Ethernet networking issue

[Jayems]

Hope someone can help. I assume it's pretty simple.

I recently moved offices and I have my work computer and my personal laptop which I use. Now previously, I was near the central hub that had a ton of ports, so I just ran a separate ethernet cord to my laptop. But in the new office, I can't do that. I only have 1 outlet.

I brought in a little hub (OfficeConnect Hub TP4) and thought that would solve my problem, but it didn't. Wouldn't connect to the network.

My other thought was I could just go buy a junky wireless modem and plug it in across the hall and that should work. Is there anything else I could be trying?

/noob question

[DuffMan]

I would think OfficeConnect Hub TP4 should work even though I am not sure what it is. Otherwise get a 5 port workgroup switch.

[Slacker]

Does the hub (3Com I suspect) has a uplink/normal button? If so, make sure you have the button pressed and the network cable going to the network in to the port that has the uplink button. Make sure you get a link and after that, connect your work and personal computer.

[Jayems]

There's a button on the back that says 'MDI/X 4' I pressed it, nothing changed. The hubs light up solid green when I plug a ethernet cord in, but doesn't do squat.

[CKPThunder]

I don't know where you work and what type of network your office has but this device sounds like a 10Mb hub which was common back in the early and mid 1990's. I don't think I could handle running my PC on a 10Mb network anymore. Just get yourself a $10 100Mb switch or a $50 Gigabit switch and save yourself a lot of time and grief.

[Slacker]

Originally Posted by Jayems

There's a button on the back that says 'MDI/X 4' I pressed it, nothing changed. The hubs light up solid green when I plug a ethernet cord in, but doesn't do squat.

Try connecting only one device at the time and see how it goes. If that doesn't work, try getting one of those small switches some of the posters have said in here.

[Jayems]

Alright. So I went to the source to pick up a switch. THe cheapest one was $25 and the guy there said the switch HAS to be plugged directly into the Router.

Now it just dawned on me that I could somehow find out which cord is connected to the router from my office in the mass of wires and plug that into the switch.

Is there any other way? I assumed I could just plug the switch into the wall outlet and run a pair of cords off that.

[Rathji]

The switch doesn't have to be, unless for some reason your office is using all unmanaged switching equipment that is already 2 or 3 levels deep.

If it is, just take your IT guy out and shoot him.

If for some reason it doesn't work right out of the box, then start to think about what might be causing problems.

[Jayems]

We don't have an IT guy per se. It comes into the modem, which goes to a bigger network looking box thing that then links into what I assume is a massive switch with about 30 cords plugged into it... and of course none are labeled.

[Rathji]

You should be fine.

I am guessing it goes from your modem to the router to your switch and directly to where your PC plugs into the wall.