Ethernet Hardware Recommendations

• Interface Recommendations

• Wireless Networking

• Windows Systems

• Macintosh Systems

• Laptop Computers (both Windows and older Macintosh)

• ResNet - Data Networking in the Residence Halls

Ethernet interface recommendations

You will need an Ethernet interface if you connect to the Cornell campus network directly (on campus) or through a high-speed connection off campus (such as through a cable modem).

The standard campus networks currently support Ethernet at 10-Mbps (megabits/second) speeds using unshielded twisted pair (UTP) wiring, also known as 10BASE-T.

You should make sure that your interface supports the 10-Mbps speed. Many Ethernet interfaces now support speeds of 100 Mbps or even faster. The faster Ethernet is available on some campus sub-networks now, with more being installed through Project Ezranet.

If you are buying an Ethernet interface, stick to the mainstream manufacturers and, in case it doesn't work with your system, make sure you will be able to return or exchange it.

Wireless Networking at Cornell

	You can buy wireless Ethernet interface devices, which are intended primarily for laptops. Cornell has a wireless networking service called RedRover in some libraries and other public spaces. Coverage of the campus is increasing, but limited, so you should not expect to use wireless as your primary means of networking.
	CIT follows the standards set by the Wi-Fi Alliance (a nonprofit international association formed in 1999 to certify interoperability of wireless Local Area Network products based on IEEE 802.11 specification). The Wi-Fi Alliance web site (www.wi-fi.org) lets you search for certified products. The minimum recommendation is a device that supports IEEE 802.11b The most adaptable device (to allow for future enhancements of the RedRover network) would support IEEE 802.11g IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11a Wi-Fi Protected Access (What is this?) Most current laptops come with wireless networking built in. Several wireless devices are available at The Cornell Store Technology Connection.

Windows Systems

• Many systems now come with integrated Ethernet, where the Ethernet interface is built into the motherboard. If you have a choice between built-in Ethernet and installing a separate card, installing a separate card is the safer approach. This will let you try a different card if the original one doesn't work. In the past, we have found that some combination Ethernet/modem PCMCIA cards are not sensitive enough to lower signal strengths and so don't work on all campus networks.
  
  
• If you are buying a new system, try to have an Ethernet interface installed and configured (10 Mbps, half-duplex) at the time of purchase.
  
  
• In the Cornell environment, we have generally had success with Ethernet cards from 3COM and Intel. We have, however, encountered some problems with the 3COM 3c900x card -- this applies only to the "900" series, not other models numbered 90x or 9xx.
  
  
  

Macintosh Systems

• Current Macintosh computers, both desktops and the newer laptops, have a built-in Ethernet interface. These work well with ResNet and the campus network.

Laptop Computers (both Windows and older Macintosh)

• Laptop computers that don't have built-in Ethernet need a PCMCIA card, also called a PC card.
  
  
• Not all PC cards work in all laptops. Your best approach is to find out what card(s) your system's manufacturer recommends.
  
  
• In the past, we have found that some combination Ethernet/modem PCMCIA cards are not sensitive enough to lower signal strengths and so don't work on all campus networks.

ResNet is a subscription service that lets students living in residence halls connect their computers directly to the Cornell Campus Network from their residence hall rooms. Students will need an Ethernet device in their computers to make this connection.

Recommendations home page | General recommendations
Minimums for existing systems | Purchasing a new system
Modems | Ethernet hardware