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Thread: Using PC as a Router to share internet: Laptop connects but Desktop PC doesn't

  1. #1
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    Unhappy Using PC as a Router to share internet: Laptop connects but Desktop PC doesn't

    Since I have 3 Network cards in my Desktop PC I've configured it to act as a Router using GNU/Linux Ubuntu Lucid in combination with Samba so I could share my internet connection. It works on any laptop a connect to it using any of the network cards ports [regardless of the operating system installed on the Laptops], but when I plug that same network cable to any Desktop PC [regardless of the operating System installed] it doesn't even light the LED in the netcards. From the Client PC seems like nothing is plugged in the the netcards. Any feed back on this issue?

    Edit:
    i'm using a crossover cable.
    Last edited by Angel_Caido; October 16th, 2010 at 04:20 AM.

  2. #2
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    Re: Using PC as a Router to share internet: Laptop connects but Desktop PC doesn't

    Sounds like you're using a network cable rather than a patch-cable...

  3. #3
    psusi is offline Ubuntu addict and loving it
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    Re: Using PC as a Router to share internet: Laptop connects but Desktop PC doesn't

    Yea, bad cable or bad network card.

    Technically you need to use a crossover cable to connect a card to another card instead of a switch, but most modern cards can detect this and automatically swap their polarity. Not all can though.

  4. #4
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    Re: Using PC as a Router to share internet: Laptop connects but Desktop PC doesn't

    I edited the original post to clarify that I'm using a crossover cable.
    The netcards in my PC work fine when I connect a Laptop to them, but if I connect a Desktop PC [with a working network card] to them that one PC won't connect to the internet at all.
    I've tried direct connection between those Desktop Pc and the cable modem and it works, but if a use my Desktop computer as a router they can't connect but laptops do. That's what makes it strange and I'm asking for help here.

  5. #5
    psusi is offline Ubuntu addict and loving it
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    Re: Using PC as a Router to share internet: Laptop connects but Desktop PC doesn't

    "Won't connect to the Internet" or doesn't get a link light? You seemed to say you weren't even getting a light before, which is a lot different than getting a link, and just not being able to browse to a web site.

  6. #6
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    Re: Using PC as a Router to share internet: Laptop connects but Desktop PC doesn't

    Edit 2:
    The Client's Network Card won't even light up when I plug the [Crossover] cable to my PC working as a Router. That same cable makes the network card light up and recognizes the network. I've read something about the Client's NetCard not supporting the "auto MDI/MDIX". Any Other Ideas?

  7. #7
    psusi is offline Ubuntu addict and loving it
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    Re: Using PC as a Router to share internet: Laptop connects but Desktop PC doesn't

    Sounds like the network card does not support automatic polarity detection and reversal, and you are not using a crossover cable.

  8. #8
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    Re: Using PC as a Router to share internet: Laptop connects but Desktop PC doesn't

    I repeat, I am using a crossover cable.
    I'm not sure if the client's network card supports automatic polarity detection and reversal, though. How could I find that out?
    Last edited by Angel_Caido; October 17th, 2010 at 07:28 AM.

  9. #9
    psusi is offline Ubuntu addict and loving it
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    Re: Using PC as a Router to share internet: Laptop connects but Desktop PC doesn't

    You check the manual. If you plug the card into a switch with that cable and it works, but doesn't if you plug it into another card that you know works, then it isn't a crossover cable.

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