arcnet network for rc5

[danzigrules]

Anyone here know if I can put an arcnet nic in my pc that has cable modem access, with no troubles. like conflicts and the such? I know that this isn't the right place for this but it is for rc5 and not just networking. I have a few pc anchors that have no hdd and was thinking of useing klinux so that they can crunch, but they need to be on my network. These are SMC arcnet pc130, they have a bnc coax connector. so i need to know if there is a connector that will go from the coax to rj45 plug, since that is what my hub is.


So am I just dreaming that this can be done or what?

 

[danzigrules]

no one know?

 

[Joe O]

First of all, the ARCNET protocol was a precursor of Ethernet and AFAIK not compatible with Ethernet. If these are truly ARCNET NICs and not Ethernet or TCP/IP capable then you have major work on your hands. If they are Ethernet and TCP/IP capable, then you have the problem of going from coax (unbalanced) to twisted pair (balanced) media. This requires a BALUN. Unless you are prepared to make your own, you may find the cost prohibitive. There are $10.00 US NICs that will work fine and should be cheaper. I can't remember any Brand Names off the top of my head, but I'm sure someone will post a few names soon. If not I can research it for you. Netgear and DLink are two companies that come to mind. I've used both of them and found them to be reliable. That's not to say there aren't other companies that make reliable gear. 3Com, SMC,....
Another thing is software support Klinux only supports certain NICs. Kilowatt would have to add support if you choose a NIC that is not already supported. Check out his documentation.