i have a problem with configuration of nework between xp and redhat v9
 

hi all i have a problem .i wanna make a network between windows xp and linux
i try to configure the network but it doesnt work and he say that the other host(winxp) is unreachable
what is the reason for that please say to me steps to work the LAN between windows xp and redhatv9

Just a few questions first:
What IP's are you using - do you know how to choose and assign them?
What connection between the computers?
Direct or a hub/switch? What cable, do you understand the difference between straight and crossover cable?

i use a class 2 ip address which is for linux 137.0.0.6 and for windows xp 169.254.11.241.i have a switch 5 port 3com .and i use a utp . the network work good between windows and windows but when i work with redhat .
the computer that i connect to cannot ping my ip address.i think that it is crossover.but explain for me the difference please .

With a switch you use straight cables, crossover-cables are for use between 2 computers.

But your IP's are incorrect, the computers have to be in the same network or extra equipment (=router) is needed.
Windows has 169.254.11.241 network mask I suppose is 255.255.0.0
Give Linux IP 169.254.11.242 and same netmask as on Windows.

But why this numbering? There are IP-ranges reserved for private use - or are you part of a larger network? Should you use DHCP instead of srtatic IP?

i am not from a big part of large network .i am trying to do a network between windows and redhat as this is my project .i wanna do a network between them to test a chat program that i have made using java it work between 2 windows but when i run it using forte i got that network unreachable .this is the problem at all.ok
i will try this ip's that u have said but u know the cables work between 2 windows xp and mine switch so the problem not in the cables it is in the configuration i think so .
ok
am waiting for ur reply

I didn't mean there is a cable problem. It was just a short explanation of the difference between the 2 cable-types.
With most hubs/switches you could use any cabling, if not too old they're "smart" enough to deal with both.