Apple Ethernet Workgroup Hub - Cables Needed?

[LaPorta]

At VCF Midwest, I picked up this neat little Apple Ethernet 10T/5 Workgroup Hub that had found its way into the free stuff pile. After reading up on it, it appears that it can function basically as a mini-hub for a bunch of Macs...which is exactly what I would need if I was going to, say, link five Power Macs for LAN style gaming over AppleTalk at next year's fair (darn, I gave it away...). The manual for this thing says I need twisted pair ethernet cable to use it. My recollection serves that that just means "regular" ethernet cables, and that crossover is the term for the other type that can directly connect one machine to another with one cable. Is that correct?

 

[beachycove]

Regular Ethernet cabling is all you need, assuming we are talking of the same dongle. Looks like an oversized AAUI transceiver.

 

[cheesestraws]

Yup an ordinary straight-through ethernet cable like you'd use to plug into a hub or switch will do you fine.

 

[robin-fo]

Apple Ethernet 10T/5 Workgroup Hub

I didn‘t even know these existed

 

[Durosity]

I didn‘t even know these existed

They’re pretty cool devices. From memory they were also powered by the AAUI port, so you could just leave the plugged into an always on device like a ANS or a laserwriter and then everyone would just connect directly to that without any hassle of extra power supplies.

 

[LaPorta]

I didn‘t even know these existed

Neither did I, except for a post I saw on here a few months ago. I saw it in the pile and just decided "hey, why not?"

 

[finkmac]

they're somewhat "rare". as previous folks have mentioned, it'll run off an AAUI Mac.. I've used mine that way a long time ago.

 

[Reasons.]

Glad you're enjoying it! Was hoping someone would put it to use; it was just sitting in a box in my storage room.

 

[olePigeon]

I have one. Never used it, though, cuz I have my trusty old Netgear.

 

[LaPorta]

Wondering if one can use an old switch with this to add ports if need be.

 

[Fizzbinn]

Wondering if one can use an old switch with this to add ports if need be.

Sure, other than the somewhat unique (cool IMHO) way it connects to and is powered by one host via AAUI it’s just an Ethernet hub.

I wonder if Asante manufactured this for Apple, it’s a lot like their “NetEXtender 5 Port Hub“ just with AAUI instead of AUI:

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[olePigeon]

I think it was purpose-built for Apple Internet Router and/or AppleShare IP.