In <[log in to unmask]>, on 03/15/99 at 06:51 AM, Michael Beechey <[log in to unmask]> said: >Dear Friends, >I'm putting together a small network, for classroom use, no essential >data transfer, maximum distance to hub 5 meters ( about 15 feet), using >cheap NE2000 clone cards, 15 machine max. Michael, Coax and BNC connectors seem to win hands down in this kind of a situation. You don't even need a hub of any kind. You just run a backbone from one machine to the next with a T-connector at each machine and 2 terminator resistors, one at each end of the backbone. You can take a machine off line or put it back on again without causing any problems on the network and installation is a breeze. You will only need a single crimping tool to attach the BNC connectors. Twisted pair can be made to allow higher data-transfer rates, but if understand your requirments this will be of no notable benefit to you. On top of it you will need much more "equipment," a wall socket for each machine, transciever cables, a hub and diverse connectors and crimping tools, plus a bit of testing equipment if you don't want to have lots of headaches. I run a thinnet coax network here at home, have 6 or more machines running over a total distance of about 300 metres, add and remove machines regularly. To add another machine you just add a length of cable with connectors on both ends and move the terminator to the end of the cable if necessary. It's a dream. Best wishes to you. Respectfully, Bruce Do you want to signoff PCBUILD or just change to Digest mode - visit our web site: http://nospin.com/pc/pcbuild.html