I have one computer hooked up to Direcway/Hughesnet satellite internet. I want to share this connection with my sons computer. Do I need a router or hub? Also, what is a cat5/cat6 and what does the 10/100 mean? Should I use a wireless or wired router?
2006-10-20 06:32:22 · 5 answers · asked by ? 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
Router (you need maybe a 4 port) is better than a hub. Especially when the hub is like a 49 port bandwidth=suxorz. Cat5 is standard for 100Mbps, which is common for home use. If you were in a situation were you need something for more crosstalk and system noise then Cat6 would be better. Cat6 is backwards compatible so you could use that. Cat6 will work up to 250Mbps. 10/100 means 10 and 100 times faster I think. I would only do a wireless if you were using notebooks, for a PC it would be silly.
2006-10-20 06:45:56 · answer #1 · answered by amish_renegade 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll need a router. If both computers are in the same room, you should be able to use a wired router. If there are in different rooms, you'll definitely need a wireless router. If you're not sure, go with the wireless router, as it gives you the option to use it as a wired or wireless router.
Cat 5 and Cat 6 are certain types of network cables. These would be used to connect from your computer to the router. Cat 6 delivers data at a faster speed than Cat 5 does. Most routers should support Cat 5 and Cat 6.
If you see 10/100 on a device, it means that it supports sending data at a rate of 10 mbps or 100 mbps.
2006-10-20 15:57:22 · answer #2 · answered by GJneedsanswers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok yes a router would be needed for you to share. Cat5/6 is different catogories of cable Cat 5 is cheaper and easier to get and will serve your purpose just fine 10/100 is the speed rating 10 mega bits per second or 100 mega bits per second depending on the network cards you have in your computer. Now about wireless if your sons computer is all the way acroos the house and not close to the router you will have to run a cable to his computer. with wireless you do not so it just depends on your prefrence most wireless routers have the ability to be wired too so if you get a wireless router you don't have to use the wireless portion right away.. and with wireless you are going to need to buy a wireless adapter for the computer
2006-10-20 13:41:35 · answer #3 · answered by Michael M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a router, and the ethernet (cat 5) cable usually comes with it. Most will do wired and wireless, just bear in mind wireless will require an additional card for the computer. 10/100 refers to the speed of your connection from your provider.
2006-10-20 13:40:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just grab the cheapest hub you can find. Don't worry about security and all that hype. Just update IE once in a while. CAT 5 is just a blue colored cable to connect the computers to the hub... sometimes it's white...
2006-10-20 13:41:17 · answer #5 · answered by the_breeders_cup 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