PC/Internet question! (Quick response appreciated!!!!)

Alright, I have a question here, and I'd like it to be answered as quickly as possible, since I'll be going to Best Buy in an hour.

Okay, I have my new computer in my room and all, and downstairs, my dad has the other computer. I have the cable modem up here, and I gave my dad the wireless internet downstairs. He got fed up and mad after the fact that i would only connect for about 10 seconds after trying 5 minutes to get it to work.

So, wireless is out of the question.

Now, the thing is, that I want a constand (cable) connection in my room, and my dad wants a constant (cable) connection downstairs too. I talked to a friend, he said I can't have two cable modems. I would be willing to buy another one just so there can be two constant connections throughout the house, but apparently, that's not possible. Now, the other solution is to have a hole in the wall with an ethernet cable going down the wall downstairs, and having an ethernet jack in the wall downstairs to connect my computer to. But my mom A.) doesn't want holes in the wall and B.) doesn't want to pay for labor (even though I'm willing to pay for it).

Now, my question is, WHAT CAN I DO?! What are my options? Since we both want a constant connection.

A quick response is appreciated!!!!

Thank You!

-Acrylic

Are you sure you can't get a constant connection if you place more "midpoints" (as I call them). For example, placing a few signals some amount of feet away (3 betwen your dad's PC and yours, for example).

Are you, by chance, using any 2.4ghz phones in your house?

You could solve this problem by having cable internet upstairs and dsl downstairs. Two different services, two different providers, 2x the bill.

Uh, you don't need to have 2 separate cable connections to have a good connection. Just get a router (preferably a linksys as they're the most user friendly). It'll split your connection and even during heavy gaming sessions, it won't impede your dad's casual surfing. A wireless router will run you $40 maybe.

[quote name='jmcc']Are you, by chance, using any 2.4ghz phones in your house?[/QUOTE]

No, our phones are 5.8 ghz, we just recently switched to those a couple months ago.




and @ Moxio:

Wireless is completely out of the question, since my dad does not want it at all, whatsover, in any shape or form. Either do I. With any wireless connection I've ever used (be it at a friends house, or just across the room), it would always kick out. I can't have that or deal with that, so I'm looking for a simple easy solution that's not wireless.

@ jaykrue

[quote name='Acrylic']
So, wireless is out of the question.[/QUOTE]



:/

[quote name='Acrylic']No, our phones are 5.8 ghz, we just recently switched to those a couple months ago.




and @ Moxio:

Wireless is completely out of the question, since my dad does not want it at all, whatsover, in any shape or form. Either do I. With any wireless connection I've ever used (be it at a friends house, or just across the room), it would always kick out. I can't have that or deal with that, so I'm looking for a simple easy solution that's not wireless.[/QUOTE]
You're looking at cables, then. If yo mama doesn't want any holes in the wall, you could probably cable under base molding, if you have any, though that's a moderately annoying project prying it all up, running the cable under it, and then renailing it.

[quote name='Acrylic']No, our phones are 5.8 ghz, we just recently switched to those a couple months ago.




and @ Moxio:

Wireless is completely out of the question, since my dad does not want it at all, whatsover, in any shape or form. Either do I. With any wireless connection I've ever used (be it at a friends house, or just across the room), it would always kick out. I can't have that or deal with that, so I'm looking for a simple easy solution that's not wireless.[/QUOTE]

With wireless out of the connection, I can't really think of any other options. Except you can get a wired router and force an ethernet through the walls (ding ding ding) and force it out downstairs.

[quote name='Acrylic']No, our phones are 5.8 ghz, we just recently switched to those a couple months ago.




and @ Moxio:

Wireless is completely out of the question, since my dad does not want it at all, whatsover, in any shape or form. Either do I. With any wireless connection I've ever used (be it at a friends house, or just across the room), it would always kick out. I can't have that or deal with that, so I'm looking for a simple easy solution that's not wireless.[/QUOTE]

Well, if you really want to do it physically, then may I suggest try and running it alongside the phone jacks? Phone jacks are usually prolific throughout the house plus it's already built in so you can send the line through using an electrician's snake. I think you can get those at your local hardware store.

OK, here's what you need...

You're going to need three ethernet cables and a router. You plug one ethernet cable from the back of the cable modem into the router. This will then allow you to share your connection... The router will automatically assign each computer it's only IP address, too. A switch doesn't do that, so get a router.

