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sterVin
05-16-04, 08:30 PM
I recently bought a CAT5 50' cable to network my gaming/folding rig to my old gateway pII. I shut off both computers and plugged in the wire and booted up. problem is, neither of the computers ditected the network, nor did any of the lights on the network ports came on. whats up with that?

thanks,
steve
MisterEd
05-16-04, 08:39 PM
How did you connect the computers together? Are you using a hub/switch or are you using a direct connection. If you are using a hub/switch you can use regular CAT5 cable. If you are using a direct connection between the computers you must use a CAT5 crossover cable.
sterVin
05-16-04, 09:48 PM
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=12-117-604&depa=0

thats what I think I bought (my friend actually ordered it for me).
PAWO
05-16-04, 10:22 PM
I am assuming from what you said that you simply connected the 50' patch cable between the two pc's right? If so...then the cable will need to be configured as a "crossover" cable, instead of a patch cable for the two computers to be able to use it. Patch cables won't work with a direct connection between two systems. The wiring pattern in a crossover cable is slightly different, allowing it to work as a direct link.
sterVin
05-16-04, 10:45 PM
so what do I need to do to make it work? (other then realize I should have read about this before I started buying stuff)
MisterEd
05-17-04, 01:30 AM
Originally posted by sterVin
so what do I need to do to make it work? (other then realize I should have read about this before I started buying stuff)

There is only one way you can use your existing cable. You can convert it to a crossover cable by cutting off ONE CONECTOR only and putting on a new connector. Maybe you know someone that can do it for you.
Otherwise you need to buy a new cable.

How-to: Do it yourself Ethernet Crossover Cable
http://www.makeitsimple.com/how-to/dyi_crossover.htm
sterVin
05-17-04, 10:01 PM
So if I install a hub between the two computers, I wont need to cross them?
jajmon
05-17-04, 10:16 PM
Originally posted by sterVin
So if I install a hub between the two computers, I wont need to cross them?

correct - ea will need a patch cable to the hub/switch, you have just increased your spending for a hub/switch and another patch cable. (~$50) Seeing as how you spent $ for your 50' patch cable, you could get yourself a 1' xover cable and an in-line rj45 coupler for ~$10 -$15, your choice.
sterVin
05-17-04, 11:08 PM
I was planning on adding a third rig some time, so I think the hub would work out better.
MisterEd
05-17-04, 11:43 PM
Originally posted by sterVin
I was planning on adding a third rig some time, so I think the hub would work out better.
If you have a Cable or DSL high speed internet connection or are planning to get one soon then a Router with a 4-port switch would be a better investment than a hub. The router allows you to share your internet connection with all your computers. The router/switch can be wired or wireless. The wired can be cheaper to setup. The wireless is more expensive but offers more flexibility.
sterVin
05-18-04, 09:30 PM
its going to be a LONG time untill I get DSL or some other form of high speed internet. Would this work well for what Im going to do (remember, network noob here)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-201-201&depa=0
jajmon
05-18-04, 10:10 PM
In the long run, you are better off going a wired/wireless router w/built-in 4 port switch. (~$40-$60, if you shop around for wired) If you go the switch only route you need to have a pc running ICS w/ 2 nics for the other pc's to get on the net. And said pc would need to be on all the time for other pc's on your lan to get on the net.
Daewood
05-18-04, 10:24 PM
i agree with jajmon go with the router/switch that is what i have and i could not be happier (well maybe with wireless but that is another story)
sterVin
05-18-04, 11:10 PM
I know I sound sort of stuck up, but would that thing work or not? Im currently saving up for a new graphics card and cant really afford to spend more then $20 on this thing.

Im only allowed on the net X amount of hours in the day, so being on the net 24/7 would not even be a possibility for me. besides, the PII is only going to be folding, and that means it would only have to be on the net every-so-often.