can I connect to a wall socket directly from my computer with a cat5e cable?

[Jordan_H93]

If not, which cable do I need?

the wall socket has a square jack on it which looks identical to the ethernet port on the back of my computer so I assume it should work?

 

[aquielisunari]

If not, which cable do I need?

the wall socket has a square jack on it which looks identical to the ethernet port on the back of my computer so I assume it should work?

Looks and is haven't really met.

shows the subtle differences between the two. Going by your description this sounds like a phone line which is aka a land line. It doesn't provide internet service unless DSL service is set up. The only way that would work is if the house was wired for ethernet but it sounds like a phone line. If you're paying for the service it would seem you should know where your connections are. The ISP rep. usually shows the homeowner that. If this is an apartment that may be a paid service.

 

[DeadRam]

Yes but the data drop has to be active (patched).

 

[Dunlop0078]

What are you trying to do? You sure it's not a phone line? Looks just like Ethernet but smaller.

If it is ethenret is it live? A router somewhere in your house would have to be feeding it.

 

[USAFRet]

If not, which cable do I need?

the wall socket has a square jack on it which looks identical to the ethernet port on the back of my computer so I assume it should work?

And what, exactly, is the other end of that wall jack connected to?

 

[gdmaclew]

There's a simply way to tell if it's a phone socket or ethernet.
Try to plug in the other end of your LAN cable into the socket.
If it's a phone jack it won't fit.