Computer internet access question?

Question

I am moving into a dorm soon with ethernet ports in the walls. I am wondering, If I plug an ethernet cable from my laptop to the wall, will I get internet or do I need a router?

Answer 1

Try it. If it doesn't work, then investigate.

Answer 2

Yes. Because the college set it up that way. If the college has internet those jacks on the wall for sure work. You do not need a router that is all done in the server room. Then cables are ran to each dorm. Just like at home your router has 4 ports for 4 computers right? Same thing but its like 50 or more ports. There would be no reason it wouldn't work. If it does not, it is because you have to pay extra probably, and then they can activate that port.The guy below me said you might need a router? Those are RJ45 jacks, the only use for them are Ethernet hookups and such. A router takes an IP address and then it routes a 192.168.X.X address to each node. IE at home you have com-cast let's say and they lease you an IP. With a 4 port router let's say you can hook up 4 or more computers through that one IP. So let's say you have to use a router in your dorm to get internet... That would mean each dorm would have it's own IP. Do you think your college would waste money on 100 IP'S when they can lease one and subnet it to 100 computers? Or lease 2 and subnet to 100 computers? lol They would never give each dorm there own domain. They rent internet and they sub-net the ips to each dorm through what you call a network hub or switch. GG

Answer 3

This question is hard to answer without knowing what type of setup you have at the school.



It's funny that the previous answer was given - he must be pretty confident of the school you are going to.



You will not need a router to connect to the internet if it is accessible through those ports.

Then again they could be there for another reason, perhaps the internet is there and you are going to need wireless - then you will want a router.



I would ask the school's I.T. department.