Most likely, it's because the coax is sheilded much more than standard
cat-5.  Or, it's also possible that this cable is used elsewhere on the
shuttle, and having a spare part that can replace multiple things reduces
the amount of crap they need to bring up with them.  It also eliminates the
need for a switch or hub, which is extra weight and just another piece of
equipment that could fail.

Jay


-----Original Message-----
From: John Scherer [mailto:john at schererzoo.com] 
Sent: Monday, March 04, 2002 2:13 PM
To: tclug
Subject: [TCLUG] WAY-OT - A pic from NASA...


Check out the picture below.  It's of Astronaut Duane Carey, but that's not
what's funny.  Take a closer look at the 3COM pcmcia network dongle floating
above his notebook.  It's thin-net! On the Shuttle! Who would have thought.

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-109/hires/s109e5059.j
pg