Connecting 2 NICs with crossover cable?

[Steve309]

I'm trying to set up a 2 computer network to learn from, must I use a hub between the two? I thought I read somewhere that I can just buy a "crossover" cable and eliminate the hub, is this true?

Also, I need to find an ISA Ethernet NIC for an old 486 computer, where's the best place online to find one?

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[Chatterjee]

Using a crossover cable will work just fine. In order for the computers to "see" each other on the network you can use a 192.168.0.XXX IP on each one of them. Set it manually for each of the NICS and you should be in business!

-S

 

[Steve309]

Ahh, thank you for the info! Do you know of a good place online to buy this crossover cable? All the local stores only have patch cables.

Also, just out of curiousity, what's so special about that IP address?

Thanks again!

 

[JaiKnight]

If I'm correct that's a Class C IP address, it's used so that only your local network will see computers in the workgroup, you'll need to set your subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 as well.

Ripped this straight from FiringSquad:

According to RFC 1918, private IP addresses should stay within these ranges:

10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255

Of course, if none of the computers on the LAN have access to the Internet (through modem or otherwise), feel free to use any address. However, it's generally considered good practice to stay within the internal-networking scheme above.

The link to what the whole article is here: http://firingsquad.gamers.com/guides/windowsnet/

Do a quick search for Crossover cables to find out more about how to make your own if you feel brave It's basically the same as making a normal network cable except you have to switch a couple of the wires on one end.

 

[Ben]

I've seen cross-over cables at Comp USA.

I really hate going in there, but they do have them.

The 192.168..... IP address is reserved for personal use like home LAN's and such.

It's not life-and-death that you use 192.168...., but it's a good idea.

 

[Chatterjee]

Hmmm... check pricewatch and look for a good networking store.. My suggestions are below:

www.comready.com
www.pcbay.net

Go to the Cable section and look for Crossover cable. I think you shouldn't buy from CompUSA (expensive) and grab them online.

-S

 

[cz]

Even local OfficeDepot carries crossover cable now.

 

[tim0thy]

i'll make a crossover cable for you if you can't find one... it's just a patch cable with 2 sets of wires reversed... crimp, done!

 

[Steve309]

I really appreciate all the help guys, there's a local Office Depot that I'll check out. If they don't have it I'll look online. Thanks for the offer Timothy, but I hope I can just pick one up around here.

The next project is to get this free 486 computer working with Windows NT. It's going to be tough since the BIOS doesn't recognize CD-ROM drives. I might be able to upgrade the BIOS, but I need to replace the floppy that's bad. I have a small, 2nd hard drive (600MB) that I can probably copy the install files to and then add the drive and install NT 4. Oh well, those of us with little or no money learn the most =).

 

[tim0thy]

you can always run linux... if i remember correctly, NT4 Workstation needs a minumum of 486/33 and the Server needs 486/66 minimum. (from MCSE days )... it's going to be hell i'm just letting you know now. I think you would be better off running linux and using lynx as a browser

As for the patch cable... no probs... i like to practice my crimping skills since i haven't used them in a long time heh.

:edit: err... make that patch = crossover cable