Networks Sharing a Broadband Internet Connection

I recently bought the Dell XPS M1710 and I need to get a half decent internet connection up and running pretty soon. I don't really want to use a wireless router, unless you guys know of any good ones. I want to be able to play BF2, and soon 2142 and the likes online. I have a corded router downstairs and just wanna know the best way to to use its connection, i was thinking perhaps a networking cable.
Thanks for your help

Olivier

 

Yepyep. Just run a standard Cat5e (Normal Ethernet cable 100MB, RJ45 ends) from the router to your computer's ethernet port. (Before getting cable or anything, make sure that your router is a multi-port (should be) and has at least one free true port (some older outers have one less port than it looks like...these should have a port labelled "Uplink," which cannot be used while using Port 1).

Cat5e cable is good to ~300 feet, and I've personally made 125 foot cables without a problem in transmission.

If you think you'll be making a lot of ethernet cable, then it may well be worthwhile to purchase 1000 feet for <$100 (CND equiv), a dozen ends and a crimping tool for ~$15 (CND equiv) as I did.

Hope this helps.

 

You could also consider the mains-borne connection discussed here if there are any problems running wire.

Moved to Networking, Networking copy moved to WPB, it's all go...

 

So if I connect this Cat5e cable should it reckognise my laptop straight away or do I have to introduce it manually, because I did try connecting my laptop, ethernet to ethernet(to the router) and nothing happened. Perhaps my router isn't multi-port, it is about 4.5 years old

 

Unless you have one of the rackmount rigs that only have 1 port you most likely have a consumer level product, Most likely has 1 WAN (internet) port and 4 PC ports (also you could connect these to other hubs or switches, or routers)

If you plug it in it should go automatically, assuming you dont have funky settings and programs preventing it. As long as you are sure its a router, maybe give us the model number just to be on the safe side.

If it does not automatically give you an IP and whatnot, you may need to enable your Ethernet Controler from within the Network Connections window. As far as connecting it goes, go with either the wall jack idea as cpemma suggested, but but warned it is not quite as fast as a full 10/100 connection would be with a physical cable to your router. Although you may never notice the difference when using the internet.