Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

[silvachris1]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

Yep I'm aware of that too, thanks to the first wireless router I ever bought running on the same frequency as my old phone. Really reallllly sketchy connections. We were offline more than we were on.


So I'm really leaning more toward the Cat5 cable. What reccomendations would you guys make. Shielded, double shielded, etc? Whats the difference in Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6? What should I look for guys?

You've all been great help, I appreciate it. The cables are gonna be about 1/3 the cost of the wireless route, and more reliable if we can get something that will last a few years.

Out of random curiousity, there are many different colors of wires, and at the risk of sounding like an idiot, I still have to ask: Is there anything special to the colored wires like a color code? I'd hate to assume that there is, but I can't see why there would be.

[silvachris1]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

Bump.

[Camaro Dom]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

fyi...

What is the maximum length we should have a (single run) cable and why?

100 metres is the maximum effective length for a single run cable as this type of cable cannot maintain a good signal for longer than that length. However it is possible to use UTP Cat5 cables to transmit data over 100 metres but this will require the use of devices known as repeaters which basically regenerate the signal strength (Mitchell, B, 2006).

Got that from http://www.overclock.net/faqs/76591-...-utp-cat5.html

[silvachris1]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

Thanks man. I need a run of prolly 375 feet to go from our router, across the yard, up a tree to cross the stream, back down another, across her yard and in to her PC. That wont work. Checking wireless stuff out again. Anybody know of a good repeater?

[jfbird]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

I wouldn't use HughesNet unless I was desperate. Satellite isn't very fast (only about 700k) and historically is not very reliable, especially for the price. Don't you have RoadRunner or DSL available in your area?

[SpeedingFirebird]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

Thanks man. I need a run of prolly 375 feet to go from our router, across the yard, up a tree to cross the stream, back down another, across her yard and in to her PC. That wont work. Checking wireless stuff out again. Anybody know of a good repeater?

100 meters = 328.08399 feet

It might work but with some signal loss. (note, I am not an electrical engineer)

[silvachris1]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

I wouldn't use HughesNet unless I was desperate. Satellite isn't very fast (only about 700k) and historically is not very reliable, especially for the price. Don't you have RoadRunner or DSL available in your area?

See first post:

So a few weeks back there was a thread asking who was still on dialup. I am stuck with that unfortunate fate at home. School is a different story, but that wont last much longer anyways. On to my idea.

We've been considering HughesNet, which is internet over our DirecTV dish. The cost is comparable to a fast cable connection, but the speed is closer to DSL. Anyways, it's about 60-70 per month for the service, and about 400 for the equipment right now. We can't justify that cost to just one household.

......

I know when you have that many people on one connection it's going to be "slow", but remember, we're all using dialup right now.

Anyways, NO CABLE up here, and our phone lines "Can't support DSL yet, lines are always being updated in your area". So yeah, I have no choice. It's either:
1: Keep connecting on dialup at 26.4K (yes, its 26.4, that's our record best connection speed so far).
2: Get satellite internet.
3: Stop using the internet.

[t-topV6]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

Anyways, NO CABLE up here, and our phone lines "Can't support DSL yet, lines are always being updated in your area". So yeah, I have no choice. It's either:
1: Keep connecting on dialup at 26.4K (yes, its 26.4, that's our record best connection speed so far).
2: Get satellite internet.
3: Stop using the internet.

i say satellite...

[Abaddon]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

You are getting some good information here. I think Nikon has the best ideas so far. Check out a few of the other antennas they have listed on that site:

http://www.hyperlinktech.com/web/ant...irectional.php

I've played with a tube-style directional antenna from Cisco and it was amazing. We were picking up wireless signals in a parking lot from almost a 1/4 mile away. My buddy keeps it in the trunk of his car with his laptop so he can get onto open wireless networks.

In this case, the router isn't as important as the antenna setup. Once you get the signal to the router, it'll all work the same. One correction I'd like to make is DON'T use WEP. It's been broken a few years ago and anyone with a packet sniffer can grab your data. Use WPA. Much stronger protection and easier to use than typing in 26 characters. :)

And any of you tech guys who want a good laugh:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/1860241.stm

[silvachris1]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

Cool deal. So then, if I want to share the wireless here and at my sister's house, what do I need? A router with multiple antennas on it so one can cover this house, and the other can be replaced with a directional antenna to cover her house? Then I'll need a wireless card or router (acting as an access point?) at her house?

I really just need somebody to lay this out for me so I can determine how much it's gonna cost us all.

[Everglades W68]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

Cat 5 with aluminum foil wrapped around it the entire distance.

[Mogobs30th]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

Alright kids, this is my domain.

SCREW the CAT5. If you WERE going to run Cat5, I would suggest Cat5E BONDED underground cable. Simply buying Cat5 cable will not work for long, outside temps will start to mess with the conductors after as little as months.

I would suggest Cat6A underground cable, and get a crimper and connectors to go between the houses.

But as a reminder, YOU NEED OUTDOOR CABLE, DO NOT USE INDOOR CABLE OUTSIDE!!!

As for the antenna's, the cost of it probably doesn't justify just paying more money for the extra bill. I would get the Cat6A cable, a repeater, an insulated outdoor box, mount the box at a midpoint between both houses, and run the lines between the houses to the box, with the repeater in the box.

If you lived close enough, I would actually do the piping for you, but if you use underground cable, I don't think you would have a problem keeping it outside.

[sac2165]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

Before you spend big bucks trying to share internet, make sure you read the fine print about the maximum you can download & upload in a given time period before you're "penalized" for 15 hours.

[nikon]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

^^^ ya, I had that crap happen to me....satelite blows big donkey ****...they cut us off for 24hrs after I went on a P2P program.....

[silvachris1]

Re: Anybody know anything about wireless networks? I have an idea.

Cool deal. Thanks Wes. That's very helpful.

Nikon and Sac2165, thanks for the headsup on the penaltys, "Fair Access Policy". Looks like its 200MB per 24 hours for the basic package, and 375MB for the next step up.

We don't do a whole lot of downloading, but yeah, that limit sucks. I can definitely go past that limit just watching youtube or streetfire. Just another consideration. Thanks guys. Any other sugguestions? I know there's another company that does satellite internet. I guess I'll check them out. This dialup is rediculous. I connected at 20.6K today.