Whats the best way to solve this??

[Robbie1990]

Hi

I recently got sky broadband in but my main socket is downstairs and my computers are up, i know i could use wireless but i am not a big fan and prefer to be wired. So i am wondering what will be the best way to have my pc's upstairs wired bearing in mind i have laminate flooring down upstairs so wont be taking a wire up through the ceiling it will have to go out the wall to outside then back in the wall upstairs. I was thinking....

1. A long RJ11 to RJ11 going from filter downstairs to modem up.

2. Running 2 long RJ45 lead going from modem downstairs to pc's up.

3. Or fitting a double RJ45 socket downstairs and one upstairs giving a more proffesional look and meaning the modem stays down.

I know i could also get some homeplugs but i would need 3 and they are bloody pricey.

Thanks for your time All input is good

[Billet]

The homeplugs are indeed pricey, look on Flea Bay for the "bargains", They are by far the best and easiest solution.

Good luck

[k.jacko]

Originally Posted by Robbie1990

1. A long RJ11 to RJ11 going from filter downstairs to modem up.

Could do, depending on your adsl speed i guess, as you 'may' suffer a little due to extending the length from master socket.

2. Running 2 long RJ45 lead going from modem downstairs to pc's up.

Personally it would look a little ugly

3. Or fitting a double RJ45 socket downstairs and one upstairs giving a more proffesional look and meaning the modem stays down.

Fitting a socket would require a) channelling you cables/boxes or b) surface mounting them, in which case its the same as option 2 isnt it?

I know i could also get some homeplugs but i would need 3 and they are bloody pricey.

Yeah, they can be pricey. Have you lived with the wireless for a while to see how it is? It may be more reliable than you expect.

Personally, i think i'd go with option 1. Extend the phone cable. I've done this before and not suffered any speed loss, but i know people who have.

[abu baniaz]

Do you not have any phone sockets upstairs near one of the computers? The modem does not have to be plugged in to a master socket. (You will still need filters on all sockets).

[RayB]

If you've got a phone socket on the upper level, you can plug your router in there.

If you really, really don't want to make a small hole for the cable, then try wireless for a time and see how it goes, although you'd be surprised how small the hole needs to be for a bit of CAT-5 cable.

[Robbie1990]

only one phone socket to the house in the living room, so you think the rj11 route is best??

[RayB]

No - flat telecom cable should be kept to short lengths. (You did ask what I think )

Either run two CAT-5's from the router or if you want to keep it neat, run one from the router to a central location (airing cupboard for example) on the upper floor and install a 4-port switch, there are many available for under £20 and some for under a tenner. Then run a cable from there to each of the PC's and you'll have a couple of spare ports for future expansion.

As to costs, I've already given a guide for the switch. Other bits you'll need are Cat-5E cable, some RJ-45 ends and a crimp tool. TLC currently have cable at £7.00 for 50m, plugs at 16p each for 3+ (suggest you get 10 to allow for the odd error/future use) and a crimp tool for a tenner or so - all ex.VAT and postage, but if you have a branch near you then you can go and collect.

I've not allowed for any clips etc. as you'll know how you want it fixed, but you'll see that for under £40 you can get the job done. (If you want to be really neat and have connection boxes at each end then the cost will go up a bit (est. an additional £20) but again TLC are really good here - have a look at their modular wiring plates and inserts). How does that compare to the network homeplugs?

You've said your BB is with Sky; if you already have a HD box you'll know they are fitted with an ethernet port. Whilst currently dormant, they will be brought into use in a couple of months or so for "anytime+".

If you've not got an HD box, by following the above you'll have some spare ports on your router for it and any other network devices you may purchase in the future.

Hope some of this helps.

[Robbie1990]

maybe use this for sort of a switch? if not you seen any on ebay?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BELKIN-4-PORT-...item2305fb8a64

[RayB]

Hmm - if you've already got a modem/router then adding that could cloud the water.

Look at this: GetNet GS-115P 5 Port 10/100Mbps Ethernet Switch on Amazon - that is going to be better as it's a straight switch. You might want to look at a few others as well whilst there.