Gateway dx4300 User Guide

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.