internet cable trauma

[antiguru]

I'm confused by cable types! I want to use my laptop in a hotel which says it has free broadband access in my room. I'm assuming I don't need a router, but it will matter which cable i use to connect with. I'm guessing it'll need to be an ethernet cable but will I need a particular kind like a patch or cross? How do I work out what I already have? They all look the same to me! I haven't managed to get a straight answer from any of the technical help places I usually use!

[Ethel]

It will probably be a wi-fi signal, so no cables required.

[Marsh]

Why not ring the hotel and ask them? They ought to know the answer.

[antiguru]

Ethel - thanks but I'm pretty sure it's not WiFi.

Marsh - I could, but I feel foolish not knowing and hoped someone here would know instead!

[spacechimp]

if when you get to the hotel, your cable doesn't work, you can probably borrow or rent one from reception for some extortionate sum of money.

[dodgyshirt]

RJ45 Patch cable

[Ralph]

I'd also bet on a patch cable. You'll effectively be plugging into the hotels router so this'd be the cable to use. A crossover cable would be for computer to computer connections.

Have a look at http://www.perfectdrivers.com/howto/crossover.html to see how to spot the difference.

[antiguru]

Thank you. I now know I won 2 patch cables and am ready to go!