Network Question

Pretend · 08-22-2006, 06:42 PM

I'll admit it, I didn't search, but oh well.

Anyway...

I'm wanting to extend my network. In other words, I need to use it further than the current router will reach and don't want to run too many cables everywhere. So, my question is... how?

Would it be possible just to run wire for another router at a further distance and still have that router function fine?

If not, how else might I solve my problem? I do know there are signal boosters and stuff, but I'm not sure that I want to use one because I'd still like to be able to run wire for future things (such as an XBox 360 I hope will be coming eventually.)

littleFella · 08-22-2006, 07:34 PM

wired or wireless?

Zap · 08-22-2006, 08:42 PM

If you're talking wired, you can get a switch or a hub (switch would be better) and use it like this...

----- = Ethernet Cable

router ----- switch ----- computer

I'm not the greatest ANSI artist.

Pretend · 08-22-2006, 08:54 PM

I was hoping to have wireless, though wired would be acceptable. Again, wireless would be a hundred times better.

littleFella · 08-22-2006, 09:10 PM

First you may try to see if a pair of directional antennas will do the trick. All depends on $$$ but $40 can get you a decent D-Link directional antenna:

or a few bucks more can get you a cantenna

As long as you have a clear line of sight some consumer grade antenas can give you a range of over a mile. The whole trick with those is pretty much the way you point them at each other so that you get the strongest signal possible.

I have a pair of cantenas working at a distance of 500m, one of the buidings being a steel construction mechanical repair shop. Signal is about 70%. Strangely, better when it snows.

Also, the actual distance may be an issue, in which case you may need a repeater such as thisone (just an example):

A directional antena for repeaters may still be a good idea.

The repeater will likely give you better range but the speed will go down (overhead in relaying data).

No matter what you do, make sure the antennas are removable so that you have an upgrade option, should you need it.

D-Link usually offers some nice network diagram suggestions with most of their products. See online.

littleFella · 08-22-2006, 09:17 PM

oops, I forgot one little thing.
Some Linksys routers allow you to tinker with signal stregth in code. This is pretty much illegal, but technically you can boost these babes by 300% and more. But then, you still need a better antena on the receiving end.

Pretend · 08-23-2006, 02:29 PM

I was just looking around for a few minutes before work, would something like tihs work? http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...649586&CatId=0

littleFella · 08-23-2006, 05:06 PM

so you don't have a wireless router yet?

Pretend · 08-23-2006, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littleFella

so you don't have a wireless router yet?

No, no, no. I have one for the network, but I'm wanting to use it in another part of the building that the original router won't reach. I was also wanting to be able to run ethernet cables for other computers, gaming consoles, etc. Naturally, I can't do that if I were to just buy an antenna... at least I wouldn't think so.

littleFella · 08-23-2006, 10:02 PM

You don't need a second router then, or you're getting into network complexity beyond what I assume are your currnet skills.

I still think you need another a set of powerful antenas or range extender. You may also need a wireless bridge that would pull wireless signal directly form the router or via a range extender to the other part of the building. A bridge like that would need to be connected to a switch to which you could connect other PC with cat5 cable, or use access point(s) for wireless PCs. In other words, you would be shooting the wireles signal between two sub-networks kinda this way:

Code:

Existing LAN                  Extension of Existing LAN


                                               / Wired PC1  
Wireless Router --)))    (((---Bridge----Switch
                                           |   \ Wired PC2
                                           |
                                           |
                                       Wireless 
                                      AccessPoint--)))   (((--Wireles PC

Note though that the bridge may slow down the wireless speed and even that will have to be split among the PC on the extended part of your LAN.

Ideally, I'd use a couple 5 port gigabit switches and wire them with cat5e is speed is imprtant.

If I totally misunderstood your needs post some schematics, so I can suggest what I think may fit your need.

Pretend · 08-24-2006, 10:15 PM

Ok, real quick then.

For now, just to get the net working over there since it's only one PC... I need to antenna's, correct? Even if the computer has a wireless card, or does it just need one then?

littleFella · 08-24-2006, 10:25 PM

you can start without additonal antenas and see how it works. If not too well then get one antenna and test again. If still no go then get the 2nd antena.
With wireless you never know until you actually start connecting computers.

Still, under most circumstances you will need both points to be equipped with the same signal stregth equipment, otherwise one of them will be able to "see" but not be "seen"

Also consider the -N protocol, which has up to 4x the range of -G