wired question

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MZB

Here's a simple question, I'm sure.

I currently have a Dell Dimension 2400 Desktop. It is connected to the net
via cable, cablemodem, and also has a Linksys router. I also have a Dell
Inspiron 2200 with a wireless card. I use the laptop most of the time.

We recently purchased a new home and will be moving in next month. It is
only a mile away and I will stay with cable (same ISP).

The new home is cable-ready and also has these blue cables in a few of the
rooms. I am reasonably sure these are network cables. So, two question:

Once the cable is enabled by the ISP can I just plug the BLUE cable into the
back of the computer and be connected (I would first ENABLE my LOCAL AREA
CONNECTION)? The second question: Given the router and wireless card, would
there ever be a reason to use the network cable?

Mel
 
Without examining the network in your new home there's no way to tell what
those cables are, where they go, or whether they're compatible with the
equipment you have. A wired network will transfer files between two
computers faster than a wireless network, but other than that, if you have a
working wireless network there would be no need to use a wired network
instead.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
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Here's a simple question, I'm sure.

I currently have a Dell Dimension 2400 Desktop. It is connected to the net
via cable, cablemodem, and also has a Linksys router. I also have a Dell
Inspiron 2200 with a wireless card. I use the laptop most of the time.

We recently purchased a new home and will be moving in next month. It is
only a mile away and I will stay with cable (same ISP).

The new home is cable-ready and also has these blue cables in a few of the
rooms. I am reasonably sure these are network cables. So, two question:

Once the cable is enabled by the ISP can I just plug the BLUE cable into the
back of the computer and be connected (I would first ENABLE my LOCAL AREA
CONNECTION)? The second question: Given the router and wireless card, would
there ever be a reason to use the network cable?

Mel
Click to expand...

Mel,

If you're just surfing the Internet from each computer, you may find WiFi more
convenient, and never need an Ethernet network. I, personally, like to use WiFi
only for convenience. Know the limitations of WiFi - I wrote an article
comparing Ethernet and WiFi.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/01/proper-network-design.html#WiFi>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/01/proper-network-design.html#WiFi

Next, depending upon what these "blue cables" are, they may or may not be part
of an Ethernet network. Almost surely, they will run to a central area, where
ther's a hub (or where you may have to install a hub). Did the developer
provide any documentation how to use the cables?
 
Chuck:

Thanks for the information. Interesting article. It still sounds like the
WIFI is the way to go for me (convenience rules the day). Perhaps if there
is a lot of interference for some reason, then wired would do it.

It is not a brand new home. I'm going to email the previous owner and get
more information about the blue cables (they are in 2-3 rooms).

I just assumed they were network cables.

Mel
 
Chuck:

Thanks for the information. Interesting article. It still sounds like the
WIFI is the way to go for me (convenience rules the day). Perhaps if there
is a lot of interference for some reason, then wired would do it.

It is not a brand new home. I'm going to email the previous owner and get
more information about the blue cables (they are in 2-3 rooms).

I just assumed they were network cables.

Mel
Click to expand...

OK, Mel, it sounds like WiFi will be a good solution for you then. But be aware
of the need for WiFi security. Don't supply WiFi for your neighbors, without
they requesting that you do.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/setting-up-wifi-lan-please-protect.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/setting-up-wifi-lan-please-protect.html
 
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