Since UTP Ethernet uses only two of the four pairs in the line
(Mick hasn't specified UTP, but that's the most common any more), and
each pair forms a circuit, and one of those pairs is only used for
output -- in fact, a single switch in either line of the input pair
would be sufficient.

  However, for convenience (and avoiding manual splicing...), what
I'd recommend is a 4-port "mini-hub" ($20-40, less if you can find
one used) *with a switchable uplink port*[1].  Insert it between the
PC and the wall jack (uplink port goes toward the wall); when you
switch the port, everything else plugged into the hub is cut off from
the network.

[1] Some mini-hubs have a dedicated uplink port, or a port with two
connectors, one for normal use and one for uplink (you can only use
one or the other at a time).  Others have no port wired for uplink,
and require use of a cross-over cable instead.  None of these offers
the convenient switch which is the point of *this* exercise.

Dave Gillett


On 9 Aug 2002, at 11:55, Kyle Elmblade wrote:

> Hi Mick,
>
> I haven't tested this (I would have tested for you in my work lab, but we
> had an emergency move last week and it's completely torn down), so I'm not
> sure if it applies to XP.  However, Windows 2000 will allow you to unplug
> and plug a network connection without having to reboot.  So, you should be
> able to just unplug the system when you don't want it on the network, and
> plug it back in when you do.  If you truly want a switch to do it, I would
> head on down to my local electronics store and find an on/off switch that
> has eight wire inputs and outputs, then splice it in to my patch cable.
> However, I wouldn't recommend that unless you have experience with such
> wiring.
>
> Kyle Elmblade
> Distinct Computer Solutions
> Sales - Upgrades - Training - Consulting
> [log in to unmask]
> "A closed mouth gathers no foot"
>
> From: "Mick Fitzpatrick" <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2002 2:00 PM
> Subject: [PCBUILD] Network connection on/off switch
>
>
> > Hello
> >
> > I have a home network via Windows XP. All the pc's connect to the internet
> > via ADSL ... everything works fine.
> >
> > Security on the network is not a major issue except for my PC.
> >
> > What I would like to be able to do is 'physically' remove and add my PC
> > from/on the network.
> >
> > Therefore my question is:
> >
> > Is it possible to add an on/off switch (so that it's located in a
> convenient
> > place) with the network cable running through it?
> >
> > I appreciate the method sounds crude ... but it will give me peace of mind
> > 'if it's feasible'?
> >
> > TIA ... Mick
>
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