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A cross over cable is primarily used to connect two routers or networking devices that serve as hubs between network segments. Are you trying to connect both computers together to form a network between them without using a router or modem?
Would recommend buying a swicth (hub) ask for a 5 port switch at store
and use cat 5 network cable as opposed to a crossover cable
try below
connect the crossover cable to the ethernet ports on both machines
Make sure both Network groups on each machine have the same name (ex.. Workgroup)
XP - go to control panel and run Network wizard and follow steps and on final step, choose
choose the last option to just finish setup
Vista - open Network and sharing center in control panel
- under Sharing and Discovery, Turn on net discovery, file sharing, public foler sharing, printer sharing
- Make sure your Worgroup is set as Private Network, not Public Network
On XP open firewall in control panel and then click the exception tab and make sure you have File and Printer Sharing checked and click apply
On vista - open firewall in control panel and click on Allow a program thrrough Windows firewall and click the exception tab and make sure you have File and Printer Sharing checked and click apply
If you are running an antivirus program that has a firewall, that firewall will have to be set to allow network access
Cat 6e would be best to use since this is the latest in communication standards. A simple router would do to network disparate computers. At the very least use a hub, but keep away from the USB connected hubs, unless you have several 2.0 ports.
Most laptops/desktops have built in ethernet connections. I would recommend using it for communication ports.
A crossover cable will get the job done rather well, actually, the only problem will be when it comes to expanding your network.
Connecting them with a crossover cable will also mean you're using up your RJ-45 ports on your computer, taking up the best means of connecting your system to the Internet. Follow the steps provided by seahwk and the "network" will work just fine. If you want your network to be more useful, then definitely buy a small "router" such as a Linksys Wireless G router from Wal-Mart.
"disagrees: While it's true that Cat 6e is available and quite wonderful, I don't really see the point of spending that kind of money to network two computers. A Crossover cable will do the trick, plug one end in one computer and the other in the other one."
As a system specialist, I would never recommend installing equipment (hardware or software) that is older than what is currently available on the market. Especially in the hardware/peripheral arena. These components are developing very rapidly in support of future protocols and superior performance. Data transmission rates have been doubling every 18 months. It doesn't make sense to spend twice on the same piece of equipment when it does become necessary in the future.
"Connecting them with a crossover cable will also mean you're using up your RJ-45 ports..."
How else are you going to connect two computers together with twisted pair copper cable wires? You can't use these ports for any other purpose.
"If you want your network to be more useful, then definitely buy a small "router" such as a Linksys Wireless G router from Wal-Mart"
So then why recommend to connect two computers together to begin with?
"disagrees: While it's true that Cat 6e is available and quite wonderful, I don't really see the point of spending that kind of money to network two computers. A Crossover cable will do the trick, plug one end in one computer and the other in the other one."
As a system specialist, I would never recommend installing equipment (hardware or software) that is older than what is currently available on the market. Especially in the hardware/peripheral arena. These components are developing very rapidly in support of future protocols and superior performance. Data transmission rates have been doubling every 18 months. It doesn't make sense to spend twice on the same piece of equipment when it does become necessary in the future.
"Connecting them with a crossover cable will also mean you're using up your RJ-45 ports..."
How else are you going to connect two computers together with twisted pair copper cable wires? You can't use these ports for any other purpose.
"If you want your network to be more useful, then definitely buy a small "router" such as a Linksys Wireless G router from Wal-Mart"
So then why recommend to connect two computers together to begin with?
While I respect your interpretation of what I posted, I don't think what you understood is what I was trying to say. First of all, I was referring to the fact that if you use a cross-over cable to connect two computers together, you can't then use those ports to connect your computer to the Internet, unless you're on a system with more than one RJ-45 port. I stated that connecting them with a cross-over cable will result in accomplishing the requirements. However, it is not the optimal solution, because it will not allow the two computers to connect to the Internet.
In further explanation, I then recommended that a router be purchased as an OPTIMAL solution to the problem.
As far as using the best available technology. Normally, I would agree completely. However, if you're going to do that, you might as well install optical NIC's in computers and run fiber through the whole house, using your logic. If this were a business, then I would highly recommend the use of Cat-6 versus Cat-5, however, in a home, Cat-5e is more than adequate. Most home networking equipment can't really handle the throughput of 1000base T to justify installing anything more than Cat-5e.
Fiber technology is certainly "over the top" with respect to residential applications and would be silly to suggest so. Therefore my logic does not fit your extreme example really.
It is NOT unreasonable however to suggest the latest twisted pair cable technology since it's a matter of cents on the dollar.
While it is agreed that transmission speeds associated with 1000base T communications probably won't be eaten up by home application usage, neither is an ordinary "home" user with the latest device clocking in at 3.16 Ghz with 1333 Mhz side bus with 32 GIG of memory and 120GIG of data storage just to run the latest MS suite of applications and peer-to-peer internet programs.
Try selling this fact to a normal home user who is "techo thirsty".
On the other hand, the average business IT person would have you out the door if you suggest anything above the standard IT budget that is uneccesary.
My point here is that it is very difficult to pinpoint price/performance statistics to a specific need with different types of equipment available. Therefore if the budget allows for the latest in technology then, "within reason", employ it so that it isn't a factor later.
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