ok, ok, fine i admit it, today while building my web server / *nix router, i connected it with Straight Through / patch cables & wondered why i couldn't ping my IPCOP box from my desktop box :doh: what's even more annoying is i knew i would need crossover cables so, yes, it's official, i'm a plank[ot]but at least i'm good at it[/ot]BTW: ordered 3 crossovers cos i only need 2 so i'll have a spare for future troubleshooting