*BSD News Article 91913


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Path: euryale.cc.adfa.oz.au!newshost.carno.net.au!harbinger.cc.monash.edu.au!not-for-mail
From: David Henshaw <dhenshaw@silas.cc.monash.edu.au>
Newsgroups: comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.misc
Subject: Choice of Networking cards and cables
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 23:55:59 +1000
Organization: Monash University
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Hi All.

I'm looking into slipping a network interface into my PCs to create a
small network of initially two computers.  

I'll be looking at buying a board based around the NE2000 chipset.  
My questions is given the small size of my network (which will consist
of a FreeBSD box and a Win 95 machine) which type of cabling is the best
choice ?

The cards I'm looking at come with both RJ45 and BNC connectors.  So I
can use UTP or coaxial cable.  If I use UTP (which is cheaper) then I
either have to buy a hub or cross the transmit and receive pairs.  Of
course this seems a no win situation.  If I buy a hub then I have the
added flexability of being able to connected more devices.  This is on
the downside of an added expense.  Similarly, a crossover UTP wire does
not afford me this luxury, but saves me money.

My other option is the coaxial.  I assume I can use ThinNet (50 ohms) or
any similarly rated coaxial cable.  Although more expensive than the UTP
it means I can add devices as required using the appropriate BNC
connectors.

Has any one got some recommendations (or a pointer to a FAQ) ?

Thanx in advance.
David H.
dhenshaw@silas.cc.monash.edu.au