Please explain why an RJ45 splitter won't work

No; in half-duplex mode (which is the condition assumed in the post), frame reception during frame transmission is *the definition* of a collision. In full-duplex mode, that same condition (receive while transmitting) is *not* defined as a collision. That's the difference.

There will indeed be collisions in a two-station LAN implemented through a crossover cable. Collisions are guaranteed any time both stations have one or more frames in their transmit queue at the same time.

-- Rich Seifert Networks and Communications Consulting 21885 Bear Creek Way (408) 395-5700 Los Gatos, CA 95033 (408) 228-0803 FAX

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No "ghost". A collision is defined as two stations attempting to transmit on the same half-duplex link at the same time. This can occur (and does, often) with a two-station *half-duplex* link implemented through a crossover cable. That crossover cable is a half-duplex link, even though it *could have* been configured as a full-duplex link. If the stations are configured in half-duplex, then collisions occur. If configured in full-duplex, then collisions do not occur. Simple.

-- Rich Seifert Networks and Communications Consulting 21885 Bear Creek Way (408) 395-5700 Los Gatos, CA 95033 (408) 228-0803 FAX

Send replies to: usenet at richseifert dot com