MCSE Simple and Cheap Ethernet Network

Building a Simple (and Cheap)
Ethernet Network

Any of these methods will work:

Use a hub

Use ThinWire

Flipped cable

Buy a kit containing 1 or 2

Using a Hub

Four port Ethernet hub (about $100) These are known as 'mini-hubs' and fall into the category of 'unmanaged' hubs. That is why they are so cheap.

Two (or more) network drop or station cables with RJ-45 connectors ($6 each)

Two network adapter cards (NIC) ($20 each)

Using ThinNet Coax (10Base2)

A segment of ThinWire with BNC connectors installed on both ends (long enough to connect between the two stations) (about $15)

Two T-connectors ($3.50 each)

Two terminators ($3 each)

Using a Flipped Cable

Provided that your network adapters are equipped with RJ45 connectors (and almost all current Ethernet cards have this type of connector), you can connect two computers with a special flipped cable -- without having to use a hub.

Sources:

AlTex Electronics
10705 Metric
Austin, TX 78758
512 832 9131

AlTex a good source In Austin of cables, connectors, and other small electrical parts. (I don’t use them for anything larger.)

Any of the discount clone computer retailers have $20 Ethernet cards, but to purchase a hub you may need to mail order.

For mail order networking,

Creative Computers DataCom Mall
1 800 898 DATA

DataCom Mall offers most networking accessories: cables, hubs, cards. They don’t list the ‘flipped’ patch cable in the catalog, but if you ask they probably have one.

Building a Flipped Cable

We use to recommend – and describe – building a ‘flipped’ cable, but you probably should just buy this instead of wasting time building it yourself. They are widely available and cost ONLY $5-10 and the parts will probably cost almost that much.)

Buying a Kit

LINKSYS sells a home networking kit for $79 that includes everything you need to network 2 computers (2 adapter cards, T's, terminators, cable).

Phone (714) 261-1288
Fax (714) 261-8868
BBS (714) 261-2888
http://www.linksys.com

They didn't have the prices listed but be aware their are several versions of the kit:
ThinWire vs. Hub, and ISA vs. PCI bus.

ThinWire PCI
Location	Part Number	Phone Number
Best Buy	#3022221	See your phone book
CompUSA	#146379	See your phone book
Egghead	#11959684	1-800-EGGHEAD
Elek-Tek	#187288	1-800-395-1000
Fry's Electronics	#429860	See your phone book
Micro Center	#457721	1-800-634-3478
CDW	#79796	1-800-290-4239
Elek-Tek	#187288	1-800-395-1000

The Hub version:
Location	Part Number	Phone Number
Ingram Micro	#915655	(800) 456-8000
Ingram (Canada)	#915655	(800) 668-3450
Tech Data	#443812	(800) 237-8931