Networked using RJ-45 crossover cable. Is this normal?

[Rick67]

I just networked a new P4 with Windows XP to the PC listed in my sig. Since both PC's are sitting right next to each other, I decided to go the RJ-45 crossover cable route rather then buy a hub. I've got an Intel(R) PRO/100+ Management Adapter installed in the Client and another Intel(R) PRO/100+ Management Adapter installed in the Host along with a second NETGEAR FA311 ethernet card in the Host. I've got the crossover cable going from my Client to the NetGear card. I then have a standard RJ-45 cable going from the other ethernet card in the Host to my T-1 connection(Luxury Townhouse). This setup gives my two little computer icons in the system tray of both PC's. What I can't figure out is if it's normal for the two ethernet cards that are connected using the crossover cable to be communicating all the time. In other words, packets are going back and forth between the Host and the Client all the time and both of the little PC icons are showing light blue screens indicating activity. Is there a reason packets are going back and forth all the time even though I'm not using the PC's? I can also here my hard drive in the client writing every couple of seconds. If this is normal I'll feel better. The card connected to the Internet doesn't show activity unless I'm actually surfing or playing a game.

 

[ViperXX]

My Windows2000 machine does the same thing. It's normal. I think it just sends out little broodcasts to see if all the computers on your network are still there along with your connection to the internet.

 

[cipher00]

One question: where's your firewall?

 

[ViperXX]

I don't know about Rick67 but I use Zonealarm. The security messages that I got when I first installed Zonealarm was that the software used to accelerate my Satellite connection wanted to connect to the internet. Which is does every now and then I haven't noticed anything suspicious trying to get in or out.

 

[Rick67]

I've got Norton Personal Firewall 2002 installed on the Host computer.

So I take it this is normal?