Internet on my Toughbook?

I would like to be able to plug my toughbook into my router in my home, but it dosn't have an ethernet port, just a regular phone jack and an empty slot next to it where the ethernet port would be if the modemn had one. Where can I track down an Ethernet modemn for a Toughbook? My parents say I should get wifi, but I don't know much about that either. ((I would prefer wifi if possible.))

I know the toughbooks can get internet on them through ethernet cables, just I need to find a modemn for it. L_L

Thanks in advance.

 

If the slot is a PCMCIA slot which I would assume it is, you can get a card with Ethernet or WiFi.

 

According to the CF-47 manual, the CF-47 has two PCMCIA slots. You can put two type I or II PCMCIA cards or one type III PCMCIA (dont worry about this type, it is very rare). So you can have both ethernet and WIFI if you want to.

But beware, make sure that PCMCIA works on your OS.

Ethernet PCMCIA cards
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ethernet&Submit=ENE&N=0&Ntk=all&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

Wireless PCMCIA http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...+adapter&Submit=ENE&N=0&Ntk=all&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

Or just go to local electronic stores, like Best Buy, CompUSA, Circuit City, etc, they should have them.

Good luck.

JC

 

Okay and how does Wifi work? I heard that if you get in an area where there is like telephone lines, wireless routers or something like that you get internet, but only while near these "hotspots"

There are so many PCMCIA adapters, what one would I need for Wifi and Ethernet? ((I am a newbie to this whole laptop networking.))

 

As long as you're in range of a wireless transmitter, for example one of those Linksys routers with little antennas you see so often in stores, then you should receive a signal on your wifi adapter. The signal strength may vary, so get an adapter labeled "a/b/g" for best results. Don't worry, it's just describing the frequencies that information is transmitted at between the router and the laptop, "g" is actually the best we have right now. On a side note, if you have a 2.4Ghz wireless phone at home or work, only use the "a" band (5Ghz) as the others will interfere with conversations (guess what freq. they operate at...).

 

Addition to gatordude123's post. If you want to have wireless home network, you will have to get high speed internet, which I hope you already have. If so, all you just need a wireless router and of course, PCMCIA adapter for your notebook.

You dont have to get both, ethernet and WIFI. If you are worry about setup, then the ethernet is simpiler to setup.

JC

 

My parent's house has a network except there is no router, the modemn doesn't have to connect to a router, it has 5 spots on the back of modemn that can go to 5 computers. I assume it works the same way?

 

Hello,

One of those 5 ethernet connections can be use as connection for a router (the router connected with a ethernet cable). If you want ethernet, just buy the ethernet PCMCIA card adapter, and I hope you got extra ethernet cable, if not, buy one.

If you want wireless, you need to buy a wireless router and WIFI PCMCIA card adapter.

Btw, I am wondering, what model of the modem do you have? Are you At&t DSL customer? Because my uncle has that kind of modem w/ 5 ports, and just recently I found out that it has wireless as well.

JC

 

I am not at my parent's house right now, and I can't think of our provider off the top of my head, but I can find out. So I need to buy:

Wireless Router
Small Ethernet Cable
PCMCIA Card

And I will have Wifi and Ethernet? The PCMCIA card wouldn't pick up wifi off just the modemn? ((Ours has a little antena that comes up out of the back of it.))

My parent's house is setup is unique, because the modem connects to the phone line. ((Doesn't even use up a phone line)) Then from the modemn, on the back of it, it says LAN 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The company we use calls this "Wireless Cable" or something like that. I understand how routers work because the computer I am on right now is connected to the internet along with my friend's Vaio laptop through a modemn that goes to a router. However he has to be connected to the internet by an ethernet cable that spans the length of his house >_<. ((I assume the router isn't wireless since it has no antena and I think his PCMCIA card is ethernet, not wireless.))

Thank you for your patience,
Casey

 

I think you should just stick to wifi since those nowadays are fast enough for any internet surfing and without the use of wires to connect to ethernet. Also, laptops are made to move around anyway.

 

If you want to have both, that just fine.

The PCMCIA card wouldn't pick up wifi off just the modemn? ((Ours has a little antena that comes up out of the back of it.))

Oh yeah, you may have both combonation of modem AND router device. Make sure, I do wait to get home and check the device to find out what model is it.

Thats typical DSL setup, and not unqiue.

Actually there are wireless router w/o antennas.

JC

 

Sweet, well thanks a ton, I will wait to get home before I go buy the stuff for the internet. Thanks a million you really helped alot!