Cable Modem and a NIC?

[LOKIDOG]

I have a cable modem with an USB ethernet adapter. It is a 3 Com modem that came with the Cable Instalation. It was orginally on my old computer. Now with my new computer I've been told that a Network Interface Card with a RC-45 plug would be better than the USB connection. Is this true? If so what brand NIC should I consider. What features should I look for. When I look up NIC's I am confused by all the types.

Thanks.

 

[Blujacket]

Does your new computer already have a NIC in it? Seems most of the 'brands' are including a NIC. My daughter had a choice of USB or NIC and the NIC worked much better for her.

 

[franklin97355]

If you plan to go with the nic card you will have to replace the modem to get an ethernet connection. Check with your cable company to see if they will trade.

 

[LOKIDOG]

I don't think I'll have to get a new modem - the 3Com Modem out put is R-45, then goes through an USB Ethernet converter, then into my PC. I think I just have to remove the converter and plug it directly into the Ethernet Card - NIC R-45. Isn't this correct? I worked on my sister's computer and that's how her's was set up - without the USB ethernet converter. Let me know.

Is my assumption that this will improve performance correct? Apparantly, the Cable company has just allowed everyone more bandwidth so I want to take full advantage!

 

[LOKIDOG]

Sorry I forgot to respond to franklin97355: No my computer does not have a NIC - that's what I would purchase. I want to know what to purchase and what I should look for - seems like there are lot's of NIC's out there and many are not for this simple connection. I was told that a good price is from 20-40$ But there are NIC's for over $100 (they are probably for server's or something?).

 

[dv8media]

$100.00 NICs are usually for high-end fiber or GigaBit LAN connections. Sounds to me like you just need a standard 10/100 NIC Card. Keep it simple and go with a 3 COM NIC like this one--->

http://www.tcwo.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_prod.html?p_prodid=215&sid=44oBmP0@@7t849w

These guys are offering free air shipping right now too!

 

[jeremymeyer]

As far as which is better, correct me if I am wrong please, the max transfer rate on a usb modem is 12MBps and the CAT5/RJ-45 is 100MBps.

 

[PeteWeedon]

LOKIDOG:

The other thing you need to resolve/confirm is whether you need a crossover on the ethernet cable. It's likely that there's already a crossover unit hanging on your cable modem output RJ45. That's the arrangement we have on our digital cable TV set-top box (we're in the UK); the cable modem is integrated with the set-top box.

If you need one but don't already have one, you have a choice: a) a crossover cable or b) a straight-through cable plus a crossover adaptor. Starting from scratch, I'd prefer choice b). If you extend your system later on to several computers networked via a hub you'll need straight-through cables for most of the links and there's no clear visual difference between a straight-through and a crossover cable. Better not to get crossover cables into the set-up in the first place. Just my own opinion, other contributors may well disagree.


Best regards,

Pete W.

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs - you haven't seen the latest Change Note!