SSFWRX

iTrader: (10)

I need some networking help.

Scenario is like this:
You have a building with Cat5 jacks installed in every room that go to a series of rack mounted switches that are housed in one room.
Your goal is to make a direct link between jacks in separate rooms at the switches.
Are the ports on the front of the switches a way to direct link 2 different drops?
All the wall outlets and the ports on the switches are labeled so you know which is which.

If its possible to simply connect from Port A to Port B on the front of the switch using a piece of cable, is a crossover cable needed?

Imagine using existing wiring to link 2 computers in separate rooms, but the hardware on the rack cannot interfere with the signal. The signal must pass seamlessly from one room to another.

Anyone help?

mcowger

iTrader: (8)

Sure. Depends on what you have in the cabling room.

If you have cables coming out and terminating directly into the switches, unplug the cable from the switch for each one, and connect them together with a simple coupler: Like this.

If they come into a patch panel, disconnect the cables from the patch panel to the switch, then use a cross over cable to connect 1 patch panel port to the other.

Only problem with this technique is that you can end up exceeding the spec for the distance that cat5 is supposed to run (100M). Most gear can handle going over this a little bit, but some low power gear (hand helds with ethernet ports, for example, or USB ethernet devices) sometimes has trouble.

SSFWRX

iTrader: (10)

In the cabling room there are wires hardwired into the rear of each port. The ports on the front of the switches are completely empty.

If I want to jump directly from a port on one switch to a port on the other do i use a crossover or a standard cable?

I dont think there is a patch panel. This is a school network installed by the school district, but the property is leased to a private school. The network is basically unused...its a kindergarten/preschool.

ldivinag

iTrader: (3)

if it was done THE RIGHT WAY, then patch cables are all you need.

do you have access to cable testers and stuff?

SSFWRX

iTrader: (10)

I take it back....the ports that I said were labeled are on patch panels....so what do I have to do to make a straight jump from one room to another

I will just buy a cable tester...shouldnt be a big deal.

Racenut

iTrader: (1)

If they are patch panels, you should only need a Crossover cable. This is assuming you want to connect a PC to another PC at the other end up the cable.

If you are connecting something else, then a straight patch cable may work or be required.

Crossover is
1 - 3
2 - 6
3 - 1
6 - 2

4,5,7,8 don't really matter, but should be wired straight through.

SSFWRX

iTrader: (10)

i am connecting a device at each end that hooks up to video cameras....surveillance type. No PC involved. Each end needs to be exactly what the other end sees.

So is it a crossover or straight?

Racenut

iTrader: (1)

Sounds more like straight to me.

Did the devices come with a short cable? How is it wired? Actually, you should be able to use that cable(if it was included) at the patch panel, incase it's got some cross or reverse going on.

mcowger

iTrader: (8)

Straight jump from 1 to another.....use a regular cable. If that doesn't work, try crossover - exactly whats needed would depend on the specific items being used....not like a crossover patch cable is expensive.

SSFWRX

iTrader: (10)

gotcha buddy....i got my hands on a cable tester also