Cable Forum - View Single Post - Why use the usb cable from modem to computer

Stuart · 30-05-2010, 23:19

USB can be useful in that not all PCs have an Ethernet (or LAN) connection. If your PC does not have that connection (nearly all do nowdays), then it's a lot easier to get a user to plug a USB cable in rather than open up their PC and stick in a PCI LAN card. The PCI card does give a far quicker (and more reliable) connection, but the user risks voiding their warranty and risks damaging the PC and/or card if the card is not correctly inserted.

Of course, having onboard Ethernet has all the advantages of the PCI card (the onboard hardware is often hooked up internally via the PCI or PCI Express connection bus, both of which are far faster than USB) and none of the downsides.

30-05-2010, 23:19	#5
Stuart - Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Somewhere Services: Virgin for TV and Internet, BT for phone Posts: 26,546	Re: Why use the usb cable from modem to computer USB can be useful in that not all PCs have an Ethernet (or LAN) connection. If your PC does not have that connection (nearly all do nowdays), then it's a lot easier to get a user to plug a USB cable in rather than open up their PC and stick in a PCI LAN card. The PCI card does give a far quicker (and more reliable) connection, but the user risks voiding their warranty and risks damaging the PC and/or card if the card is not correctly inserted. Of course, having onboard Ethernet has all the advantages of the PCI card (the onboard hardware is often hooked up internally via the PCI or PCI Express connection bus, both of which are far faster than USB) and none of the downsides.