CAT6 Cabling for computer to computer

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

I guess I wouldn't be able to use an old wireless modem as a switch could I?

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

I guess I wouldn't be able to use an old wireless modem as a switch could I? I got a wireless modem here with 4 ports on it. Don't need the internet bit on it as the main computer already has a wireless link to my house computer.

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by Astroman

I guess I wouldn't be able to use an old wireless modem as a switch could I? I got a wireless modem here with 4 ports on it. Don't need the internet bit on it as the main computer already has a wireless link to my house computer.

The answer has to be "maybe". The software in the modem may or may not let the two computers communicate without a working uplink, and you have to get the configuration right in the PC with the wireless link to the house.

Can you put together a diagram with all the devices? Something along these lines. My two laptops still put up a fight about having two network links.

[Poita (Peter)]

Originally Posted by Astroman

Hi all,

When I hear about people using a CAT6 cable between computers in an obs or whatever, what type of cabling are you using, a normal CAT6 Patch Cable or a Crossover Patch cable?

Also is there a way to use a standard Cat6 patch cable to connect the computers for remote use? ie. I want a small computer in obs to do the telescope control, image capture (onto the inside computers HDD) etc..., and use the inside computer to do the image processing.. Is there a way around this?

Yes, with just two computers you can do this with just a standard CAT6 cable or a crossover cable (all my computers auto detect and will use either YMMV).
It is just a matter of setting the IP addresses and sharing the relevant folders, and you can use remote access software (free) that will allow you to control either computer from the other if you don't want to get out of your chair!

Otherwise, as mentioned, get a small 5 port gigabit switch for $28
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?..._331&vk_sort=1

You may as well get a gigabit switch at that price. It will work with 10/100 anyway, and if you do move to gigabit the file transfer speed is way way faster. If they are desktops then Gigabit cards for them are about $10 each.
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?..._328&vk_sort=1

[alistairsam]

Originally Posted by Astroman

I guess I wouldn't be able to use an old wireless modem as a switch could I? I got a wireless modem here with 4 ports on it. Don't need the internet bit on it as the main computer already has a wireless link to my house computer.

Hi,

Sure you can. as long as you don't connect it to the WAN port.
the 4 ports are usually a switch or a hub, so no reason you can't use it as it'll work at layer 2. you could easily test it and will save you buying one.
what's the make and model of the wireless modem?

Cheers

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

It looks like our old modem was given away to someone so I dont have it anymore. Was looking forward to trying this out. Looks like I am going to have to get a switch.

[alistairsam]

hi

have you checked if you can get a 4m crossover?

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

Not yet will check on weekend. Had some health issues so will check it out then.

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by alistairsam

have you checked if you can get a 4m crossover?

You might find a small gigabit switch is cheaper than a cross-over. They sure known how to charge for less common cables.

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

Jaycar have a 10M CAT5e crossover lead for $16.