Resolved Problem with network connection using Y-adapter

Hello

I'm trying to run an experimental installation of Mythbuntu, having both the front-end and back-end computers on my desktop (while I try out all the ins and outs, debug, etc). Once I'm assured it'll run I'll position the two machines in different rooms each with its own network connection.

With both machines together they need to share the one and only network wall-jack available, and for this purpose I bought a '100 Y Adapter' (mfr: Full Enterprise Corp.).

For some reason, they refuse to share the connection. I've found that of the two ports only one at a time will carry a signal, and whichever machine I plug into that port can connect to the internet. But not both at once, which was the whole point.

The two ports are colour-coded, blue and red respectively, and it's the red one that carries a signal. No doubt the colour-coding conveys some information - but not to me!

Is anyone able to suggest what the explanation/solution is, please?

 

Hi Steve,

You're fortunate to live somewhere you can have access to such goodies at such a price.

To buy the same thing where I live would probably cost at least twice the amount (including VAT at 23%!). And for what I actually need it for it looks like overkill - which at that dollar price mightn't matter but at twice the amount would.

So I'm still hoping for other ideas but, meanwhile, thanks anyway.

And Happy New Year!

 

I'm guessing the wiring behind the wall jack is the problem

1 jack, 1 connection.

A cheap switch/router between the wall jack and PC's is the only solution I can think of other than going wireless.

 

@ wildfire,

I imagine your guess is spot-on.

But assuming that's the case, would a cheap switch/router be any help? Presumably, only one of the two computers would be able to be switched to be connected to the network at any one time and the other one would be switched out? Because of the wiring, as you said.

I'd be interested to know your response to this, for future reference.

But meanwhile I think I've solved my immediate problem by a different route. I came across a crossover cable I'd forgotten I had. Since for the purpose of simulating my Mythbuntu setup all I need is for the two machines to be interconnected this should fit the bill. Fingers crossed

 

Erm, answering your questions back to front

A normal ??? network cable should be able to handle two connections (I stress should & normal ) but when you start to mix n' match (x-over v straight thru) you will run into trouble.

Regarding the switch, that's his job you needn't worry about it. Actually the switch wouldn't care about your (straight through) cable, all it would care about is what traffic is coming in or out and redirect appropriately.

 

I think I may have caused us to be at cross-purposes.

For clarity: I'm only temporarily utilising the X-over cable, while I play around with Mythbuntu running on both machines (interconnected) on the same desktop, whilst neither is connected to the network via the wall-connection (both machines have only a single RJ-45 connection apiece anyway).

Previously, I was trying to interconnect them via the network by connecting both of them to it (or so I had thought) using the splitter but - as you already know - this didn't work. In hindsight I can see that this always was a non-starter and that using the X-over cable was the right way to go for this (temporary) purpose.

I understand that. Just to be absolutely clear, it is the case (isn't it?) that with a switch only one of the two machines would be able to connect to the network at any one time?