On Mon, 2002-03-25 at 17:56, Rob VanFleet wrote: > Sorry this has nothing to do with Debian, but I'm at a loss as to where > else to ask (if it matters, both machines are running Debian <g>). > > I am looking to connect two machines, one will be connected to the > outside network, the other connected to it via a second NIC. I really > don't want to use a switch for just two machines, but I am wondering if > a crossover cable has any speed disadvantages as opposed to a small > switch. These machines will constantly be transferring data, so I would > like the connection to be as fast as possible (limited by the NICs to > 100 Mbs).
The switch will probably be *slower* that the crossover. Depends on which layer the switch operates and its modes of forwarding (cut through, store and forward, etc). Basically a switch has to do work on the packets to shuffle them around. A cross over cable doesn't. Its just the two computers going hammer and tongs. Of course theres collisions. But switch <-> Computer has collisions too. Anyway. You'll find a switch slower (Its really trivial. Because they are both really fast). Kind Regards Crispin Wellington -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]