Networking a Compact Classic to a modern machine — #15

Post #15 by louiscox

Source Forum	Networking a Compact Classic to a modern machine — #15
Category	Networking
Post Date	Fri, 10 Oct 2014 - 16:26
Original URL	https://68kmla.org/bb/threads/networking-a-compact-classic-to-a-modern-machine.356/

Post

Paralel said:
Switches say they do 10/100/1000, but they forget to mention that the switch most likely requires autonegotiation, which was a feature that was added much later than when most of these compact mac ethernet adapaters were made. The switch sends an autonegotiation request to the Mac, the Mac says "Duh" and doesn't respond, The switch tries a few more times, Mac still says "Duh", and the switch decides since the device didn't respond to autonegotiation it is obviously broken, not working correctly, or not compatible, and just ignores the Mac, all the while the Mac is thinking "When are we going to establish a link here?"

The only way around this is to get a switch that either allows for physical setting of the mode via a hardware switch (so, a pre-autonegotiation switch that required manual mode setting) [Note: Some modern switches will allow you to set the mode in software. 99% of the time this still will not work] or an old 10BaseT switch that only does 10BaseT so here is no need any any negotiation since the it only does one speed.

OK,

So if I wanted the Classic connect to the internet I could connect my ethernet cable thats the input on my existing switch into the 10BaseT old hub? - this would of course disconnect my modern mac from the internet. Probably not a long term solution.

Following on from this, if I bought an old iMac G3 could I connect both machines via a 10BaseTHub?

Also - could I stick a modern switch between the router and the 10BastT Hub, disconnect my iMac ( if I bought one ) and connect my modern Mac and the iMac via my new switch?

Im assuming the iMac would just connect to the internet relatively simply with a modern switch?

many thanks

Many thanks