Networking Cable for online gaming, how can I tell?

KaedesBlade

KaedesBlade

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I'm looking at this product:

<a href="http://www.neutronexpress.com/prod.cfm/145897" target="_blank">http://www.neutronexpress.com/prod.cfm/145897</a>

How can I tell if its a patch cable or a cross over cable? All I know is that I need a patch cable, but it doesn't say in their item description.

Any Ideas?
 
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Blaine

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That's fine.

Usually a cross-over cable is specifically labeled as such.
 
KaedesBlade

KaedesBlade

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Originally posted by Blaine:
<strong>That's fine.

Usually a cross-over cable is specifically labeled as such.</strong><hr></blockquote>

So if I buy this cable and connect it to my xbox, it will work? no problems?
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Blaine

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I don't know anything about getting an X-Box online or your current set-up.

All I'm saying is that is NOT a cross-over cable.
 
KaedesBlade

KaedesBlade

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Originally posted by Blaine:
<strong>I don't know anything about getting an X-Box online or your current set-up.

All I'm saying is that is NOT a cross-over cable.</strong><hr></blockquote>

ok, thanks. What are the differences between patch and cross-over?
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Blaine

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Originally posted by KaedesBlade:
<strong>

ok, thanks. What are the differences between patch and cross-over?</strong><hr></blockquote>

A "patch" is pretty much a regular CAT5 cable, only shorter.

A cross-over cable has the internal wires actually fliped on either end so, say it's a mythical 4 wire cable that looked like this.

My side:

wire1 (Data) wire 2 (Pizza) wire 3 (Lag) wire 4 (Tip)

it'd be twisted so your side would be...

wire1 (Tip) wire2 (Lag) wire3 (Pizza) wire4(Data).

This is the same way a Null Modem works, it basically takes the data coming out of my computer and redirects it into the proper "incoming" part of yours.

You can actually make a cross over cable with a cable kit very easily...just put one of the connectors on upside down, so when it's connected there will be a twist in the middle.
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candycab

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a cross over cable is built for only going between 2 pcs , here is what it says word for word on the back of my Belkin crossover cable package.
"This cable will provide superior network performance and can be used to connect a PC with an Ethernet 10/100Base-T card directly to a second 10/100Base-T without the need of a hub. It can also be used for hub to hub cascading applications whenever a crossover cable is required.This cable is not designed to go from a PC to a standard straight-through Catagory 5e cable."

In other words it wont work for what you want, but a standard cat 5e cable should work just fine. Which looks to me like you have found that in your link.
Actually I am assuming that you need standard cat 5e , like Blaine said , its hard to say without seeing your dsl/cable setup to begin with , is their routers , hubs etc in there ? Is it Direct tv/telocity dsl ? they use a crossover cable from the wall to the modem which looks like a standard cat 5e but is not and its not the same as the one I have mentioned above either.

[ December 11, 2002: Message edited by: candycab ]

[ December 11, 2002: Message edited by: candycab ]</p>
 
KaedesBlade

KaedesBlade

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I have a cable modem(Optimum Online), a line amplifier, and a router connecting 2 computers. If I connect another Cat5 cable to the router, will the cable signal weaken?

[ December 11, 2002: Message edited by: KaedesBlade ]</p>
 
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candycab

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Originally posted by KaedesBlade:
<strong>I have a cable modem(Optimum Online), a line amplifier, and a router connecting 2 computers. If I connect another Cat5 cable to the router, will the cable signal weaken?

[ December 11, 2002: Message edited by: KaedesBlade ]</strong><hr></blockquote>

Depends on the router , some will split the signal equally and some will just let them all run at whatever speed the connection is pulling if any at all.

But it sounds like a regular old piece of cat 5e is all you need.
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PESTILENT

PESTILENT

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Yeah, you want Cat 5 to hook your X Box up to a router.
Direct linking two X Boxes requires crossover cable, unless you link them through a hub or a router, then you need Cat 5.
I have never heard of a router weakening your signal.
 
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Shred

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Originally posted by candycab:
<strong>

Depends on the router , some will split the signal equally and some will just let them all run at whatever speed the connection is pulling if any at all.

But it sounds like a regular old piece of cat 5e is all you need.</strong><hr></blockquote>

A router does not weaken the signal it splits the bandwidth. Each RJ-45 port on A router/switch will have the same maximum distance it can be ran. Forget off hand exactly how far ethernet can be ran. So if you have a lot of computers or devices connected to one DSL/Cable modem and they are slow it is because you have used up all your bandwith. Has nothing to do with stgnal strength.
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Highlander67

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Kaede,

how long of a cable do you need? I have tons at home. If you pay for shipping, I could send you one out.
 
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Bluevoodu

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yup... that cable is the normal Cat 5 cable.
"Patch" cables are just 1-3 foot cables basically... there are no REAL differences between a normal and patch cable.


The only couple things you really need to worry about when buying cable (of course your category.... cat 5 vs cat 6...etc.) are that you make sure it is UTP (((unshielded twisted pair... this also can depend on the network you are running. Some networks use shielded and many different types. If you are running a network where there is a huge potential for signal interferences with other electrical items that you run the cable on... you might want to look into Shielded.))) and make sure it is wired for 10/100... otherwise you could have IP problems if you use only 100. Using only 10 has no serious consequences besides speed data transmission.

Hope this helps... maybe too informative :)

†B†V†
 
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Bluevoodu

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Originally posted by KaedesBlade:
<strong>I have a cable modem(Optimum Online), a line amplifier, and a router connecting 2 computers. If I connect another Cat5 cable to the router, will the cable signal weaken?

[ December 11, 2002: Message edited by: KaedesBlade ]</strong><hr></blockquote>


no.

Signal strength is measured on the line... in other words, every connection go from the hub has its own signal.... so as long as you don't extend over the 100M (I believe thats the length) you should be fine. Once you cross the 100M line.... your signal weakens... and your computersmight have trouble seeing the "100M+ computer." Your other computer will be able to see each other fine.

†B†V†
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Highlander67

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Originally posted by Bluevoodu:
<strong>


no.

Signal strength is measured on the line... in other words, every connection go from the hub has its own signal.... so as long as you don't extend over the 100M (I believe thats the length) you should be fine. Once you cross the 100M line.... your signal weakens... and your computersmight have trouble seeing the "100M+ computer." Your other computer will be able to see each other fine.

†B†V†</strong><hr></blockquote>

If your going past 300+ feet with Cat-5, then that is a problem in it'self. I would go wireless if your going that far and use a access point to extend the signal.
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