Re: Ethernet Cable Question

[ignatz homebru dminet com (Dave Ihnat)]

Aaron Prohaska wrote:

> I'm trying to connect my laptop to my desktop (both linux) and have been
> told I can do this without a hub using crossover cable. So I am
> wondering what the difference is between regular ethernet cable and
> crossover cable?

You've received several answers, but no details.  I once had this in
notes, but couldn't find it in a 1-minute grep of my directories.  SO,
I simply went to Alta Vista, entered the "advanced" query

	'ethernet NEAR crossover NEAR cable NEAR pin'

and voila!  The first match was

	www.ics.muni.cz/cisco/data/doc/lightstr/r2_0/siteplan/site.htm

and a search in the page returned a diagram for an Ethernet 10base-T
crossover.  Their image is better than simple text, but basically use
two twisted pair from the cable, and make sure it is made as (1-3,2-6)
and (3-1,6-2).  Parenthesis denote a single twisted pair.  4,5,7, and 8
are unused for 10base-T.

10base-T cables are built using standard RJ45 terminators and tools;
the cable should always be at least Category III, Category V if you
plan to run 100Mhz.

If you want to build a cable, you can buy a cheap version of the
crimping tool for about $20-30 USD; terminators, cable, and the tool are
all available even at Radio Shack.  A professional quality crimper is
more in the range of $100-$130 USD.  My advice is call a networking
supply house or computer store and buy one--assembling cables isn't hard
conceptually, but tedious, and one bad wire in either connector means
a startover.

Cheers,
-- 
	Dave Ihnat
	ignatz dminet com