Ethernet Cable - combination USB - RJ45 - why the USB?

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nevets88


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I got a cable/modem with one of these combination cables. I can't figure out what the USB option is for. Do some computers/laptops lack RJ45 jacks? Or is the USB for printers?
 
bobtomay

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What does the owners manual connection guide for the cable modem say it's for?
 
XJ-linux

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Some older computers lack a NIC as home networking hasn't always been the phenomenon it is today. For example, I was using a 300Mhz Dell XPS D300 (cost me $2500 back in 1998) for years before I switched to Mac back in2005~2006. It had no NIC or WiFi card, and my modem connected via one of the two USB 1.0 ports.
 
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Older notebooks

Yes, manual says usb for machines without ethernet ports. The usb connection does have some limitations though.
 

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