Cable Modem Help

[b4417]

Hello,

My first post here, so forgive me if I'm asking a question that's been beaten to death (I looked, but couldn't find anything in previous threads or the FAQ).

My question: for hooking up a cable modem that can be configured either for LAN or USB connection, is it better (ie: faster) to use the onboard LAN on my Intel motherboard (D845PEBT2) or use the USB port (enabled for 2.0)? If LAN is better, what type of cable do I need? A plain Jane CAT5?

Many thanks in advance,
Bill

 

[mboy]

Ethernet is the way to go and plain old cat5 patch cable is whatcha need.

The max of fast ethernet as far superior to that of the USB connection ( I doubt the modem will do USB 2). NOt that your cable modem will ever go abouve 11-12Mbps, but if u ever want to get a router and have a 100mb LAN, then u will want the ethernet for sure.

 

[Lord Evermore]

Ethernet is also simpler, since you don't need to install drivers for the cable modem which you do when using USB connection (the cable modem sort of has a USB Ethernet adapter inside of it).

 

[Santa]

Another thing you may want to consider also is that the USB bus is a shared one among all your devices. So if you are pushing 500k - 1.5Mbit through it that is less bandwidth on the bus for other devices or vice a versa.

If you have alot of devices on your USB chain then your internet speeds can possible suffer.

Use the Ethernet as many have recommend. Only reason not to is if you don't have the capabilities.

 

[b4417]

Thanks to everyone for your help! Much appreciated.

Bill