Internet Networking Question

[AverageGuy]

I am not sure where to post this, as I cannot find a networking forum? Did I miss it? Anyway, I have a Dual Core 2.0Ghz MacPro and a few power PCs, soon to be upgraded to Intel machines. I want to set up a cable or DSL or modem connection. I recently remodeled and have Two Cat 5e and 1-2 Coax Cable drops going to multiple locations. The MacPro does not have a Airport card, so I was considering getting one, or just running it off of one of the hard wired connections. If I did this, what else would I need to make this work? I presume that most routers will send a hard wired signal to 4-6 locations. If I get a wireless router, my understanding is that I can do both 4-6 hard wired locations and a wireless signal throughout the house. I have all of my drops homerunned to a central telephone closet in the house. So if I terminate the corresponding cables in the closet with RJ11 plugs to plug into the router from the modem, what do I do at the other end? Do I have to terminate the wall plates with RJ45 plugs or can I have do it with a RJ11 plug? Then what do I do? Can I run a RJ11 terminated cable to the Ethernet port, or does that require RJ45? Can anyone help if you can! Also any recommendations for Cable vs. DSL would be appreciated. I am assuming with Cable, I merely terminated a coax run to modem and then RJ11 cables into the Router? Any recommendations for Modems and Routers would be appreciated. This is the first time that I have set up a network. I merely just ran the drops to all of the locations, waiting to plan my next step!

 

[miles01110]

Thanks for using paragraphs.

I want to set up a cable or DSL or modem connection.

"Cable" and "DSL" are types of transmission mediums, while modems are used to interpret the signal from your ISP. You will need to buy or rent a modem when you set up your cable or DSL connection with your ISP.

If I did this, what else would I need to make this work? I presume that most routers will send a hard wired signal to 4-6 locations.

Usually 4.

If I get a wireless router, my understanding is that I can do both 4-6 hard wired locations and a wireless signal throughout the house.

Depends on your house's construction and the placement of the router.

I have all of my drops homerunned to a central telephone closet in the house. So if I terminate the corresponding cables in the closet with RJ11 plugs to plug into the router from the modem, what do I do at the other end? Do I have to terminate the wall plates with RJ45 plugs or can I have do it with a RJ11 plug? Then what do I do? Can I run a RJ11 terminated cable to the Ethernet port, or does that require RJ45? Can anyone help if you can!

I am not sure why you are going on about RJ-11. Ethernet networks use RJ-45 only. If you want to connect your computer to the internet, you will almost certainly need to use RJ-45 jacks and CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6 cable with the corresponding wall jacks.

Also any recommendations for Cable vs. DSL would be appreciated. I am assuming with Cable, I merely terminated a coax run to modem and then RJ11 cables into the Router?

It will depend on your area and what is available, but Cable is generally faster than DSL- especially if you plan on wiring multiple machines to one connection. The coax cable would terminate at the modem and then a CAT5 would go from the modem to the router.