It seems a bit pointless installing plugins, as many require an internet connection, for your receiver, which you haven't got.
I have never tried using a cross over cable, on the VU+, only when connecting old PC's, when networking them, which of course is no longer necessary, as Wi Fi, and routers, allow fast, and efficient, networking, without any problems setting them up.
If you want to get the most, out of your receiver, you really need it to be connected to the internet, using fast broadband, and as you can get deals for unlimited broadband, and telephone line, for less than £20 per month, if you shop around, this appears to be your best option.
Even with a cross over cable I'm still not sure if you can connect to your VU+ receiver.