how can i use an uplink port?

[igowerf]

I have an 8 port switch with an uplink port that I use at lan parties. My friend is putting together a PII 350 system that we might use as a dedicated server but it would take up a port. Can we use the uplink port to connect the server? I read that you can connect two hubs with a normal cat 5 cable by using a normal port on one hub and the uplink port on another. You can also connect two hubs with a crossover cable though so is there any other special use for the uplink port? Thanks.

 

[bex0rs]

The uplink port is basically there for convenience. It is generally shared with one of the standard ports on the hub or switch, so don't plan on using 9 ports on your 8 port switch.

The uplink port could be used to connect the server, if you used a crossover cable. This really wouldn't gain you much though because it would effectively "disable" the adjacent standard port. And the answer to the rest of your questions is "yes."

~bex0rs