Member Avatar for rgarcia05

Hi there, this is my setup I recently installed 3 PCs downstairs in my church. Upstairs in the office I have my dsl modem connected to my linksys router that has 2 PCs already connected. I ran CAT-5 cable from upstairs to downstairs, i just ran the cable i have not attached the RJ-45 clips to it. I bought a linksys 5-port switch for downstairs to connect the 3 PCs in order to be internet accessible. My question is the cable that i ran from the office upstairs to downstairs do i make that a crossover cable that plugs into the switch? Also to connect the 3 other PCs do I have to connect them with a crossover cable as well? I am unsure if i use a crossover cable or a straight-thru cable, your help and advice would be much appreciated to this confused individual, thanks!

  • 3 Contributors
  • 2 Replies
  • 112 Views
  • 21 Hours Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by DimaYasny

Dani AI

Generated

— the simplest, most reliable approach for what you described is to terminate the long CAT5 run using the same wiring standard on both ends (TIA‑568B is the common choice) and then use short patch leads at each end to hook PCs and the switch. and touched on auto-sensing behavior in modern kit; below are concrete, practical steps and checks to make the installation robust.

Basic termination and test checklist

  • Pick one standard (TIA‑568B) and use it at both ends so the run is a straight-through cable. See the wiring diagrams in the TIA‑568 reference for pair order ().
  • Use solid-core cable for in-wall runs and RJ45 connectors or keystone jacks rated for solid wire. Keep pair twists intact up to the termination and avoid untwisting more than 1/2 inch.
  • Crimp (or punch down) carefully, then verify every conductor with a simple cable tester to confirm continuity and correct pair order. A failed test is faster to diagnose than guessing with devices.
  • Observe link/activity LEDs after connecting. If a link doesn’t come up, swap ports, test the patch leads, and try a known-good short cable to isolate the problem.

Notes about switch/router behavior and older gear

  • Many consumer NICs and switches support Auto MDI‑X (automatic crossover detection), but older hubs/switches may need the uplink port or a physical crossover cable to link two switches. For background on Auto MDI‑X and crossover wiring, see Auto MDI-X and Ethernet crossover cable.
  • If unsure about the exact Linksys switch model, check its manual for “auto MDI‑X” or “uplink” notes before fabricating special cables. Also keep runs under 100 meters to meet Ethernet limits.

Following those steps will avoid guesswork and make the downstairs PCs reliably reachable from the router upstairs.

Recommended Answers

All 2 Replies

Member Avatar for Member #127113

Its better if you go with straight because cross connection only applied in direct PC to PC. Also switch will automatically recognise the input and output. For colour code information search in Google.

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

generally you connect two hubs with a cross cable. but the new switches are capable of recognizing the cable and work with straight cables.

pc to switch is always a straight cable.

p.s. your router's four lan ports are a switch as well, of course.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.