Re: Connecting to Ethernet

[Jack Friess <jfriess@wctc.net>]

Thanks Tony, Greg and ALL for this discussion.  Especially for this:

>  de> The type of cable isn't conclusive - 10Base-T cables have enough wires
>  de> to run a serial connection, though it would be rather confusing to use
>  de> the same wiring for two physically incompatible connections.
> 
> We have this kind of arrangement at work, and one has to go back to the
> main hub to determine if the port is connected to an Ethernet or a
> serial interface.  While confusing, I suppose the up side is that the
> same cable can be quickly reconneccted to take a different kind of
> workstation (e.g. upgrading from a dumb terminal to TCP/IP machine).

With our Apple II Email network, we're planning on using CAT-5 to each 
of the classrooms.  There it will be used for: 1) LocalTalk, 2) 
Ethernet, or 3) serial.  At the wiring closet the feeds will connect 
to the Linux server through 1) a LocalTalk card (Macs), 2) an Ethernet 
hub (PCs and some Macs on Ethernet) or, 3) a 16-port patch panel 
(Apples on serial connection).  Based on the confusion you expressed 
above, I will make sure we figure out a way to clearly identify these 
cables at the workstaion site--to quickly and easily know whether the 
use is Ethernet, Localtalk, or serial.

Jack Friess
Stevens Point, Wisconsin, USA