Connecting a Win 98 PC with a Win XP laptop

[Viti]

The XP laptop tells me that the network cable is unplugged although it is connected with the Win 98 PC. Both network cards should be working fine as I am using DSL from both computers. The network cable is fine, too.

What could be the problem?
Thanks a lot in advance!

Viti

[DylanW]

Are you sure you're using a crossover rather than a standard network cable? If both of your systems work fine connected to a DSL modem but don't work if you connect them to each other, this would be the first thing I'd check.

[Viti]

damn it. I guess you are right. I bought a Twisted Pair, RJ45, Cat 5 cable today. Why do I need a Crossover though? And what can the one I bought be used for?

Thanks a lot!
Viti

[DylanW]

In a standard cable, the "sending" and "receiving" wires are on the same location on both connectors, whereas a crossover cable has the "sending" and "receiving" wires are switched.

The crossover cable is used for connecting computers directly; it basically connects the "send" pin on each computer to the "receive" pin on the other computer. This is something that's not necessary on a rounter, hub, etc., which is what a standard patch cable is for.

[Viti]

Thanks again!
Last question: I decided to buy a hub to connect both computers to DSL. Do I need to pay attention at something or any hub would do? What kind of cables would I need then (for 2 PCs)? One crossover and two normal ones?

Thanks a lot for your help!
Viti

[DylanW]

I think most hubs you'll find can be connected to other hubs, etc. so you probably won't have to worry about which hub to buy. You'll need 2 more standard cables (not crossover), and all you'll need to do is connect your 2 PCs and your DSL modem to the hub using the standard cables.

[RedWolf]

I would recomend that you spend a bit more and get a DSL / cable router instead of a standard hub. A standard router can be had for $40 or so online and a wireless one for $60 or so. With a router, you will have more security since most have a hardware firewall.