Dumb basic question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Joe Shulkin
  • Start date Start date
J

Joe Shulkin

Ok - I'm almost embarrassed to post this - it's probably
on the level of "does the computer need to be plugged in
to work," - but here goes. I've networked two computers
together in my home office. They both have standard
10/100 LAN cards. I have no problems with the
connection, but I'm only getting the lower speed. Is my
problem most likely that the cables I bought only
accomodate the 10 speed, and that I need a cable
specifically for the faster speed in order to get it?
 
Unless your cable is not wired correctly. Did you just buy
it at a store or have you had it for 7 years or so? If
under 7 years it should not be a problem.
Dave
 
If you are using CAT 5 or higher cable ( CAT 5E, CAT6 ), it is rated for at
least 10 / 100 Mbps. The cards are auto-negotiating. Are you using a hub?
switch? crossover?

The hub or switch will determine the speed at which the cards will connect.
I find Auto negotiation just one more unneeded piece to an already large and
oft times complex puzzle. Hard code the speed and duplex to what you want.
Remember though that a hub allows only half-duplex. Again though you are
limited by what the hub or switch is rated. so if they are 10 Mbps, then
you can only connect at 10 Mbps. if using a cross-over, then both ends of
the link should be set to the same speed, and full duplex ( 100 Mbps full )
 
"Joe Shulkin" said:
Ok - I'm almost embarrassed to post this - it's probably
on the level of "does the computer need to be plugged in
to work," - but here goes. I've networked two computers
together in my home office. They both have standard
10/100 LAN cards. I have no problems with the
connection, but I'm only getting the lower speed. Is my
problem most likely that the cables I bought only
accomodate the 10 speed, and that I need a cable
specifically for the faster speed in order to get it?
Click to expand...

All of the network equipment -- LAN cards, cables, hub, switch,
router, etc -- must support the 100 speed. If any component doesn't,
the speed will drop back to 10. An improperly wired cable might only
work at 10.

See if the LAN cards are configured for a particular speed, as shown
here:

Windows XP Network Troubleshooting - Problems with Network Cards
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/troubleshoot/networkcard.htm
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
Are the computers connected to a hub? What speed does the
hub run at? I only ask this because you mentioned cables
(plural) If the hub is a 10mb hub then it will run at the
lower speed.
 
Yep. That's it. Thank you. Boy do I feel stupid.
-----Original Message-----
Are the computers connected to a hub? What speed does the
hub run at? I only ask this because you mentioned cables
(plural) If the hub is a 10mb hub then it will run at the
lower speed.
.
Click to expand...
 
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