TOPIC
I have two computers at home now. What hardware and software do I need to network them using Ethernet?
DISCUSSION The basics you will need are: Ethernet equipped Macintosh computers Appropriate cable Ethernet hub (optional) You must first determine whether your computers have Ethernet built-in, or will require an Ethernet card or adapter. The easiest method is to look at the ports on your computer. The Ethernet port, if you have one, will be represented by an icon that looks similar to this: <...>. Ethernet can use different types of cabling, the most common of which is twisted-pair, also called 10BaseT. Newer Macintosh computers have built-in support for 10BaseT Ethernet which uses an RJ45 port similar to a phone jack, only larger. Early PowerMacintosh and Quadras had an AAUI (Apple Attachment Unit Interface) port (rectangular shaped) for Ethernet, which requires a transceiver. A transceiver is a small box that adapts to the type of cabling you use. If you want to use twisted-pair cabling, you would need to get a twisted-pair transceiver for the computer with an AAUI port. Note: Some Power Macintosh computers shipped with both an AAUI and RJ45 port; you can use one or the other, but not both. If your computer is not currently set up to use Ethernet, you must purchase an adapter or card. Decide first what cabling you want to use, then purchase the appropriate card or adapter for your computer. You can use Apple's Tech Info Library if you are not sure what expansion slots (NuBus, PCI, Comm Slot) could be used for an Ethernet card for your computer. Next determine what type of cable you will be using. If you have a newer Mac with an RJ45 port, then it makes sense to use unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable. This is similar to telephone cable, with more wire inside. Thinnet is another alternative, but would only be advisable if both of your computers already had network interface cards that had BNC connectors (which are used for the thinnet cabling). Thinnet cable is similar to television coax cable though the internal structure and makeup of the wire is different and the two are NOT interchangeable. If you are using twisted-pair cabling, you must determine whether or not you want to purchase a hub. 10BaseT networks use a star topology, with all devices connecting to a hub. 5-port hubs can typically be purchased for under $50. However, if you have only two devices to connect, you can circumvent the need for the hub by using a special crossover 10BaseT cable. Such a cable can be purchased in electronics or computer equipment stores, or you can make one yourself. For information on the pin assignments for a 10BaseT Ethernet crossover cable, please see the following Tech Info Library article: Article 30722: " Ethernet: Crossover Cable Pinout " Be sure you do not purchase a straight 10BaseT cable because it will not work without a hub. The software you require may already be installed; if you are using Apple Ethernet hardware, then the Mac OS installer detects its presence and the drivers are automatically installed (just select "Ethernet" from the AppleTalk and TCP/IP control panels). If you are using a third-party card, you must obtain the drivers from the third-party and install them. Finally, You will need applications that will make use of the network. For example, Mac OS File Sharing will allow you to share files with AppleTalk. Personal Web Sharing will allow you to serve Web pages using TCP/IP. |
| Document Information | |
| Product Area: | Communications-Networking |
| Category: | LocalTalk-EtherTalk-Token Ring |
| Sub Category: | EtherTalk and Ethernet |
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