I'm buying a new computer for my wife. Right now, mine and her computer are right next to eachother and we are connected to the same DSL modem with 2 ethernet cables. But her new computer will be placed 2 rooms away from the DSL modem(around 40 feet), and the DSL modem will stay next to my computer(next to the only phone jack). So I need to know what my options are to connect her new computer to the DSL modem. Is it possible to buy a 40 ft long ethernet cable and run it from her computer to the DSL modem, or would that degrade the signal for something? Or...I also notice that the DSL modem(Westell VersaLink model 327W) has some sort of wireless option. There is a short antenae on top of the modem. What kind of hardware would I need to buy with her new computer in order to use this wireless option? And would it work well being a few rooms away from the modem? Thanks!
2006-11-20 02:14:33 · 5 answers · asked by Matthew N 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
Yes you can buy a long cable or you can get a wireless router
2006-11-20 02:20:27 · answer #1 · answered by robedw_y2k 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can find a 50' ethernet cable or have one made, you should be able to plug it in that way. As long as you have a strong signal, I believe the maximum distance for the cable is about 100-150 feet, although I have never tried it.
However, the better solution would be to go wireless. Purchase a D-Link or Linksys router/switch combo with support for the 802.11g wireless signals. You can then plug the DSL modem into the router, and plug your PC into one of the router's RJ45 ethernet slots.
For your wife's new PC or laptop, have a wireless network card installed, preferably one that is the same brand as the router you bought. This makes it easier to configure, since they tend to use the same terms and menu choices.
I suggest the D-Link or Linksys brands because they are well known, in use in many home networks, and are easy to configure.
Keep in mind that the 802.11g standard is good for high-speed network, but has a limited range. If you have to go through two walls, you may want to stick with a less expensive but more reliable 802.11b standard if you can still find one.
And avoid 802.11n wireless standard for now...it is still considered "bleeding edge", meaning that it is the newest standard, but still has problems that need to be worked out.
Hope this helps.
2006-11-20 02:26:16 · answer #2 · answered by SteveN 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the westell 327w has a secure 128-bit wireless encryption code that is a 24 digit number and letter code. It works great use a 3g wireless usb adapter and you should connect real easy or you could run an ethernet cord up to 750' without any signal loss. to activate the wireless side of the modem give me an e-mail and I will send you a link to show you how to get it working.
2006-11-20 14:53:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your best option would be to purchase a wireless card for her computer, there are Wireless B and G cards. B are less common now because the G is faster and more universal. This will save from having to run wire, and since you are only two rooms away the signal should still be very good.
2006-11-20 02:19:44 · answer #4 · answered by boopster1979 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally I do not like or trust wifi. In your case it is one of the best option. If you are handy with wiring running the Cat5 or 6 wire is the best solution.
One other solution is HPNA. This uses the telephone lines inside of your home to network your LAN.
Another option is Ethernet over Power. This actually send the signal over your homes electrical system (120v).
These are just options you may or may not know about. I believe wired networking is the best and most reliable.
2006-11-20 02:45:16 · answer #5 · answered by acklan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