GigE networking

[smack Down]

I'm trying to connect two computers one using windowsXp to one running Ubuntu. Both have one board GigE network adapters. I'm using a 5e cross over cable. A quick googling seems to imply that a crossover cable doesn't work with gigE. So if I replace that cable with a straight thru cable will gigE just start working or do I need to do something else?

 

[tyanni]

irregardless of GigE, you need a crossover cable when going from one computer -> second computer. If you truly want GigE and need to connect 2 pcs, get a GigE switch

 

[smack Down]

I don't want a switch. So does gigE use a different type of cross over cable then 10/100? If not why doesn't gigE work when I use my crossover cable?

 

[spidey07]

1000 Base-T uses all 4 pairs, so a 1000 Base-T crossover is different than a "regular" crossover.

But you're in luck!

Included in 1000 Base-T is an auto-mdi (crossover) functionality. So use a straight through cable and you will be all set. One of the cards will swap it's transmit/receive.

 

[tyanni]

well, I should have known that one of the more knowledgeable network guys would respond. Guess I am a bit stuck in the pre-GigE world

 

[smack Down]

Ok, I went out and got a new CAT5e straight through cable. Windows task manager says the connection is 100 Mbps and is operational. How can make windows use it as a gigE network adapter?

 

[smack Down]

Ok, figured it out had to force the autonegotiation to be 1000FD.

 

[cmetz]

smack Down, look for an option to set one of the NICs to be the auto-negotiation "master." Auto MDI/MDI-X (crossover) negotiation generally won't work between two "slave" stations, which is what most NICs default to. So while one thing is automatic, another thing isn't.

Manually configuring will also work.