i have two computers with three network cards. one of the computers is connected to the Internet through cablemodem and working well. i want to connect two computers but no light on cards and a red cross which says networkcable is not connected i get. they are quite well installed. im wondering what is a crossover cable? im using the cable which is designed for connecting a cable modem to network card. I guess it's ok with the cable coz i couldn't find any other cable recommended by the XP website. would you write me the difference between the crossover cable or the cable which is used for cablemodem? thanks,

In a network connection, you have four wires that are used: Rx + Rx - Tx + Tx - Every network card has these connections at the same pin. (ie: 1,2,3,6...respectively) PC 1 PC 2 Rx + ------------- Rx + Rx - ------------- Rx - Tx + ------------- Tx + Tx - ------------- Tx - As you can see, that will not work...you cannot transmit (Tx) to a transmitter (Tx). So, a crossover cable is needed for two NICs to talk: PC 1 PC 2 Rx + ------------- Tx + Rx - ------------- Tx - Tx + ------------- Rx + Tx - ------------- Rx - Now this allows the Transmitted signal (Tx) to reach a receiver (Rx). When connecting three network devices, you need a hub. A hub does the cross connections for you. Straight thru cables (pin for pin) need to be used with a hub. Crossover cable is only required when connecting 2 and only 2 devices....when you add a third, pull that cable and set it aside, get a hub and connect 3 straight thru cables and you will be good to go....now, to add more, just plug the other devices into an unused port on the hub. If you don't have anymore open ports, just just get a bigger hub, or just another one and plug the new hub into the link port on the old hub (usually the last port). I hope this cleared it up for you. Once you have 3 or more setup, then you won't worry about crossover cables anymore...you won't be using them.