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Question

I plan to connect my two PC’s to the Net using my current DSL 5.1 Mbps High Speed connection, since I want to be able to surf both PC’s at the same time i.e. two users.

My main PC is a Dimension 4600 running WIN-XP-SP2. It is connected to the Net via a cable WebStar modem. I surf under IE-6.

My second PC is an old XPS-D233 (64MB) running WIN-98SE. I plan to purchase a D-Link DFE-530TX card and a D-Link DI-604 router (plus cat. 5 cable). The card came with a small WOL cable. The installation of the card requires a connection to the end of the WOL cable connector to the NIC WOL connector on the motherboard, also to prompt the CMOS setup and enable the WOL function.

My first question is: where is the WOL connector located on the Dxx motherboard. On page 3-6 of my XPS Dxx Reference Guide there is a summary of the motherboard but I can’t find the WOL plug. Also, how do I enable the WOL function upon booting the system?

My second question is regarding the loss of speed and response time whenever the two are running together. Will I suffer a drop in traffic speed, especially in the case of the slower PC?

BTW – I’m open to any other suggestions and options in order to accomplish my goal?

Thank you all for your help.

volcano11 · Answer

The WOL function takes place through the PCI bus, so the connector is not needed. Do you really need the WOL function?  On most older Dell desktops, it is not supported anyway.  Unless you are downloading many large files at the same time on the internet connection shared through the router, you will notice no slow down in the speed of your internet connection.    Steve

jet29 · Answer

Steve,   To tell you the truth I have no idea what is WOL and it's use? Thank you for your comments.

jet29 · Answer

Steve,   Can you tell me if the card (DFE-530TX) will work without the WOL cable installed or do you recommend an other NIC? I would like to known before I unseal the box.   Once again thank you.

volcano11 · Answer

It will work with or without the WOL cable. Very few people would ever use WOL, and if you don't even know what it is, I doubt very much that you will use it. Steve

jet29 · Answer

Steve, Thanks again. I will buy the networking equipment this week and install it. Hopefully the installation will be painless.

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