This guide assumes that you have profficient knowledge of what a network is, your Operating System, and are comfortable working with computer hardware/software.

For your convinience I have illustrated two of the most common ways to network computers.  In figure 1, the hubbed network, which is the most common type of the network, requires the purchase of a hub (a type of switchboard) to connect computers together.  Figure 2 represents the type of network covered in this guide, a direct connection network.   This type of network connects two computers together without the use of a hub or a switch.

The hubbed network is connected using standard networking cables (RJ-45) while the network we're building uses a crossover network cable.  Here are the differences:

A standard networking cable follows the diagram to the left.   As shown, each pin is directly connected to a pin in the same position on the other end of the cable.  Each pin number is responsible for a specific action; such as, sending data, receiving data, grounding the cable, etc.

Here's why we can't just use a "straight" cable to make our network.   If pin 1 is used only for sending data, one end of the cable must be connected to the sending terminal (in this example pin 1) while the other end must be connected to the receiving position of the terminal (pin 2 in this example).  Looking at the diagram however, pin 1 is connected directly to pin 1, thus the data would be sent from one network card's send terminal to the second network card's send port.  Since each pin # is assigned only one specific action, the network wouldn't work.  A hub or a switch must be present for the system to work since the pin 1 on a switch would act as a receiving pin, and so on.

A crossover cable does just what a simple hub/switch would do.  The wires in the cable are literally crossed over, thus pin 1 on one end is not connected to pin 1 on the other, but to pin 2, for example. Therefore, the data is able to flow and a network may be made without the necessity to purchase a hub or a switch.

Pros:  Since no hub or switch is necessary the crossover cable network saves money.  All benefits of a regular network may be enjoyed with a crossover network (internet connection sharing, file/printer sharing, etc.).

Cons:  Since crossover cables do not comply with the networking standards by default some drop in data transfer speeds may be experienced.  Only 2 computers may bew connected without a major hardware/software configureation.  Like using an electrical cord extension to power an out-of-reach device, crossover cable should only be a temporary solution.  For long term networks you should consider purchasing a hub or a switch.

Obtaining the cable:
The easiest way to obtain a crossover cable is to purchase a pre-built cable at a local computer store.  The pre-built cables are usually more expensive than self-built cables, but they usually offer somewhat greater reliability.  Pre-built cables also look better, since making a self-built cable involves cutting of the standard RJ-45 cable.

Building a crossover cable:
1.  Obtain a standard RJ-45 cable of a desired length.
2.  Cut the cable into two pieces anywhere along the cable, as long as there is at least a foot of cable on both sides of the cut.
3.  Cut off about 6 inches of the outer rubber on each cut end.   Using wire strippers, take off the outer covering of the orange, orange-white, green, and green-white cables on both pieces of the cut cord.
4.  Connect the orange-white to green-white, green-white to orange-white, orange to green, green to orange
5.  Using electrical tape cover the exposed metal and use the tape to strenghten the bond between the two pieces of the cut cable.
6.  Plug the cable into the network cards, turn the computers on, if there is a green light on the network cards, it's a good sign.  If not, doublecheck your connections.
7.  Configure your operating system, internet connection sharing software, file/printer sharing, etc. as specified in the help files, or the users manual.

ENJOY!!!

 

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