Thos Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 My present ISP is Wanadoo and I have taken it's 1MB package for 18 months. I have decided to change to the Sky Broadband package and I intend to report on my experience later.However the installation pack has arrived and on the day I am able to go "live", probably on Friday, 1 Sept. I shall have to instal the Netgear Router which is in the pack.There are three connecting cables:1. A line to the power. No problem.2. A line to the filtered telephone socket. No problem.3. A line to be connected to the "ethernet port" on my computer. Problem. I cannot find a port specifically marked ethernet. The Wanadoo modem was plugged successfully into the modem line jack. Would there be a problem if I connected this Netgear router there? The connecting plug and socket are the same type. If not, has anyone any suggestions?The Netgear Router is described as "wireless" but I don't intend to use that capability yet.Thos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 Ethernet uses a plug/socket with an exclusive shape to prevent wrongly connecting things if your plug fits into the socket on the computer then you can be pretty much assured that it is the correct one.Be careful, though. There is a similar shaped plug used for the telephone cable. You will see its socket on the back of the router as well as the ethernet one(s).If it doesn't fit, you can get ethernet accessories from Maplin click here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catgate Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 Well, Thos, speaking from my broad depth of ignorance I would think you need an ethernet socket. I had a Netgear router (still have, somewhere) and it needed to be plugged into an ethernet socket. Depending on the motherboard you may have a socket already on that. Failing that a PCI card may be the answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thos Posted August 30, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 Thanks folks. From the Maplin site, it seems that there is an adaptor which will plug into a USB2 socket and into which I can plug the Netgear ethernet cable. This sounds like an answer. Unless anyone else has a thought?Thos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 Personally, and if there is room, I would install an ethernet PCI card. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catgate Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 Well, Thos, speaking from my broad depth of ignorance again I would shy clear of the non conventional with modems/routers/etc. The quick and dirty routes are often slow and disastrous...well non effective at the very least. I have been taken in by "ad Hoc " wireless connections and USB modems to name but less than three. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted August 30, 2006 Report Share Posted August 30, 2006 Personally, and if there is room, I would install an ethernet PCI card.Yup Agree!They are cheap and will save you a USB port! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 The Netgear Router is described as "wireless" but I don't intend to use that capability yet.Thos.Good as wireless is, it is always best to have at least one (your main or prime) computer connected to the router by wire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thos Posted August 31, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 I am grateful to you all, pops, catgate and Chris. I took a trip to Maplins this morning and had a look around after first looking at the Simply Guides site to see the instructions for installing a PC Card. Thogh it looked relatively easy, I belong to the school of thought where you don't delve into the screwed up casing unless you have to. For me it usually escalates into more problems.The "USB to fast Ethernet Adaptor"says that it "mimics an Ethernet port via USB hub", costing £19.99 against the cheapest PC card cost I saw of £9.99. The difference seemed acceptable so that is what I bought. It looks just the ticket and I hope it will do the job.As the guy handed it over, I thought of you, catgate. It measures about 2" long and less than 1" across, but it was packed in plastic containing instructions in languages I have never heard of, altogether the size of a small handbag. What a waste of packing materials.Well, thanks again, folks.Thos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Should be easy from now on. My last message still applies. Keep your main computer on a wired setup for the best reliability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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