What you have is a cable modem. If you are planning on connecting your BBA directly to your cable modem than you need a standard ethernet cable. In fact you would use an ethernet cable even if you purchased a router or hub.
If you planned on sharing the connection with your PC then you would need to use a crossover (patch) cable. I see that you are using the USB connection for your computer, so you should be able to use the ethernet port on the modem to connect your GC BBA.
I forgot to answer your question about distance. The distance of the cable will not make a bit of difference.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: VioletSkye on 2004-10-08 20:22 ]</font>