DESKTOP-to-LAPTOP. Cheap D-Link works fine but $100 3Com 3C905C-TX-M will not work.

[Fuzzymath]

First off, I'm still a networking newbie.

On my first attempt at networking I had a problem connecting a $40 3Com NIC (in asus/athlon box) with a 3Com SH572B PC-Card in my Dell Latitude laptop.

The Problem was/is that you can see the remote computer in Network Neighborhood but cannot connect to it (using TCP/IP and NeTBEUI).

I troubleshot that for about a week. I finally pulled out the $40 3Com PCI NIC and stuck in a cheap D-Link PCI NIC (shows up as Realtek DFE-538TX). NeTBEUI and TCP/IP instantly started working. It works using a crossover cable or a hub.

So, I've been rockin along here transferring files just fine with the D-Link. I ran some benchmarks using NetStat Live and logged them down for future reference.

I took the $40 3Com NIC back and got a $100 3Com NIC. I removed the D-Link adapter and installed the new 3Com 3C905C-TX-M adapter and set up TCP/IP exactly the same. IT'S DOING THE SAME OLD THING. You can see the remote computer but can't connect with it.

I've tried all the different combinations of Duplex modes and TX Speeds. I still haven't tried NeTBEUI yet but I'm sure it will act the same.

At least I know I can stick the D-Link back in if I need to transfer some files. I guess I'll take the 3Com back and try a Linksys.

I can't believe I'm the only one that's had this problem. What's going on here?

 

[DJMiX]

Return that expensive 3 com and use the cheap d-link
Promblem solve ... and it's cheaper

 

[Fuzzymath]

DJMiX -- your response seems to be the concensus. You're the 3rd person with the same advice.

BTW - I've read peoples opinions (on the forums) that 3Com is the best and D-Link rates way down on the list. I was trying to get hardware that would give me the fastest file transfer speeds.

With the D-Link I averaged about 1.2MB (mega bytes) per second. Example: It takes 70 seconds to transfer a 82.8MB file. This is slow speed, is it not?

 

[JackMDS]

In General, 3Com consider quality network components.

Your laptop may have a bus that is incompatible with the 3Com. Card.

I had a similar problem, and ended up using external USB network card. I tried 3 different cards none of them worked with my Laptop (AMD CPU).

 

[RichieZ]

Blah 3com, I like intel Pro 100's myself

 

[Fuzzymath]

I thought the problem might be related to the laptop/desktop combination. I've posted about this problem many times (here and other forums) wondering if anyone else had this type of problem. Thanks for responding.

Since I'm new at networking I wasn't sure if I was doing something wrong or if it was a hardware conflict.

Since I had the D-Link working and TCP/IP figured out - then suddenly the new 3Com would not work with TCP/IP set up the same - Ahhh, some kind of incompatibility issue.

I'll probably wear out my welcome at CompUSA trying to find the best NIC that will work in my setup.

 

[Fuzzymath]

RichieZZZZ -- they had some Intel NICs. With all the trouble I've had, I passed them by thinking my box must be pretty pickey about NICs -- surely my asus/athlon box would spit that Intel back out (nothing against Intel).

Maybe an Intel is just what I need to be compatible with the Dell Latitude w/P3 650Mhz.

 

[TaylorD]

nm, i have a wireless problem

 

[bex0rs]

I really hope you didn't spend $100 on that 3com. They are around $40, OEM, on pricewatch and even lower if you can snag one in the FS/FT forum. If you're looking to spend that kind of money, pick up an Intel Pro/100+.

~bex0rs

 

[bevo]

Here is a link to an interesting NIC comparison...

 

[Fuzzymath]

bexOrs - Wow, I didn't realize they were that cheap on-line.

It was purchased on a corporate credit card. There's a problem buying stuff on-line with corporate cards. The buyer/delivery address doesn't match the corporate card address. It's a big hassle.

I usually try to get the best deals but I was in a hurry and a variety of brands is limited at Best Buy. CompUSA has high prices but good service and wide variety.

 

[Fuzzymath]

well, what do ya know, the Intel NIC works.

I Got the Intel InBusiness 10/100 NIC. The didn't have the Intel Pro.

The speed is the same as the D-Link though.