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From: brian@shift.lan.awfulhak.org (Brian Somers)
Newsgroups: comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.misc
Subject: Re: Choice of Networking cards and cables
Date: 1 Apr 1997 10:35:44 GMT
Organization: Awfulhak Ltd.
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Message-ID: <5hqoe0$gtn@ui-gate.utell.co.uk>
References: <3337D96F.48CE@silas.cc.monash.edu.au>
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In article <3337D96F.48CE@silas.cc.monash.edu.au>,
David Henshaw <dhenshaw@silas.cc.monash.edu.au> writes:
> 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) ?
I originally used coax, and eventually got pissed off enough to
switch to TP - reliability sucks with coax. If you've got enough
money, go the TP route - even if you initially use a null-modem'd
TP cable.
--
Brian <brian@awfulhak.org> <brian@freebsd.org>
<http://www.awfulhak.demon.co.uk>
Don't _EVER_ lose your sense of humour !