njb
asked on
Newbie Network Question - Direct Cabling Not Working
Hi,
I have a desktop, a laptop and a router. They are both connected to the router with sepaprate LAN cables, and my DSL modem is also connected to the router so I can access the internet. I set up a network so that my desktop can communicate with the laptop, and it has worked fine.
When I use a direct LAN connection between my desktop and laptop, however, both the laptop and desktop display error messages that say that a netwrok connection is unplugged. When I try to reboot with the cable connected btwenn the desktop and laptop I am still getting the error message. Shouldn't they be able to communicate with the cable directly connected between them?
Thanks in advance,
njb
I have a desktop, a laptop and a router. They are both connected to the router with sepaprate LAN cables, and my DSL modem is also connected to the router so I can access the internet. I set up a network so that my desktop can communicate with the laptop, and it has worked fine.
When I use a direct LAN connection between my desktop and laptop, however, both the laptop and desktop display error messages that say that a netwrok connection is unplugged. When I try to reboot with the cable connected btwenn the desktop and laptop I am still getting the error message. Shouldn't they be able to communicate with the cable directly connected between them?
Thanks in advance,
njb
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mattisflones
Thats right, youll need a crossover cable.. It looks exactly the same as any other network cable, but inside two of the pairs is switched..
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Why on earth would you need to connect the machines with a crossover cable when they can connect through the router/switch as you state in your post?
/RID
/RID
i agree with rid 100%. a crossover is for connecting 2 PCs together, uplinks between switches/hubs, or interfaces between routers, NOT for connecting a PC to a router which is your situation. Why are you trying to directly connect the 2 PCs together?? The correct way is to have them both plugged into your Router as you mentioned.
LOL
was "LOL" supposed to contribute something to this discussion?
ASKER
I aplologize if I wasn't clear about what I was trying to accomplish. I am trying to connect the 2 computers together *without going through the router*. I am curious to see if I could connect the 2 machines directly together and continue to have a network between my laptop and desktop in case my router ever went down.
Now that I have clarified my intent, does that mean that the crossover cable is the way to go? Also, can I just purchase one (a crossover cable) andjust connect the machines or will I have to modify anything or any settings?
Thanks,
njb
Now that I have clarified my intent, does that mean that the crossover cable is the way to go? Also, can I just purchase one (a crossover cable) andjust connect the machines or will I have to modify anything or any settings?
Thanks,
njb
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You can get a crossover cable in most stores that sells networkcables. (Remember to tag it so you dont mix it up with ordinary cables later! Thats rally anoying!)
you could do it your self just have a look at http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/network/cable/index.htm it will show u a handy dandy way to make it.....it least you could gain some experience by doing it by your hand
ThanQ