networking - is dsl the problem?

[bobo]

I have bookmarked your excellent correspondence with Murdama for when I get to internet sharing, but right now I can't even get the basic network for file sharing going. I have assigned the computer names, the network i.d.'s (different i.p.'s & identical subnet masks); I have carefully installed the cards and the d-link software, checked the cable for a firm connection; I've marked the folders to share - but still no connection between computers. The LAC connection has red X through it and the cursor flags a "Network cable unplugged" message. As far as I can tell I've followed all the manual instructions and run the dos diagnostic which said the card was fine but that there was a disconnection.

I'm wondering if the NIC in the ADSL modem is interfering? Just a wild guess - device manager shows no problems. Or is it a defective cable (brand new)? Or have I forgotten a step - am I supposed to map drives or search for computers or ...?

I'd appreciate your thoughts for a newbie.

[will2041]

Hi there! Welcome to CTH. Could you clarify a little on your setup? I assume you have two or more computers plugged into a router and a DSL modem also hooked into the router? Or are you using a direct connection between two computers and one has a modem in it? At any rate, be sure you have the computers in the same workgroup. Please post back with your network configuration! :D

[bobo]

Thanks.

I don't have a router. I bought a second computer and installed an ethernet card to network it for file and internet sharing. The INTERNAL dsl in my original computer is also a NIC. I installed an ethernet card in it as well, so yes, there is a direct connection between computers and one modem.

I am told this should work. I hope you can get me there! After two days of hard drive failure on the new computer, loss of cd-roms on my old one (horrible fate with NTFS - curses on Roxio for their registry keys and thanks to Cybertech forums for solving it), inability to reformat C in Win2K or set up the network, I feel like I'm crawling through the wires myself in a cyber version of Fantastic Voyage! Only it ain't so fantastic. HAAALLLLPPPPP!!!!

Hi there! Welcome to CTH. Could you clarify a little on your setup? I assume you have two or more computers plugged into a router and a DSL modem also hooked into the router? Or are you using a direct connection between two computers and one has a modem in it? At any rate, be sure you have the computers in the same workgroup. Please post back with your network configuration! :D

[errolo]

"Or is it a defective cable (brand new)?"

Important question here. If the two PC's are connected thru their respective NICs and not a router/hub, the cable must be of a "crossover" type. Is this the case or is this a straight cable that you purchased. If the cable is not pinned to be a crossover cable there will be no talking between the two PCs via the NICs.

[bobo]

This sounds promising. It is an "enhanced cat5e patch cable type cm 24awg/4p etl verified to tia/eia 568a (ul) c(ul). Does that tell you which it is? I can check at the store later, of course, if this doesn't tell you. But it looks like 4 pin, so you may know.

"Or is it a defective cable (brand new)?"

Important question here. If the two PC's are connected thru their respective NICs and not a router/hub, the cable must be of a "crossover" type. Is this the case or is this a straight cable that you purchased. If the cable is not pinned to be a crossover cable there will be no talking between the two PCs via the NICs.

[will2041]

I believe errolo has it here. The fact that the cable says "Patch" on it would indicate that it is of the "straight through" configuration. I suggest you go to a local computer store and ask for a crossover cable. At the very worst you lost a little $ :D

[errolo]

This sounds promising. It is an "enhanced cat5e patch cable type cm 24awg/4p etl verified to tia/eia 568a (ul) c(ul). Does that tell you which it is? I can check at the store later, of course, if this doesn't tell you. But it looks like 4 pin, so you may know.

Nah, not much to me anyway. Try to look at the cable ends. If you can see the wire colors, try to make out their order. If the color order is the same on both ends of the cable then it is most likely straight through and not a crossover.

[bobo]

Nah, not much to me anyway. Try to look at the cable ends. If you can see the wire colors, try to make out their order. If the color order is the same on both ends of the cable then it is most likely straight through and not a crossover.

Thanks, gang. It is indeed a straight through cable and my vendor is cutting me a crossover tonight. I'll post back if that solves the problem tomorrow.

[bobo]

network works!

thanks all and Errolo for a simple solution.

[errolo]

network works!

thanks all and Errolo for a simple solution.

Sometimes simple is best. And you're most welcome.