linking hubs

Hello, we have a linksys hub at work the links
all of our peer to peer nodes and then links
to a dsl modem. However all of our node cat5
plugs are used up and we need to add another
node. There is one plug left that I've read can be
used to uplink the hub to another hub. They've
elected me to do it but I've never done this before.
I've read some stuff but need some advice. It appears
that I need a "cross over" cat5 cable to link the hubs ?
Can I buy that at a normal computer store like Best
Buy or Staples? Any info would be appreciated.

D wrote:
> Hello, we have a linksys hub at work the links
> all of our peer to peer nodes and then links
> to a dsl modem. However all of our node cat5
> plugs are used up and we need to add another
> node. There is one plug left that I've read can be
> used to uplink the hub to another hub. They've
> elected me to do it but I've never done this before.
> I've read some stuff but need some advice. It appears
> that I need a "cross over" cat5 cable to link the hubs ?
> Can I buy that at a normal computer store like Best
> Buy or Staples? Any info would be appreciated.
>
>

To connect two hubs (or switches) using an uplink connector
generally requires a straight-through (rather than crossover)
cable. However, on many hubs, using the uplink port means
that you must not at the same time use the port next to it
(since internally they're really the same port).

Some hubs/switches take care of this issue automatically.

It's best to read the documentation for _your_ hub or switch.

And yes, crossover cables are readily available.

HTH

--
The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to
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if one of the hubs has a port labeled uplink, you wont need a crossover
cable ... dont uplink to an uplink port because then you're back to normal.
I bought an uplink cable from Office Depot for way too much money one day.
Think $20 for 6, 8 or so foots.

btw, if these are all truely "hubs" and not "switches" or "router/switches"
there may be issues coupling multiple hubs together - especially if lengthy
cables are used at any point in the network topology...

Thanks to all replies, I went to staples and bought
everything the same brand (linksys) as our current
network "router" which I previously wrongly referred
to as a "hub". It functions also as a hub or switch, but
is a router to our dsl modem connection to the internet.
Anyhow I put it all together and it works but.....
while I'm here, exactly what is the difference between
a switch and a hub ?
Appreciate all info.

On Sat, 1 May 2004 08:25:32 -0400, "D" <NoMail@NoSpam> wrote:

>Thanks to all replies, I went to staples and bought
>everything the same brand (linksys) as our current
>network "router" which I previously wrongly referred
>to as a "hub". It functions also as a hub or switch, but
>is a router to our dsl modem connection to the internet.
> Anyhow I put it all together and it works but.....
>while I'm here, exactly what is the difference between
>a switch and a hub ?
>Appreciate all info.

A true hub essentially ties all connected devices together in a half-duplex
"party-line" fashion, running only as fast as the fastest connected device
(which often means 10mbit is the only speed that actually works).

Further, only one system can "talk" any time, and any system "talking" to the
hub is "heard" by every connected system. And finally, a hub does not relieve
cable length issues like a switch can.

A switch, otoh, allows differing connection speeds across its ports, allows
full-duplex operation, can allow multiple "conversations" between uncontended
connections, and doubles the maximum distance across the network topology.

In short, switches are vastly superior to hubs in every aspect, and one should
not use the terms interchangeably if one wants to be understood.

Nor should "routers" be confused with either switches or hubs - they are quite
different, regardless of whether they provide a single lan port - or sixteen
of them (which would actually be a "router-switch").

For the sake of clarity, it always helps to use each term correctly...

cheers

/daytripper