ethernet cables

jamminjamaica

hi I recently had broadband installed but the technician put the broadband box too far away from the table to use the computer. and the ethernet cable they supplied is too short. I think I need a longer ethernet cable or do I . I dont know very much about computer but can I just buy a longer cable and if so what type and where is the best place to buy one. please help..

Fran

Is it impossible to move the table? If you paid a "technician" to set it up for you I would get back to him/her about this. I can't answer your question about the cable, sorry.

robnye

what broadband connection is it . ie who - ntl/bt/telewest?

do you have a wall socket and a micro filter like this

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=3240&source=Kelkoo

if so, you can use a normal telephone extension, then plug the micro filter into the end

LMck111

Was it a completely new B/Band / Telephone line installation or did you just have the router installed to your existing point ?

If the latter and it was a BT install, the technician does not move the socket unless you agree to the charges for doing so.
Again, BT (if that is who was called in) install to your existing point, do their relevant set up checks and hand over to the cust.
(It's up to you to point out that the socket is not suitable where it is though)

Also you can get extended ethernet leads from most computer places.

jamminjamaica

it is ntl the installed a broadband box thing and then a ethernet cable just runs from the box the the laptop. both ends of the cable have the same connector.

scheming_gypsy

you shouldn't pay a lot either for the ethernet cable so stay away from PC World and the like.. try https://www.cpc.co.uk

Mozilla_2

You will need either a 'crossover cable' or a 'patch cable'.

Both cables look exactly the same until you look at how the plugs are wired.

Unplug your existing cable and put the two ends side by side. Now look at the colour sequence for the small wires going into the plug.

If it is the same on both plugs, then you have a patch cable. If the sequence is different, then you will need a crossover cable.

As scheming_gypsy has already mentioned, stay away from the big companies such as PC World, Dixons, and Currys. They will charge you about £10 for a cable that you can probably get for about £2!! Try a local small computer shop who will be able to make a cable for you to the required length.

Chippy_Minton

Cheapest place for network cables is eBay. Search for: Cat 5 cable.

Matt_F-Smith

ebuyer, simple!

Matt

scheming_gypsy

I'm cheaper.... we've just recabled an building and got boxes of cable

Lindburgh

You can find answers to this and 200 more tips in Lindburghs 201 Computer tips. see Ebay , or Lindburgh@beeb.net for info