Link 3 Pcs With 2 Cat5 Cables...

[4th gen]

Is it possible to link three pcs using just two cat5 cables (no hub)?
The central pc will have 2 ethernet ports, so is it possible to link PC number one to 2 and number 3 to two with cat5 cables? Thus, numbers one and three will not be directly linked...

Is this possible and if so, is it reasonably easy?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice :)

[ilw]

xp has a software bridge built in so you can link 2 (or more) networks on a pc with 2 or more network connections http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/windows-xp-bridge.asp
never used it so thats about the limit of my knowledge.

[delphin460]

um , the cat 5 cables need to be crossconnect ( crossover cables ) , not standard cables

its will not work if you try it with standard network cables

[firefox]

It is possible, you will need to either buy or make some cross over cables. You could buy them some where online I am sure, or if you have a cable making kit you could make some. Use this to make a cross-over cable.

http://www.mackfam.com/gifs/patchcable.jpg


Disclaimer: Before anyone says that it is wrong, there are may different color combinations you could use to make the cross over cable, just depends where you put the colors and how you arrange them. This is just the combination I have memorized and I know it works.

EDITED: Inserted Picture

[lynx]

Just to add to what firefox said, that order is looking at the RJ45 plug with the clip away from you and the metal contact pins at the top.
http://www.educ.utas.edu.au/users/afluck/ict/MangOrg/w7/rj45.gif

[4th gen]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Lamsey managed to make it work using bridging :)