How to link two small networks? Reply to this Post
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What's the cheapest reliable way to link two small (less than five PC's) area networks that are separated by about 50 feet and two floors?

I'd like to use two wireless routers to do this but most of the low end wi-fi routers don't seem able to do that. Low end wireless bridges are more expensive and only have a single RJ45. so I'd have to add a wired hub. I don't want to get two or more wireless network cards.

Would I be happier (have a more reliable network) if I just install the necessary wires?

Thanks.

Charlie
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Male bob
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Re: How to link two small networks? Reply to this Post
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I think the easiest solution would be to run a wire between your floors. Wireless signals decrease (and so does network speed) with increased distances and obstructions like walls/floors.

Bob
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Male ChasHeath
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Thanks for the reply. I've bought the wire and I'm getting ready to dig into the crawl space to figure out how to route the wires ...
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Male RichRoth
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You probably have a hub on each floor, if one has a daisy-chain (or similar name) socket you are set -- otherwise you need to make
a cross-over cable instead of a straight through one.

I never remember the exact cabling for cross-over, it is pretty
east to google it
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Male tracemeek
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yes, there is a specific type of cable for cross-over. Also, if you are running cat5 cable through an air plenum (i.e.- space above a drop-ceiling), make sure you use "plenum-rated" for safety.
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Male lamplight
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i believe the crossover is 1 and 3 and 2 and 6. the rest optionally are straight through.

additionally and easier, lots of hubs/switches have a "uplink" button associated with 1 port, you can use a regular network cable and just press this button in on the mentioned port.