Need Help With Networking My Laptop To My PC

[Frankie]

I just got a laptop from my friend the last weekend and I'm trying to network it with my other 2 computers. I think I already know the answer to my problem but a confirmation would be nice. The two computers I have right now are networked together with NIC Cards and the Coaxial Cable type of network cable. I don't have a router as of yet. The laptop I got has a NIC card with a Ethernet, phone cable type, cable connection. The NIC cards on my 2 computers ALSO have a plug for that type of connection too. I tried disconnecting the 2 computers and just using Ethernet cable to connect the Laptop and one of my computers together. It did not work and the Laptop keeps saying the Network Cable is disconnected, even when I have the cable connected between the two. I'm guessing that I just can't connect the two together with Ethernet cable and I need a router to make it work. Am I right with that assumption? If not does anyone have any advice as to why it won't work? I'm running Win2k on all my computers, including the laptop. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[JackMDS]

Router is not going to add or subtract to the situation.

Assuming that your computer is configured with a regular Ethernet Network, having TCP/IP protocol as default, check if the Laptop is configured with the same protocol.

To connect direct you need a Crossover CAT5 Cable (CAT5 is what you call ?like telephone?).

You can go into a computer store and ask specifically for Crossover CAT5 Cable.

More about cables here: AnandTech - FAQ. CAT5 Straight, Crossover. What is CAT5, which one should I Use?

 

[Frankie]

Thanks for the info. I think the cable I have now is a CAT6, when you meantioned CAT5 I sort of remembered CAT6 so I THINK that was the number on my cable... I'll have to check and see. In any case I hope I didn't go and buy the wrong cable. I'm not that familar with the Ethernet type of cables and I'm still learning as far as networking and routers go.

 

[cadjack]

The word "crossover" is key here. If it helps, I just picked up a 10' Belkin crossover CAT5e cable at Circuit City for $4.99, everyday price.

 

[Frankie]

Originally posted by: cadjack
The word "crossover" is key here. If it helps, I just picked up a 10' Belkin crossover CAT5e cable at Circuit City for $4.99, everyday price.

Yeah, I foud that out LOL Anyways, I took it back and got me a CAT5 Crossover cable and it works perfectly. Thanks.