home network

[jrader]

I have 2 computers that both have ethernet cards in them. Would I be able to by a hub or a switch by itself and then hook up a p2p network in my house?

[reboot]

Don't even need that, just buy a crossover cable, install NETBEUI and it's done. (well, almost).

[bailey]

works great that way too, I have mine hooked up that way, made my own cable, cost nothing.

[Charliey]

bailey, did you have all the parts to make the cable?

If this is your first network, and you only need one short cable, its much better to just buy a cable. It *may* be cheaper to make a cable, because the cable itself costs much cheaper in bulk, but the tools to make it cost as much as the one piece you would need to buy pre-made. And theres the hasle of getting the wireing inside of it going the right way.

[mairving]

They are pretty easy to make but you will have to have a crimper. Best bet is to get someone to make one for you. A standard CAT5 patch cable is "straight through", meaning that the connectors are both wired the same way. This cable will then be hooked into a hub. If you bypass the hub, you will need a "crossover cable", where the wires are reversed on the connectors.

I did find some at Mwave in various lengths. Just do a search on crossover. Hope this helps.

[glc]

You can buy crossover cables at CompUSA.