Is there such a device?

You could get a wireless router which will allow wireless and wired networking and get the wireless for the other system.  Cable from the wall to the broadband modem, ethernet from the cable modem to the Wireless access point, ethernet from the main computer to the wireless access point.  Then you put a wirless PCI card, USB or PC card ont the farther one away to connect.  I use the Linksys Wireless Access Point Router with the 4 port switch (for wired/wireless networking).  The two closest systems are connected to it via ethernet from NIC cards, 3 others have wireless connectors - the laptop has a wireless PCcard, my daughter's has a wireless USB and the one in the bedroom had a PCI card.  I have no problems and the growth potential is terrific.

Right, the connectors are the weak link of the cable.  I prefer cable but can't have it in where people are walking across it and didn't want to have to runn it through the attic, so I opted for the wireless.  I think the wired networking is the strongest signal carrier.  I don't have a tester to check ends with so I have to get someone else to do them.

Good luck

Thank you Greenwinds, that is very helpful. However I've been told it is possible to change the ends of the ethernet cable and it's mostly likely one of the ends which is damaged, so I'll try that first. I've managed to get hold of an end replacing device. Failing that I'll probably go your route - it's only a matter of time before I do that anyway.

Thanks again.

Peter

Thanks for your help Greenwinds. It was the NI card that was at fault, which I've now replace and the pc's online again. I was led a merry dance by that NIIC because every now and then it would burst into life, and it did that once when I tried another cable, which got me thinking it was the cable which was faulty. Anyway, you live and learn. Thanks again.

Peter