crossover cable?

[Colt45]

does anyone know what the difference between crossover and normal RJ45 is?
please LMK
thanks!

 

[Pretender]

1->3
2->6
and vice versa (3->1, 6->2)

they just cross over the rx and tx cables so that 2 computers connected directly can communicate



simple data on it

 

[Colt45]

well i have my main computer and my dads computer. i also have my (soon to be) linux box, with 3 nics. one connected to the cable modem, and one to each computer. do i need crossover or normal
??/

 

[Pretender]

I'd suggest a hub, in which case the connections would use normal cables. But if not, if you're going to connect your linux box to the net and to each of your other computers, the connections should all be with crossover cables.

 

[Ladi]

When connecting similar devices (computer->computer, hub->hub w/o using uplink ports, etc), use a crossover cable.

In your case, you'll need a straight-through cable from cable modem to linux box and crossover cables from the linux box to the other systems. However, you may find it easier to use 2 NICs in the linux box and run it out to a hub (using a straight-through to a normal port or a crossover to an uplink port) or even easier to just pick up a ~$100 cable/dsl router.

~Ladi

 

[Colt45]

i already have the linux box tho, and the straight normal cable. how much more is crossover cable? alot?

 

[frizzlefry]

From the 3 NICs two crossover cable to other computers and one straight thru to cable modem.

As far as costs. There shouldn't be much of a difference. But crossover cables I recall are never sold in any really long lengths. So how long of cables do you need to run?

For the simplest solution, get a Cable/DSL router. It'll be alot easier and give you a hardware firewall to the internet. That way you only need one NIC on each computer and use all straight thru cables.

 

[Colt45]

i will need one 25' and one 5'

 

[RossGr]

Crossovers are best used to connect 2 systems, when you bring in the 3rd you need a hub, 10/100 hubs can be had for less then $50. You would need 3 nics in the linux box and I an not sure how well your network would function, just get a cheap 4 port hub, then use stright cables. 2 nics in the Linux box one for the modem the other for your network.

 

[Colt45]

i just bought the nic's though..

 

[RossGr]

I am going out on a limb here, I have no experiance with 3 NICs in a computer. You may want to try posting this on the networking board or perhaps general hardware. It seems to me that you will essentially be creating 2 networks, will you easily be able to share files etc between the 2 NICs, I do not know, sounds like there is potenital for dificulties here, the traditional solution is the hub.

Good luck