I've got a router on the fisrt floor and am trying to connect a second computer to it from the second floor (about 100ft away). I can't get a connection to the internet. Is the distance a problem? When i take the computer downstairs and hook it up to the router using a 12ft cable i get a connection.

No, 100ft is not a problem for Ethernet cabling. It is probably a bad cable for some reason. It's always my luck that the long cable runs have a problem, because they are the hardest, most expensive to deal with! But, If you get a good cable and connectors, you can run Ethernet 100s of feet without a problem.

100 feet shouldn't be a problem. The maximum for Cat5 is 100 meters, with 80 meters giving you a bit of leeway. 80 meters is still 262 feet. I would check the integrity of the cable. Do you get the link light lit on the router and computer when you plug the cable in? If the link light is not lit nothing is going to happen. Stuart

FYI If the 100-ft ethernet cable is a crossover type, it will not connect. You need straight through type for what you want to do. Check the cable markings. i_Xp/VistaUser

If it is a crossover cable you can get a simple adaptor to convert it to Patch so there is no need to buy a whole other 100ft cable. Some routers even have port sensing capability so it doesn't matter which cable type you use. A power reboot of the router is required though in order for it to adjust the port for the type of cable used. Check your router user manual. Goin' Fishin' (Some day)