USB Modem to Ethernet

[zipadeedodah]

Due to continual connection problems, it has been suggested to me that I change from a USB modem to Ethernet. What is the most straightfoward way of doing this? I have read I need an Ethernet/Network card - how do I know if I have one of these? And if not, how do I get one?

I'm not bad with computers, but don't understand alot of network/modem stuff...

I currently have a Thomson Speedtouch 330 modem.

Thanks

[Ethel]

I assume your modem has an ethernet port and your pc does not.

An ethernet card is very easy to install in a desktop - and very cheap. It took me 10 minutes from start to finish, and I am not techie at all.

You need a card like this:

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_pag e.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1412366414.1187011183@@ @@&BV_EngineID=cceladdljhjkdmgcflgceggdhhmdgmi .0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=20 2331&category_oid=

Not necessarily that card from that shop, but now you know what it is called and what it looks like.

Very simple to install.

[fo3nix]

Ethel: the other way around.

zipadeedodah: not entirely sure if that will help with any problems you have. What you have is a USB modem, and you want an ethernet modem (why they ship USB modems by default, I really don't know).

If your computer is about 5 years old or younger, chances are it already has an ethernet port. It's been standard for years and years, but only more recently popular with home networks.

It looks like a plug that you put your phone into, just a bit larger. These pictures show how it looks:

http://wiki.pomona.edu/pub/FAQ/NetworkDormSetu p/LaptopEthernet.JPG

http://www.ust.hk/itsc/classroom/notebook/phot o/notebook_network_port.jpg

http://www.microsoft.com/library/media/1033/wi ndowsxp/images/using/setup/winxp/computer-conn ect-ethernet.jpg

If you have one of those, then you don't need anything else for your PC. If you don't have one of those on the back of your PC, you'll need to buy a card like Ethel suggests.

Then, you'll actually want to buy the modem that you're talking about in the first place. While you're at it, you may as well get a wireless router too (not a huge amount more, and more security and usefulness).

Assuming you're on an ADSL connection (you get broadband through your phone line), then this model is a great option:

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/52244

[zipadeedodah]

Thanks very much for both your answers.

My computer does (I think) have an ethernet port - if it the one I think it is, it already has a cable that connects this computer and another computer (my sister's, in her bedroom) plugged into it.

I've had continual connection problems over the past 10-11 months. http://bbs.adslguide.org.uk/showthreaded.php?C at=&Board=general&Number=3088218&page=0&view=c ollapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart= It was here that they suggested ethernet - and afterwards a full modem/router.

I am prepared to try something if it may help. But now am extremely confused really as to what to get! Basically, I need something quite straightforward that will allow both this computer, and my sister's computer to connect to broadband.

[Ethel]

The netgear combined modem/router that fo3nix suggests is an excellent choice.

If you don't intend using it as wireless router it is still an excellent modem that will allow up to 4 wired pcs to connect.

[fo3nix]

Yea I'd agree with Ethel again. Sharing the internet like you do now with your sister's connection may well be the cause of some problems too.

A router (the device I link to at the bottom of my previous answer) is just a device that takes your internet connection and splits it up for several computers -- exactly what you want.

The reason that it includes a modem too is because the standard way to network computers is through ethernet, and not USB. Hence, your USB modem won't work with just a router on its own.

If you buy that modem+router that I link to, or one like it, then you just plug that into your phone line, and then from the router you connect your computer and your sister's, so that your computers are no longer immediately connected to each other.

[zipadeedodah]

Oh right, seems reasonably simple enough!

If it comes with a shortish cable so I can connect this computer to the router, will the current cable (which is yellow, and has "Components Crossover Category 5 Patch Cord" written on it and plugs into the ethernet socket) that connects my sister's computer to this one be ok to plug into the router too? It goes all through the loft along to the other end of the house (with a join in the middle), so wouldn't be that straightforward if it needs to be changed.

Thanks VERY much for your answers - really appreciate them!

[fo3nix]

Yea that'll be fine.

[zipadeedodah]

Excellent, thanks!