Computer Connections - HP Jetdirect 250M User Manual

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Computer connections

For twisted-pair LANs: A desktop computer
connects to a twisted-pair LAN through a
network interface card (NIC) that resides in a
slot in the computer, or through a similar
interface built in to the computer itself. The RJ-
45 plug of the network cable plugs into an RJ-45
jack on the card or in the computer. A portable
computer may have a built-in connection using
an RJ-45 jack, or it may use a PC card that
inserts into a PC card slot in the computer.
(Some PC cards take up two slots and have room
for an RJ-45 jack that is integral with the card;
others take up only a single slot but require a
short cable that provides the RJ-45 jack.)
For thin coaxial LANs: A desktop computer
typically connects to a thin coaxial LAN through
a network interface card (NIC) ; built-in BNC
connections are uncommon. Portable computers
connecting to thin coaxial LANs use a PC card
with a short cable that provides a BNC
connection. In all cases, the LAN cable connects
to the computer through a BNC "T" connector.
Hidden network cables and equipment:
In many network installations, the hubs are kept
in equipment closets and the cables are hidden
in the walls. In these installations, wall outlets
with RJ-45 jacks are the only visible components
of the network wiring. For such a network, you
use a short length of network cable to connect
from the computer to the wall jack.