PCs Sharing ADSL Connection? (Part 4)

* I want to buy a device with clear instructions that is
flexible and will let me get set up with a minimum amount
of difficulty.

I want a "wired" home network--not wireless. I had been assuming
that I would want to get "cat 5" cable. I saw "cat 6" cable in one
of the stores. I've never heard of "cat 6". Does it provide
advantages that would benefit my home network?

Also, I have tried to do some pretty exhaustive searching
for an email list that focuses on "home networking". I didn't
find anything. Is anyone aware of an active, helpful (and free)
list?

I guess that's it for now. I would appreciate any router/hub
recommendations that you might offer. Also, please feel free
to volunteer any other "hot tips" that you might have.

Thank you.

--Bob Millen

Bob Millen wrote:

 > * I want to buy a device with clear instructions that is
 > flexible and will let me get set up with a minimum amount
 > of difficulty.
The definition of 'clear instructions' varies between individuals. I
didn't have any problems setting up either of my routers, but then I've
been working with microprocessors since before there were PCs. YMMV.
That said, all of the consumer routers I've seen have fairly
straightforward web-based setup interfaces that make basic setup fairly
easy, once you have read and understand the manual. It's in the more
advanced settings that the going sometimes gets more difficult.
 >
 > I want a "wired" home network--not wireless. I had been assuming
 > that I would want to get "cat 5" cable. I saw "cat 6" cable in one
 > of the stores. I've never heard of "cat 6". Does it provide
 > advantages that would benefit my home network?
 >
I wouldn't pay extra for cat 6 - it has slightly higher bandwidth specs,
but I haven't seen readily available network cards for higher
requirements than cat 5 supports. Make sure that if you're wiring from
room to room, and plan to use the air conditioning ducts to pass the
wires through, that you get wire rated for use inside those ducts (yes,
there is a difference).
 > Also, I have tried to do some pretty exhaustive searching
 > for an email list that focuses on "home networking". I didn't
 > find anything. Is anyone aware of an active, helpful (and free)
 > list?
 >
I think a google search for 'practical network' will yield some good
sites, one if which is something like 'practicallynetworked.com' (I
don't recall exactly).
 > I guess that's it for now. I would appreciate any router/hub
 > recommendations that you might offer. Also, please feel free
 > to volunteer any other "hot tips" that you might have.
 >
 > Thank you.
 >
 > --Bob Millen
 >
 >
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