 5:27pm

Originally posted by Kappar
I am new to networking and am trying to connect 2 computers up using Ethernet. 1 runs win98 the other XP they both have ethernet cards installed i have them conneted direcly using Cat 5 (Should i do it like this?)

My problom at this momment is XP says "A NetworkCable is unplugged" but they are conneted

i don't know what the problom is anyhelp any one?

Sounds like you need some crossover cable, easy mistake to make, 'specially if you've never networked before.

There's input/output lines in the cable. Normally cat5 is connected to a hub, so a computer sends data via it's output line, whcih the hub receives and sends to the destination comp via it's input line.

If you just have two comps directly connected, then their input lines will be connected, and not input - output as it should be.

Crossover cable has the input and output lines switched. At least I think that's how it works.......

Kappar · 12-01-2003 6:04pm

Yeah from looking at websites that seems to be what is wrong idon't know what type of cable i bought ccause you guessed it i f'ed the box out but i'm guessing have the wrong type:rolleyes:

What do you think is better

buying the hub and using with the potential for BroadBand (How much are these)

or

Getting a Crossover cable

seamus · 12-01-2003 6:23pm

Hubs are quite expensive, but worth it if you plan expanding your network sometime soon.

Otherwise you can buy another network card for your Broadband connection and allow both comps to use the Internet via the crossover cable. This is easily done (apparently)

BigEejit · 13-01-2003 9:35am

Also keep in mind that XP is pretty secure ... and 98 isnt ... you'll need to have the same user and password on both boxes to connect access each others files..

fatmander · 13-01-2003 6:16pm

Hubs are getting cheaper and even an 8 port n-way switch can cost under a ton.
Crossover cables are very easy to make.
Leave one end of the cable alone, and on the other side crossover 'wires 1 and 3(as in swop their position)
then 'wires 2 and 6
Then you need a crimper and a new 45 head to put it all back together.

Newbie Network

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