My home network consists of 3-4 computers and an ADSL modem all connected one to the other with cross RJ45 cables, with no hubs. This was simplest at each point in time (it started with two computers and one cable and at each point I had enough network cards) but it's somewhat inconvenient because intermediate computers sometimes need to be up just to pass the packets.
So now I consider adding one or two hubs. But hubs need cables that are not crossed. Replacing all cables would cost a non-negligeble price. Besides one long cable passes inside the wall and replacing it is out of the question. I can re-solder all cables (or re-frob the connectors but I don't have the device that does it) but I'd rather avoid the trouble.
You're willing to re-solder/re-from Rj-45 cable to save the cost of buying new ones? Beni, if I ever open a garage startup I'm hiring you as a sysadmin ;-)))
Now for the answer:
Most hubs/switches have an "Uplink" port. Sometime it's a seperate port and sometime it's a port that can be switched from "normal" to "uplink" using a jumper.
In addition, at least my ADSL modem (Alcatel) actualy has "crossed" socket so that you can use a regular cable to connect it to the computer without a hub, which means one of your cables might already be a non crossed one.
So, assuming two hubs (with uplink ports), 3 computers and one ADSL modem (with a crossed port) I would:
a. Use 1 crossed cable to connect the two hubs via a normal (not an uplink!) port. I assume this would be the long cable passing via the wall.
b. Use the uplink port on each hub to connect one computer each using a crossed cable.
This means you only have to purchase 1 more regular cable to conect the remaining computer. Since it costs considerbly less then two hubs I believe it wont be an issue :-)
Hope this helps,
Gilad AKA "Cheap Bastard" :-)
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