Setting up a PC client on an Ion

You don't need a crossover cable. A normal patch cable will work without a switch.

Actually - a normal patch cable will not always work. A normal patch cable will only work if the client pc's network card is able to automatically able to switch between straight or crossover mode. While most network cards in PCs nowadays are able to automatically sense and crossover if needed, not all. How can one tell? Not easily. Its not written anywhere easily to find, if anywhere. See - this is where lack of information causes everyday problems. As Ueli said above, too many problems can occur combined with lack of knowledge that would make a day of programming wasted due to stuff not always working. Switches don't cost the world.

Actually - a normal patch cable will not always work. A normal patch cable will only work if the client pc's network card is able to automatically able to switch between straight or crossover mode. While most network cards in PCs nowadays are able to automatically sense and crossover if needed, not all. How can one tell? Not easily. Its not written anywhere easily to find, if anywhere. See - this is where lack of information causes everyday problems. As Ueli said above, too many problems can occur combined with lack of knowledge that would make a day of programming wasted due to stuff not always working. Switches don't cost the world.