Is the xbox system link cable just a standard Cat5 cable?

[MrBond]

I'll probably be picking up an xbox today, I'd like to get some 8 player systemlink halo action going. I know the systemlink cable is some form of an ethernet cable, but I was wondering if it's just a standard ethernet cable or if it's a crossover cable.

 

[blurredvision]

I don't know for certain, but I'd assume it's a crossover.

 

[Capnroy89]

If you just want to connect two Xboxes, then you can use their system link cable. However, lets say you want 16 player Halo going, you'll need a regular CAT 5 cable, along with a hub of course.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: WoodchuckCharlie
I don't know for certain, but I'd assume it's a crossover.

I'd assume that as well.

 

[Dufman]

Originally posted by: WoodchuckCharlie
I don't know for certain, but I'd assume it's a crossover.

it would have to be, unless you hooked the xbox into the hub

 

[MrBond]

I figured it was a standard crossover cable. I can't find mine here, not sure what I did with it. I'll have to see about picking one up either locally or just buy a systemlink cable if its not expensive

 

[OrganizedChaos]

Make your own, you'll end up saving money in the long run.

 

[kmac1914]

It is. When i was poking around on the xbox live site, i read that (in addition to the fact that i use a regular crossover cable to system link instead of the m$ one).

 

[Tallgeese]

The System Link Cable is a 20' CAT5 Ethernet crossover cable, and is used primarily to link 2 Xboxes together.
If you plan to link more than 2 XBoxes together, you could still use System Link cables.

You would simply want to use a switch/hub that supported auto-crossover detection, like my SMC7004ABR router does.
That way, you don't have to worry about having straight-through or crossover cables. The switch/hub takes care of all that.
A *VERY* nice feature.

Without crossover detection, tho, you'll need to use straight-through cables.

IMHO, *ALL* SOHO level networking equipment should support auto-crossover.

BTW: Check the BIG LIST - Xbox Deals thread for some cheap prices on long crossover cables.