On 30 Mar 2002, at 20:45, Demetri Kolokotronis wrote:

> On Sat, 30 Mar 2002 12:00:00 -0800 David Gillett
> <[log in to unmask]> writes:
> > >   If you assign the addresses and netmasks properly (a couple of
> > people have suggested different workable combinations -- pick one
> > and ignore the rest), then from machine A you should be able to type
> > at a command prompt "ping x.x.x.x" where "x.x.x.x" is the address
> > that you assigned to machine B.
> >
> > David Gillett
>
> Pinging,
> 127.0.0.1, each computer, Number of bytes and time in milliseconds

  This is the "loopback" address -- thec omputer is determining if it
can talk to itself.  About the only way this can fail is if TCP/IP is
not properly *installed*.

> 10.1.1.1 and 10.1.1.2, "Request timed out", retry with
> 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.2, "Request timed out"

  The addresses used must be the addresses configured on the
machines.

> Other settings same, both computers
> "Disable WINS Resolution", both computers
> Both computers have modem access, but not at same time

> Since do not have hub or router, must be cable trouble? Cable is
> new Cat 5. Tried uninstalling and reinstalling cable several times.

  This could be the problem!!!

  If you want to use a Cat-5 cable to connect two computers directly
to each other, it must be a "cross-over" cable.  You can use normal
"straight-through" cables to connect to a switch or hub, but not
directly between two computers.

> Must both computers be on for ping to other to work?

  Yes.  Ping requires that the other machine receive, process, and
send an answer to the originating machine.  It can't happen unless
both are on.

> Will I do better with hub?

  Although you *can* connect two computers without a hub by using a
cross-over cable, there's no way to add a third computer.  A 4-port
hub should be pretty cheap, and will let you use straight-through
cables for both PCs.

David Gillett

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