My home network consists of 3-4 computers and an ADSL modem all connected one to the other with cross RJ45 cables, with no hubs. This was simplest at each point in time (it started with two computers and one cable and at each point I had enough network cards) but it's somewhat inconvenient because intermediate computers sometimes need to be up just to pass the packets.
So now I consider adding one or two hubs. But hubs need cables that are not crossed. Replacing all cables would cost a non-negligeble price. Besides one long cable passes inside the wall and replacing it is out of the question. I can re-solder all cables (or re-frob the connectors but I don't have the device that does it) but I'd rather avoid the trouble. What's most annoying me about the idea is that I can see no technical reason for it. Why should non-crossed cables exist at all? Why can't the hubs have connector layout like in computers, so that computer<->hub cables would be crossed too and put an end to the confusion? What do I miss? I recall that some new cards "autodetect polarity". Does this refer to polarity on each pair or also to Tx/Rx autodetection? Is there a chance that it will work with crossed cables anyway? Is it safe to experiment of do I risk letting the smoke out? -- Beni Cherniavsky <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ================================================================= To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word "unsubscribe" in the message body, e.g., run the command echo unsubscribe | mail [EMAIL PROTECTED]
