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Thread ID: 50563 2004-10-24 22:18:00 LAN with two computers. Need a switch? Mada (248) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
284316 2004-10-24 22:18:00 I'm considering a network hook-up between 2 computers. I have network capabilities for both of them, but no ethernet hub/switch. I've heard of a peer-to-peer network, but am unsure as to if this means just buying the necessary network cable and hooking them up directly, or do I need to fork out more cash? Mada (248)
284317 2004-10-24 22:24:00 You need either an ethernet HUB, or a crossover cable. To network 2 PC's. Spacemannz (808)
284318 2004-10-24 22:24:00 Yup it's possible. It's called a "straight through" network. All you'll need to buy is a CAT 6 cable (as opposed to CAT 5 for computer --> switch --> computer), and plug each end into the two computers :) Megaman (344)
284319 2004-10-24 22:30:00 Have a look at the network (pressf1.pcworld.co.nz) FAQ for information on networking PCs Davesdad (923)
284320 2004-10-24 22:33:00 >All you'll need to buy is a CAT 6 cable (as opposed to CAT 5 for computer --> >switch --> computer), and plug each end into the two computers

So the cable you mention is a crossover cable?
Mada (248)
284321 2004-10-24 22:36:00 The CAT 6 I believe is the same as a CAT 5 cable (but has a crossover at one end). The CAT 5 cable doesnt.

The crossover is separate / you have to buy it. (If you buy a CAT 5 cable).
Spacemannz (808)
284322 2004-10-24 22:48:00 > > All you'll need to buy is a CAT 6 cable (as opposed
> to CAT 5 for computer -- > > switch -- > computer), and
> plug each end into the two computers
>
> So the cable you mention is a crossover cable?

Yes, for a direct connection between the PC's ethernet ports (diff names for same port/card: Ethernet, NIC, Network, LAN)

The cable can be cat5, cat5E or cat6. It doesn't really matter for a simple network with short distances involved, but most cable at your local store will be either cat5E or cat6 (the same cat5/5E/6 cables are used through a switch/hub except they are wired differently).

What is your intention for the network, sharing an internet connection or simply sharing data between the PC's?

If you use for eg, an ADSL router with multiple ports to connect to the internet, you can use this to network the computers (and share the internet connection) instead, in which case you would use straight through patch cables not crossover.


Cheers Murray P
Murray P (44)
284323 2004-10-24 23:24:00 >All you'll need to buy is a CAT 6 cable

>The CAT 6 I believe is the same as a CAT 5 cable (but has a crossover at one end)

what you need is a crossover cable. cat5/5e/6 is the grade/spec of the cable. cat5e is the most comman and is cheap. you won't get any better performance by going to cat6.

instead of a crossover cable you can use an ordanary lan cable and by a crossover plug/adapter.

if there is a possiblilty of adding any more pc's i would get a switch. the're not very exspencive and it can be less problematic than useing a crossover cable. (some lan cards don't like crossover setups).
tweak'e (174)
284324 2004-10-24 23:30:00 >What is your intention for the network, sharing an internet connection or simply sharing data between the PC's?

Both.
Mada (248)
284325 2004-10-24 23:35:00 Oh yes, and I might mention I don't have Broadband, just dail-up (Telecom is throwing their monopoly to the dogs, because Woosh will probably get to my area first). Mada (248)
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