Then you're going to run an ethernet cable out of the router to each computer. It's really simple. Get a wired router -- don't pay more for one that's capable of wireless if you're not going to use it. A wired router will run you roughly $40; I know that Office Max had some for like $10, after rebates. CAT5 Ethernet cable (what you'll need) is actually pretty expensive. For a 10 foot piece, you're going to pay roughly $10... A 30 foot cable might be somewhere around $20 or so.

So you need:
- A router
- Three CAT5 ethernet cables

Expect to spend maybe $100?


If you need help setting it up I should be able to help. But remember, you're going to need a long enough cable to extend all the way downstairs!

Also, make sure that you have a network card on both computers. Look on the back (if you don't know what ethernet cable looks like) for an opening that's slightly larger than a phone jack.

Sad thing is, my mom really doesn't want holes in the wall. I'm sure I could possibly talk her into it eventually, but that'd be tough.

Anyways, does anyone know any ways that I could get two cable modems running in the house, or is my friend correct and I can't have two?

[quote name='Acrylic']Sad thing is, my mom really doesn't want holes in the wall. I'm sure I could possibly talk her into it eventually, but that'd be tough.

Anyways, does anyone know any ways that I could get two cable modems running in the house, or is my friend correct and I can't have two?[/QUOTE]
You can have two, but the cable company is going to whack you for having two. They won't dole out another IP address to you for free. So, if you don't mind a recurring cost, go that way, otherwise, get creative with running cable. You don't have to cut holes if you don't want to.

edit: ps, I wouldn't go with premade cables. You can get it bulk (which allows for exact measurment of the cables, too) and put your own ends on cheaper.

[quote name='WinnieThePujols']OK, here's what you need...

You're going to need three ethernet cables and a router. You plug one ethernet cable from the back of the cable modem into the router. This will then allow you to share your connection... The router will automatically assign each computer it's only IP address, too. A switch doesn't do that, so get a router.

Then you're going to run an ethernet cable out of the router to each computer. It's really simple. Get a wired router -- don't pay more for one that's capable of wireless if you're not going to use it. A wired router will run you roughly $40; I know that Office Max had some for like $10, after rebates. CAT5 Ethernet cable (what you'll need) is actually pretty expensive. For a 10 foot piece, you're going to pay roughly $10... A 30 foot cable might be somewhere around $20 or so.

So you need:
- A router
- Three CAT5 ethernet cables

Expect to spend maybe $100?


If you need help setting it up I should be able to help. But remember, you're going to need a long enough cable to extend all the way downstairs![/QUOTE]

Well, my wireless router has 4 ethernet ports in the back, so I don't think I should have to get another router.... :/

Run the wires through the ducting system. No holes that weren't there before.

[quote name='Acrylic']Well, my wireless router has 4 ethernet ports in the back, so I don't think I should have to get another router.... :/[/QUOTE]

Oh, sorry, I didn't realize you already had a router. So really, all you need are three CAT5 ethernet cables. I keep telling you the exact name because they're going to ask you what type of cable you need.

If you use two routers, you're going to be given two unique IP addresses from your ISP. I think they charge extra. Your router will do it automatically for you...why not save $100 a year?

[quote name='WinnieThePujols']Oh, sorry, I didn't realize you already had a router. So really, all you need are three CAT5 ethernet cables. I keep telling you the exact name because they're going to ask you what type of cable you need.

If you use two routers, you're going to be given two unique IP addresses from your ISP. I think they charge extra. Your router will do it automatically for you...why not save $100 a year?[/QUOTE]

Don't forget to tell him to get the CAT5e rated ones so it'll handle a bit more:

cat5 = 10/100Mbps 100+ MHz

cat5e = 10/100/1000Mbps 250+ MHz*

cat6 = 10/100/1000Mbps 350+ MHz*

*depends on cable vendor

That said, I don't even know if they sell the regular cat5 any more.

How much bandwidth does your Dad need? You can get Verizon's slowest plan (768/128) for 15 bucks a month. I don't know what your cable company will charge you for two modems or even if it'll be possible. I know it's not possible with DSL.

Before you spend any more money, let's talk about your wireless set up. How far is your Dad's computer from the wireless router? Is there a lot of interference (concrete, metal, lead) between your Dad's computer and the router?

Do you have access to a laptop? With a laptop and wireless access, you can walk from the router to your Dad's computer and see where the signal drops. If it doesn't drop, then you've got a configuration problem. If your wireless router doesn't have enough oomph, you can pick up some high gain antennas and see if those help. If they don't, you can always return them.

What kind of wireless router do you have? You might need to bridge your connection if your signal is dropping. I think D-Links support bridging, but don't quote me on that. I know that Linksys's do not.

I know you said "no wireless" but it may be your best, cheapest, and only option, so better to cover all the bases.

