Gateway DX4300, User Manual

Page: 28 / 82

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
18
Connecting network cables
We recommend using category 5, unshielded,
twisted-pair cable (approximately 1/4-inch
diameter with a thin outer-jacket, containing
eight color-coded wires), and equipment
compatible with this type of cable. This type of
cable is equipped with RJ-45 connectors (like
a large telephone jack connector, but with
eight pins) on each end.
Category 5 cables are available in two
different types; straight-through cables, used
to connect computers to a router, and
crossover cables, used to connect two
computers.
Setting up a network using a router
If you are setting up a network for more than
two computers and you will be connecting
your network to a high-speed Broadband
Internet connection (cable or DSL modem), we
recommend the use of a router. A router lets
you access the Internet connection from any
network computer. The router can assign IP
addresses to the computers on the network
and can provide firewall protection for your
network as well.