ethernet ports

[mr plasma]

I'm trying to increase my broadband speed from 2 to 8 meg but understand that i need to connect via an ethernet connection???? my PC doesn't have an ethernet socket. is it possible to fit one and what other equipment might i need.i have windows xp and a 2gig processor and stacks of memory if that helps with the answer
if someone can help me it would be greatly appreciated thanks

[mr plasma]

[Larkshall]

Are you sure it doesn't have an ethernet port? Computers have had network ports for very many years now. If it really doesn't I would suggest you invest in a more modern one. There are normally two similar sockets on the back of a computer, one takes the same plug as many telephone sets have to connect the handset to the base (it has two or four contacts). The other one has a slightly different plug, an RJ45, it has six contacts and that is the network or ethernet port. Many modems use a USB connection, wirless modems are often combined with routers and have wireless connections and network connections.

[mr plasma]

thanks larks i will check i just assumed i didn't have one..I'm looking for a similar socket to my phone skt?

[Larkshall]

No! not the phone wall socket, its a plug and socket which connects the lead between the handset and the base. If you have broadband already then you should have filters on your wall sockets. These have the usual phone socket for the phone to plug in and a socket which the broadband modem plugs into. The network socket is like that one but has six contacts. My modem works on a USB connection, I believe the USB speed is in excess of 8 megabits so you may not need to connect via a network port. I've just checked, USB 2.0 is quoted as 480Mbits/second. That is far in excess of your Broadband.

[glow777]

The port you are after should have a little pic of three computers in a triangle on it if the computer is less than 5 years old. and maybe some led's

have a look at these pics




Out of interest are you sure you can receive 8mb. This is usually only quoted as a theoretical limit only obtained in optimum settings. EG central London, Manchester.

[mr plasma]

thanks for the help i have received,i went on bt site and according to my postcode i can get about 6 but ethernet required,do these internet providers supply free of charge all equipment? also as my PC is a desktop i don't require wireless. ps ihave usb 1

[glow777]

If you are sure you dont have a network card instlled in your pc you can buy 1 of two devices

a usb to ethernet device
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/60065/product_info/rb/23120983942
which will obviously take up a usb port

or if you fancy opening the case
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/26041/product_info/rb/23120991074

both are as cheap as chips (excuse the geeky joke)

your ISP wont provide these but may provide the router it needs to connect to. However if they charge a higher monthly price for the router (as opposed to a usb adsl modem) I would just buy your own

HTH Glow