Edit - Best Buy will GOUGE you on Cat5 cables. They are considerably cheaper elsewhere.

[quote name='jaykrue']Don't forget to tell him to get the CAT5e rated ones so it'll handle a bit more:

cat5 = 10/100Mbps 100+ MHz

cat5e = 10/100/1000Mbps 250+ MHz*

cat6 = 10/100/1000Mbps 350+ MHz*

*depends on cable vendor

That said, I don't even know if they sell the regular cat5 any more.[/QUOTE]

Dang, I always thought that "cat5e" stood for "cat5 ethernet," so I'd be repeating myself if I put that little 'e' in there.

[quote name='yeah-yeah']Edit - Best Buy will GOUGE you on Cat5 cables. They are considerably cheaper elsewhere.[/QUOTE]

If there's one thing CAG has taught me, it's that Best Buy is anything but a best buy.

[quote name='WinnieThePujols']If there's one thing CAG has taught me, it's that Best Buy is anything but a best buy.[/QUOTE]

I know it's off-topic, but sometimes things work out at BB. Usually I have excellent luck - my scanned RED coupon worked fine and I've never had a problem with a PSP (performance service plan) return/exchange.

[quote name='yeah-yeah']How much bandwidth does your Dad need? You can get Verizon's slowest plan (768/128) for 15 bucks a month. I don't know what your cable company will charge you for two modems or even if it'll be possible. I know it's not possible with DSL.

Before you spend any more money, let's talk about your wireless set up. How far is your Dad's computer from the wireless router? Is there a lot of interference (concrete, metal, lead) between your Dad's computer and the router?

Do you have access to a laptop? With a laptop and wireless access, you can walk from the router to your Dad's computer and see where the signal drops. If it doesn't drop, then you've got a configuration problem. If your wireless router doesn't have enough oomph, you can pick up some high gain antennas and see if those help. If they don't, you can always return them.

What kind of wireless router do you have? You might need to bridge your connection if your signal is dropping. I think D-Links support bridging, but don't quote me on that. I know that Linksys's do not.

I know you said "no wireless" but it may be your best, cheapest, and only option, so better to cover all the bases.

Edit - Best Buy will GOUGE you on Cat5 cables. They are considerably cheaper elsewhere.[/QUOTE]

I have a friend that could get me Cat5 cables for cheaper.

The other computer is far away, it's another floor down, and across the house. We have a pretty big house, so it's a large distance. There's a few walls, and not to mention, a whole nother floor in between, so it's a long distance.

No, I don't have access to a laptop. And wireless, is sadly a no way, no how option. My dad started yelling at me last night, because I kept trying to convince him of it. He just does not want it.

[quote name='Acrylic']I have a friend that could get me Cat5 cables for cheaper.

The other computer is far away, it's another floor down, and across the house. We have a pretty big house, so it's a large distance. There's a few walls, and not to mention, a whole nother floor in between, so it's a long distance.

No, I don't have access to a laptop. And wireless, is sadly a no way, no how option. My dad started yelling at me last night, because I kept trying to convince him of it. He just does not want it.[/QUOTE]


My suggestion is to lay every option out for him - what they entail, how much they cost (initial setup + monthly upkeep), and how long they'll take to set up. Wireless setups don't require some special witch doctor (BillyWitchDoctor, anyone?) and a burnt offering - they are usually straightforward to set up and maintain. The wireless access may work fine with one wireless bridge on the middle floor between the computers. That method will be the easiest to set up and most likely the cheapest. Two floors down and one across? You might be getting a little close to the suggested length of Cat5 at those distances. Hard-wiring a house after it has already been built is daunting - that's something you should also express to your pops.

It may be that two separate connections are the way to go. Check with your cable provider, then look into the availability of DSL in your area.

Let's work on a price plan. Here's your homework:

- Measure the distance between the two computers. This won't be exact - try to get an estimate if you were pushing wires through the walls.

IMPORTANT - someone had suggested pushing wires through the duct work. This, from what I've read - is VERY VERY bad advice. If the wires heat up and the wire insulation starts to melt, you'll get toxic fumes moving through the ducts. Not fun.

- Get the make and model of your wireless router. Knowing what kind of router you have will help dictate what options you have with your existing hardware.

- Find out about the extra cable modem and the availability of DSL in your area. I don't think you can have two cable modems, but you should call your provider just in case.

Let us know how it goes!

Edit - One other thing - make sure your Dad knows that it might be wireless or nothing. Remember - you can get some wireless hardware and try it out and if it doesn't work for your house, just return it.

What did you end up doing?