On Sun, 18 Oct 1998, Edward Tucker wrote:

> I just purchased a new Dell PentiumII 450MHz, and I want to Network it
> with my existing Dell Pentium 200MMX. One running Win95, the other Win98.
> I plan to use either Intel PRO/100+ PCI Adapters or 3Com EtherLink XL PCI
> TPO NICs with a RJ-45 cross over cable. My question is this. Is there a
> limit to the length of the cable? (I need 35ft Minimum), and can you do
> this setup without a hub, or would I be better off getting a hub?
>
> Ed Tucker
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Ed,
I use a 50ft cable to connect my 2 computers.  I have never had any
problems.  I used a crossover cable for a long time and it worked great.
I now use a HUB because I now have 3 computers to hook together.  The
speed is exactly the same and there are no problems. You can go either
way.  If your network is 10/100 and you would like to use 100mbs a 5 port
hub is about $100.  If you just want 10mbs (which is plenty fast) you
can pick up a 10mbs HUB for around $25.  Or 50ft crossover cables go for
about $15.  I would start with the crossover and upgrade to a HUB later if
you think it's necessary.

Brian Franck

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