crossover cable vs. switch

[Guest]

I am networking 2 computers used to handle retail sales and shipping. WWhen
we first start the day the client accesses the shared software at an
acceptable speed. As the day progresses it slows to a point where we cannot
use it.

The only fix is to reboot both client and server. Then the cycle starts all
over again. At first access speed is OK, then after a period of time it
slows to a crawl.

We are using 1.8 gig Dell 4500's connected through a crossover cable. My
question is:

Is a crossover cable as efficient as using a switch?
Could the slowing be caused by using a crossover cable?

We have no experience with this issue and we are looking for a direction to
head.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bob Willard]

I am networking 2 computers used to handle retail sales and shipping. WWhen
we first start the day the client accesses the shared software at an
acceptable speed. As the day progresses it slows to a point where we cannot
use it.

The only fix is to reboot both client and server. Then the cycle starts all
over again. At first access speed is OK, then after a period of time it
slows to a crawl.

We are using 1.8 gig Dell 4500's connected through a crossover cable. My
question is:

Is a crossover cable as efficient as using a switch?
Could the slowing be caused by using a crossover cable?

We have no experience with this issue and we are looking for a direction to
head.

Thanks in advance.

A crossover cable is actually (slightly) better than a switch
(for a 2-PC net) because of lower latency.

Given that it works OK early and slows later on, it is rather
unlikely to be a hardware problem.