Cat5 or Cat6 for a laptop?

[runswithscissors]

Ok, so... apparently my wireless has pooped out, and so we're going to connect my laptop directly to the router.

Which ethernet cable is better for this; Cat5 or Cat6?

Also... is that a pricey thing to fix on a laptop? I have a 2005 Sony Vaio.

This is how computers make me feel most of the time:

[runswithscissors]

Ok... so apparently my wireless card is working now?

I still think I'd like to know the answer to the question though.

[KGIII]

CAT5 is, judging by the age, all you need. As it is directly connecting to a router you would ask for a "straight cable" and not a "crossover."

[runswithscissors]

Thank you. I wondered about the distinction from a patch and straight cable.

[KGIII]

Crossover basically maps the input on one and the output to the other (directionality isn't important so there's no "right end to stick in the PC") and is used for connecting with full duplex capabilities as opposed to a straight cable which is just direct 1:1 connections without crossing the signals. Those are used where something (router, hub, etc) else performs signal manipulation. You can read more about it here if you would like:

http://en.wikiped...t_crossover_cable

[runswithscissors]

I'm pretty sure my head just exploded.

Believe it or not... I actually tried to read that page on Sunday.

[KGIII]

LOL Good stuff. Just basically remember "straight" or "patch" to connect to a router. Crossover to make a direct PC-to-PC network connection.

[runswithscissors]

*sighs*

So... straight and patch are the same thing. Gotcha.

Your version is a lot simpler, and although it doesn't have pretty diagrams, I don't have a headache after reading what you recommend.

[KGIII]

Oh - I should add this. You probably want CAT5e. CAT6 is for Gigabit connections and the age of your laptop implies, to me, that your having so is unlikely at best. And, really, there is generally no need for that much bandwidth given what you are likely using it for.

Either way - the next time your wireless stops drop a message in here. 'Tis generally easy enough to repair unless it is truly hosed. If it is truly hosed (hardware) then don't even bother replacing it internally - instead get a PCMCIA card (PC Card) or USB device. It is cheaper and easier.

[runswithscissors]

Thank you again. I should have asked about the "e" and uhm... whatever the other one is.

I *will* ask next time... I was so frustrated I was pulling my hair out and about ready to set my computer on fire. I restrained myself, as you can see.

I have no idea what J & I did, but it seemed to have something to do with turning the computer off for a while. We managed to reset SOMETHING, but hell if I know what it was now!

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