NTL Broadband & routers

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

Just bought a router and a 2nd PC but need to network them.

Router goes with the NTL modem in the living room and will plug straight into my main computer (cable already exists). To plug in 2nd PC I'm going to need a 20 M cable which I am making up myself but it's just been brought to my attention that I may need a crossover cable rather than a normal CAT5E standard networking cable.

Any ideas?
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Ian (GPX) · Brolly Dolly Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Karma :

Nope, you need a standard cable for the second PC.

The router - modem is also a standard cable (or should be).

I have Blueyonder broadband here and use a Motorola Modem (from Blueyonder) and a Linksys SR81 router, all the leads used here are standard, not one is a crossover cable.

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

Hi, that's what I thought, but someone at work seems to think NTL is different (I work for an electrical contractors) - I just wanted some definete confirmation that they are standard cables.

I am inclined to believe you mate as that's what I think too, but need 100% confirmation otherwise I'll have a 20 meter network cable with no use for Laughing

thanks for advice.
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silentmemory · Derestricted Danger Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Karma :

Shouldn't matter, I think most routers nowadays work with both types of cable. A crossover might actually be more use, since you could use it to link the PCs directly in future, or an xbox or something. Some routers have one ethernet port sharing the uplink port, meaning the socket nearest the one where you plug in the modem will be a crossover, while the other three could be straight patch cable jobbies.

R1stu · Shrek! Joined: 12 Mar 2003 Karma :

Check the back of the digibox! Most new NTL boxes have a built in crossover as well as routers.

So SW is all you would need. Look on the back of the digi box and see if there is an x on the ethernet port.
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Mr Pants! · I Karma Joined: 29 May 2004 Karma :

I have NTL and a router with 3 PC's all on standard cables.

No need for crossover.

Cool

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silentmemory · Derestricted Danger Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Karma :

Zero-G · Scooby Slapper Joined: 10 Sep 2002 Karma :

You shouldn't need a crossover cable. They are mainly used for connecting 2 pc's directly to each other or connecting 2 routers/hubs together.

Milo · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Karma :

Your main modem...is it USB or ethernet?
I've got a modem/router with 4 port switch - makes life so much easier! Smile

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Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

The main modem is ethernet but has a ethernet > USB convertor. My net is run from the usb (unwillingly) as I can't get the bastard thing to change over, I have the wrong disc I think, going to borrow my mates NTL disc when I install the router etc so that I can get the net working on my main pc with the ethernet instead of usb!
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Milo · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Karma :

You shouldn't need any software to control the modem/router.
Should be a case of typing in it's IP address and it'll take you to it's config page.
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Demonic69 · The Pink Rhino Joined: 31 May 2002 Karma :

Most ports on routers and NIC's are auto MDI/MDIX anyways so there's rarely a need for a x-over cable.
You may need to log onto NTL and register the MAC address of the router as it's connecting via ethernet and not USB. You can probably register up to five so get on with it on USB then register it, then change it over. As said the software will be on the router, just use the IP addy, something like 192.168.1.1 most likely. The MAC addy will either be written on it, be in the software or be changeable in the router settings.
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tgabber · Crazy Courier Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

Milo · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Karma :

I've never heard of needing to register the MAC address. There's no reason for your ISP to know that info - plus do modem's even have a MAC address - I thought that was just a ethernet thing.
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william · Nova Slayer Joined: 16 May 2004 Karma :

Hope you have got it set up from all the advice given.

It is nice to hear of at least one Company doing a modem with an ethernet port.

I ended up ditching my "free" USB modem and buying a modem, router and wireless access point.

William

Demonic69 · The Pink Rhino Joined: 31 May 2002 Karma :

No Milo, the Router or NIC has the MAC address and cable connections need that info to prove it's you connecting as there's no dialing at all.
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