Cheapest method for connecting my fileserver

[Net]

all that needs to connect to my (soon to be) fileserver is my laptop.

so the cheapest method i could think of is a cross over cable.

any experiences with that? is it good?

what about making the connection wireless? ( i have roomates so needs to be private and i wouldn't want it available online)

thanks in advance




Seems like a networking question
Bumping this into that forum.

n7
Memory/Storage Mod

 

[DarkRogue]

If you want wireless, just get a wireless router and hook everyone up to that.

I've used a crossover cable before, and it's fine, but I'd prefer at least using a switch or something because it's more flexible in terms of what you can do with it.

 

[QuixoticOne]

A cross over cable is fine, I know it'll work for 100 Mb/s ethernet, and IIRC it can work for Gb ethernet too with modern NICs.
Wireless? Sure, just get an 802.11N 'router' to install at the file-server's location (assuming it doesn't have wireless AP mode built in),
and an 802.11N USB NIC for the laptop.

That should get you at least 30-40 Mbit/second real sustained transfer rates in reasonably common conditions; pretty slow compared
to wired gigabit ethernet, though.

 

[shangshang]

Just curious. Why would you run a "fileserver" and connect it to just one device (your laptop) and then via crossover? How fast and big is your fileserver though and what's your purpose of this server?

If it's not a fast server and not a big server, you may be better off getting an external 1TB drive and save yourself a lot of trouble of keeping the fileserver running.

 

[Net]

Just curious. Why would you run a "fileserver" and connect it to just one device (your laptop) and then via crossover?

i have a desktop with 320 GBs and a laptop with 60 GBs. I always run out of space with the laptop.

you may be better off getting an external 1TB drive

i have no money. after i graduate i'll get an external hard drive.

 

[Madwand1]

Try a straight-through cable before running out and buying a crossover cable -- many modern devices support auto-crossover.

 

[Net]

i've been thinking about using dyndns.com.

any experiences? will it be fast since i'm at home? meaning it will end up not going through the internet if i'm at home right since my router will reconize that my ip is local?

 

[TheKub]

Originally posted by: net

i've been thinking about using dyndns.com.

any experiences? will it be fast since i'm at home? meaning it will end up not going through the internet if i'm at home right since my router will reconize that my ip is local?

I think you are mistaking what dyndns does. Its so you can get to your PC\network via a hostname even though your IP may change periodically. It will do nothing for a local network (that I know of).

For the original question:

Crossover would be the cheapest. Id prefer some form of equipment (switch\hub\router) as it is more flexable but it is more expensive (~$10-$50). For wireless you either need a wireless router (more expensive (~$30-$70) than non-wireless device) or a wireless card for the PC and set up an adhoc network (secure as necessary).

 

[JackMDS]

I do not get it! What your problem is if you have a Router.

You can keep private with the correct File Sharing configuration.

You can also install Ultra VNC server on the File server, use the encryption, and be done with.

Ultra VNC has File transfer module and its free.

http://www.ezlan.net/vnc.html

Othe wise you can Fry for few days Burgers in your local fast food joint.

With the proccees you can buy a second Router and hide yourself behind Segregated network segment.

Network Segregation - http://www.ezlan.net/shield.html

 

[TheKub]

If protecting your stuff from the internet\roommates is important how do your machines get online now?

 

[robmurphy]

If both ends of the connection are gigabit then you do not need a crossover cable, just a normal straight one. Gigabit Ethernet has auto crossover as part of the standard.

Rob

 

[QuixoticOne]

Auto *crossover* not just auto polarity huh?
That's good to know. I suppose it makes sense they could do it but usually standards and implementations of
things in IT disappoint in terms of what they could/should easily do versus what they actually do.