>> IIRC, one does not need a crossover cable to connect between two gigabit >> capable hosts. Agreed I think gigabit ethernet adapters _have_ to be autosensing of MDI (normal) or MDI-X (crossover) to be considered gigabit capable (ie within specifications). I expect the crossover adapter may be causing enough interference to stop 1gbit from working thus resulting in merely 100 mbits. Furthermore it is entirely possible that it's a 100mbit only crossover adapter: it might not be crossing all 8 lines since gigabit uses 8 lines and not 4 like 100mbit... Cheers, MaZe.