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Connecting network cables
We recommend using category 5 (
Cat 5
), unshielded,
twisted-pair cable (about 1/4-inch diameter with a thin
outer-jacket, containing eight color-coded wires), and
equipment compatible with this type of cable. This
type of cable is equipped with RJ-45 connectors (like
a large telephone jack connector, but with eight pins)
on each end.
Cat 5 cables are available in two different types;
straight-through cables, used to connect computers to
a router, and crossover cables, used to connect two
computers.
To determine which type of cable you have, hold both
ends of the cable with the connectors facing away
from you and with the spring clip on the bottom. For
straight-through cable, the wires on both connectors
are attached to copper pins in the same order (same
colors, left to right). For a crossover cable, the wires
on each connector are attached to the copper pins in
a different order (different colors, left to right).
Setting up a network using a router
If you are setting up a network for more than two
computers and you will be connecting your network
to a high-speed Broadband Internet connection (cable
or DSL modem), we recommend the use of a router.
A router lets you access the Internet connection from
any network computer. The router can assign IP
addresses to the computers on the network and can
provide firewall protection for your network as well.