Hi Simon,
Follow up to message from Mike Bilow:
MB> SH> What I want to know is, do I just need a single cable to
MB> SH> plug between the network cards, and then leave Win95 to do
MB> SH> the networking?
MB>Yes.  For exactly two nodes, you can order a crossover
MB>cable and just plug each end into one of the cards.  You
MB>can buy such things from Datacomm Warehouse,
MB>"http://www.warehouse.com/datacomm/", (800)397-8508:
MB>   DCA3187  UTP 10` CROSS OVER CABLE CAT5                     $7.95
MB>   DCA1412  CATEGORY 5 CROSSOVER ASSEMBLY 100FT              $34.95
MB>   DCA1410  CATEGORY 5 CROSSOVER ASSEMBLY 25FT.              $14.95
MB>   DCA1411  CATEGORY 5 CROSSOVER ASSEMBLY 50FT.              $21.95
MB>   DCA1409  CATEGORY 5 CROSSOVER ASSEMBLY 12FT.              $12.95
MB>   DCA1408  CATEGORY 5 CROSSOVER ASSEMBLY 6FT                $11.95
MB>(I realize you are in the UK and cannot use an 800 number, but I am 
providin
MB>this information because it may be of value to other
MB>readers here, and also to let you know if you are being
MB>grossly overcharged by a UK vendor.  At worst, I suppose
MB>you could order from Datacomm Warehouse and have things
MB>shipped internationally, but this seems absurd for a simple
MB>cable.)
I've checked my catalogues and crossover CAT 5 cables are not listed by
Action, Farnell or Maplins. RS list the following cables (one off
pricing in pounds, delivery included, VAT extra):
Category 5 UTP Crossed Patch Leads
Length  Stock No  Price
1m      217-7736  4.98
2m      217-7742  6.80
5m      217-7764  7.49
The prices look pretty reasonable when compared with those Mike posted.
MB>If you already have the two cards, then the crossover cable
MB>is all the remaining hardware you need to connect exactly
MB>two nodes.
MB> SH> I've been told that something needs to go in between the
MB> SH> cables, will I need this, whatever it is? Or will a single
MB> SH> cable do?
MB>For more than two nodes, you need a "concentrator" box,
MB>sometimes (slightly incorrectly) called a "hub."  When you
MB>use a concentrator, you use straight cables instead of
MB>crossover cables.  Expect to spend at least US$50 for a
MB>concentrator box, should you need one.
Nearly always called a "hub" over here...
Action list a number of 4 & 5 port hubs between 36 and 50 pounds (+
delivery & VAT), get a catalogue from them on 0800 333333 (UK only).
The cheapest generally available brand name one I'm aware of is the
D-Link 5 port "Hubby", available from many suppliers: for reference RS
list it at 60 pounds (+ VAT).
Contact me by Netmail for any further details (I have Farnell and RS
accounts for my business).
George
 * SLMR 2.1a * User, n. technical term used by computer pros. See Idiot.
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