FAQs
Is my computer ready for an Ethernet connection?
To tell if your computer has Ethernet capability, we must first investigate the back of your computer. Without pulling any wires or disconnecting anything, and also, for safety, ensuring that your computer is turned off (shut down properly), navigate to the back of your computer. An Ethernet port looks very similar to a standard RJ-11 port, or standard phone port as on a modem, only an Ethernet port fits a larger connector.
On a desktop or tower PC computer, a modem card will have two ports, whereas an Ethernet card will only have one port.
An Ethernet, or RJ-45 adapter, has 8 leads, and is wider than a standard phone connector, thus the port will be wider.
A very simple test to see if a possible port on the back of your computer (Laptops: port may also be on either side of the computer) is to take a standard phone cord (not connected to the wall) and attempt to connect the wire to the port. If the connector fits perfectly and snaps in, it is not an Ethernet port, it must be a modem connector. If the connector fits very loosely and does not snap in (the port is too big), then it is an Ethernet port, and your computer thus has Ethernet either built-in, or an Ethernet card had been installed.
If you find that you need an Ethernet card, please read the following section.
Where can I buy Fast Ethernet cards? Are they fairly common?
You can buy the Ethernet cards at almost every computer store. Click here for more information.I have a computer, or plan to buy one soon, and I want to make sure that it is compatible with the ResNet. What do I have to look for?
Look at the Computer Recommendations page for University of Redlands suggestions.What type of Ethernet Card should I buy?
The University of Redlands recommends...
- If you own a PC desktop, the card should be a 10/100 PCI Fast Ethernet Card.
- If you own a PC laptop, you should purchase a 10/100 PCMCIA Fast Ethernet Card.
- If you have an newer Macintosh desktop, then the Ethernet card should be built-in.
- If you have a newer Macintosh laptop, then it should also already have an Ethernet card built-in.
- If you have an older Macintosh desktop or laptop, it may not have an Ethernet card.
If you have an older laptop, you will need to buy a 16-bit Type-II PCMCIA Ethernet Card, as it will be the most compatible with your system.
If you have a newer laptop, you can take advantage of a 32-bit CardBus Type-II Fast Ethernet Card.
Things to look for when buying PCMCIA Ethernet Card.
- Is it Type-II?
- Is it a dual 10/100 Ethernet card?
- Does it support my current Operating System (Microsoft Windows 9x, Macintosh OS x.x)?
- Does it have a RJ-45 Adapter?
- Does it support a 100baseT network?
Models the University of Redlands Recommends
| Brand | Speed | Type | BUS Type | Model | Model Number |
| 3com | 10/100 | Type-II | 16-bit | 3com Megahertz LAN PC-card | 3CXFE574BT; 3CCFE574BT |
| 3com | 10/100 | Type-II | 32-bit CardBus | 3com LAN Cardbus PC card | 3CXFE575CT; 3CCFE575CT |
| LinkSys | 10/100 | Type-II | Autosensing | Etherfast 10/100 | PCM100 |
| NetGear | 10/100 | Type-II | Autosensing | Netgear FA 410 TX | |
| NetGear | 10/100 | Type-II | Autosensing | Netgear FA 510 |
Specifications the box should display:
- IEEE 802.3 Compliant
- Type II
- Cardbus or 16 bit
- 10/100 Ethernet card
- Compatible with your Operating System
