The first thing you need to know is if your computer is connecting to the cable modem by ethernet or by USB and if by USB, does the modem also have the ability to connect by ethernet. Wireless routers can only connect to the modem by ethernet, so it is essential that you have a modem that can connect by ethernet.
Wireless routers also have 4 ethernet ports that will allow up to 4 computers to connect to the router (and therefore the internet) by a wired ethernet connection. If your Optiplex is going to be located in the vicinity of the cable modem and wireless router, it would be best to connect it by wired ethernet. The laptop can then connect either by wireless (assuming it comes with a wireless network card) or by ethernet, if it is located close enought to the router and modem.
volcano11
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September 5th, 2006 21:00
The first thing you need to know is if your computer is connecting to the cable modem by ethernet or by USB and if by USB, does the modem also have the ability to connect by ethernet. Wireless routers can only connect to the modem by ethernet, so it is essential that you have a modem that can connect by ethernet.
Wireless routers also have 4 ethernet ports that will allow up to 4 computers to connect to the router (and therefore the internet) by a wired ethernet connection. If your Optiplex is going to be located in the vicinity of the cable modem and wireless router, it would be best to connect it by wired ethernet. The laptop can then connect either by wireless (assuming it comes with a wireless network card) or by ethernet, if it is located close enought to the router and modem.
Steve