Alternatives to using cat 5 cable to connect with a cable modem

xmas_katie · 05-23-2008, 06:08 PM

I acquired a very old computer (win ME) that was otherwise going to be trashed, and am interested in hooking it up to the internet, but there is no spot to connect it with a cat 5 cable (only telephone).

On the modem, there is a spot for a USB cable, and I was wondering if it is possible to connect this very old computer to the modem with a USB cable (just fyi re: my existing set-up: there is a cat 5 cable that connects the modem, a wireless router, and my XP desktop).

More just fyi: the modem that Time Warner set me up with back when I transitioned from dial-up looks pretty generic (no logo or brand name or anything).

Was hoping to find some kind of use for this would-be junk computer, and I am unfamiliar with the details of different cables (or with how one sets up a network). Is there a way to get it online through my existing setup (since I do not have a land line)? Thanks! Also, this very old computer has (?) COM ports. Don't know if this matters, or why they're used, but I thought I'd mention it. Thanks, again!

**kodi** · 05-23-2008, 06:23 PM

See if you have a spare PCI slot on your motherboard and if you do purchase a Network Interface Card(nic).
You will pick up a cheap one on Ebay.

**peterhuang913** · 05-23-2008, 07:13 PM

You can connect it to USB but it's going to be slow. Best option is to buy a PCI NIC if you have an open PCI slot.

nantax · 05-25-2008, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xmas_katie

I acquired a very old computer (win ME) that was otherwise going to be trashed, and am interested in hooking it up to the internet, but there is no spot to connect it with a cat 5 cable (only telephone).

Is there a usb port available? You can attach a usb wireless dongle and use it connect to the net.

Jlp1928 · 05-26-2008, 06:20 AM

Hi,

Another alternative would be a USB to Ethernet converter. Mine is made by SMC, EZ Conect USB Fast Ethernet Adaptor, 2202USB/ETH. It resembles a Laptop Dongle, plugs into USB, has activity indicator LEDS and the Ethernet Connector. The driver is very easily set up.

Good Luck, Jim

05-23-2008, 06:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
xmas_katie Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1 OS: win xp SP2	Alternatives to using cat 5 cable to connect with a cable modem I acquired a very old computer (win ME) that was otherwise going to be trashed, and am interested in hooking it up to the internet, but there is no spot to connect it with a cat 5 cable (only telephone). On the modem, there is a spot for a USB cable, and I was wondering if it is possible to connect this very old computer to the modem with a USB cable (just fyi re: my existing set-up: there is a cat 5 cable that connects the modem, a wireless router, and my XP desktop). More just fyi: the modem that Time Warner set me up with back when I transitioned from dial-up looks pretty generic (no logo or brand name or anything). Was hoping to find some kind of use for this would-be junk computer, and I am unfamiliar with the details of different cables (or with how one sets up a network). Is there a way to get it online through my existing setup (since I do not have a land line)? Thanks! Also, this very old computer has (?) COM ports. Don't know if this matters, or why they're used, but I thought I'd mention it. Thanks, again!

05-23-2008, 06:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
kodi Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 7,408 OS: Windows 7-Ultimate 64 Bit My System	Re: Alternatives to using cat 5 cable to connect with a cable modem See if you have a spare PCI slot on your motherboard and if you do purchase a Network Interface Card(nic). You will pick up a cheap one on Ebay. __________________ Brian

05-23-2008, 07:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
peterhuang913 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 946 OS: XP Home SP2	Re: Alternatives to using cat 5 cable to connect with a cable modem You can connect it to USB but it's going to be slow. Best option is to buy a PCI NIC if you have an open PCI slot.

05-26-2008, 06:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
Jlp1928 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 441 OS: Win98, XP, 2000	Re: Alternatives to using cat 5 cable to connect with a cable modem Hi, Another alternative would be a USB to Ethernet converter. Mine is made by SMC, EZ Conect USB Fast Ethernet Adaptor, 2202USB/ETH. It resembles a Laptop Dongle, plugs into USB, has activity indicator LEDS and the Ethernet Connector. The driver is very easily set up. Good Luck, Jim