We made the link work by plugging a cross-over patch cable into the existing wall plate which is connected to the server by a straight connection to the main hub. The RJ45 at the other end of the patch cable was then plugged into the loose wall plate of the link being tested.
The link consists of a loose wall plate, about 100 feet of CAT 5 to an RJ45.
The RJ45 end of the link was plugged into a switch which was in turn connected to the computer by a cross-over cable. We were able to connect to the internet and therefore thought that the link was OK.
Unfortunately this was not the configuration we required and when using the same link to connect from a hub or switch, and then via a cross-over connection to a computer, it could not be made to work.
This particular installatio was done as a favour for a friend and has been a complete learning experience. We have never had so many problems in the past and would now advise anybody not to invest in anything related to copper.

Would be most grateful for any advice.

 

Stop using all those cross-over patch cables. Most modern Ethernet switches and computer interfaces have autosense to make crossover cables unnecessary. Somewhere in your system, there is an interface that does not sense the type
of cable. Older Ethernet hubs do not have autosense, but instead perform the crossover function with internal wiring. Another reason to avoid hubs and use nothing but autosense switches. A full network can be connected without any crossover cables if you use a switch.

Dick Caro
============================================
Richard H. Caro, CEO
CMC Associates
2 Beth Circle, Acton, MA 01720
Tel: +1.978.635.9449 Mobile: +1.978.764.4728
Fax: +1.978.246.1270
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.CMC.us
============================================

 

Seems like a lot of work to avoid simply reterminating.
Some hubs and switches have a crossed over port or two
as a convenience. But this is so prevalent that many cards
hubs and switches now simply reconfigure themselves to
match when the wrong cable is used. You paid for the
learning, why give up on copper now?

Regards

cww

 

Crossover cables are the spawn of the devil.

Use only straight thru horizontal cabling and patch cables and let the
switches/routers sort it out.

Best,
B.O. Oct. 8, 2003
--
Robert Old, System Architecture, [email protected]
Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., Building Automation
1000 Deerfield Pkwy., Buffalo Grove, IL 60089-4513 USA
Phone: +1(847)941-5623, Fax: +1(866)699-0126