Do you have the right ethernet cord?

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An ethernet cord is not exactly the hardest thing in the world to find. You can go to just about any computer component store (or even stores like Wal-Mart) and find an ethernet cord to suit your needs. It’s not difficult. However, it is important that you actually buy the correct cord. There are a few different types, and getting the wrong one can make your network absolutely useless. Today we’re going to talk about the types of ethernet cords that are on the market, and which ones will work for whichever type of job you’re using them for.

Okay, so does anyone know the two basic types of cords? If you said “standard” and “crossover,” you’re correct. While there are some subtypes of ethernet cords, those are the types that we’re going to be talking about. Standard ethernet cords connect computers and their components to the network; that is, into either an external modem or a switch. These are the most  common, and are the easiest to find at the store. Just go in and ask for a standard cable and you’ll be all set (you could also say “Cat6″; they’ll know what you’re talking about). Crossover ethernet cords are a little different: They connect machines together. Instead of connecting your computer to the network itself, these are used for communication between two computers, servers, peripherals, whatever.

It’s important to note that crossover cables are not able to be used to connect your laptop to the modem. It won’t work no matter how hard you try, so make sure you get the right cord. This is also true of a standard ethernet cord; it won’t do a thing when you try to connect two computers with one. You need to make sure you have the right ethernet cord before you start your project.

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Some people also may find an ethernet cord splitter to be a good tool when creating an at-home or business network. These will reduce the amount of cable you’ll have to run; these splitters will allow you to use one cord to connect multiple machines together. This is a great tool to use if you’re on a bit of a budget. Also, an ethernet extension cord can be a great tool to use on both standard and crossover cords. If you find yourself a bit short on cable when setting your network up, this will save your bacon. Just the same, a retractable ethernet cord will help keep your network setup looking neat and out of the way when using your computer. Nobody likes a messy work area!

Shopping:

Petra 308-510 Cat-5E UTP Patch Cords (10-Feet)
Belkin 8 Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector with Phone/Coaxial Protection and Extended Cord
50 Ft Ethernet Network Patch Cable Cord Rj45 Cat5e Gray for Internet Routers and Gaming
Mediabridge - 5ft Blue CAT5 Ethernet Cord
USB over Cat5/5e/6 Extension Cable RJ45 Adapter Set

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  5. Buying a new HP laptop power cord

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One Response to “Do you have the right ethernet cord?”

  1. Router USB on November 30th, 2009 7:15 pm

    [...] router will allow you to plug that printer straight in, removing the need to use a standard ethernet cord to transmit the data. USB has a much faster transfer rate (particularly USB 2.0), making that data [...]

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