I have a client who is adding to his office space, and needs to add the new computer(s) to the existing network, which is connected to the outside world with a DSL line. The problem:

He needs a CAT-5 to be run between two sections of the building, which have no common above-ceiling space. There is a 2-story foyer between the sections of the building.

Is there another method of linking the far computer(s) to the network? A stand-alone DSL-type of system that can use a phone-line connection without losing speed or security?

The client agreed that a DSL connection would work, but is concerned about needing more than one DSL account. Can one account be shared in more than one place?

Danke,

wireless is an option (though not the best one)

54g access points.. put as many as you need to get from one to the other and just bounce across them to the other end.

whats the distance?

Remember that you can buy direct burial CAT6. Go out through a outside wall, slit the cable into the lawn (A sprinkler guy can do this for a minimal fee, they usually own a slitter.) and come back into the building at the desired location.


What options you have for not losing speed or security depend on your definition of what is acceptable. Wireless solutions are probably the easiest to install in this instance, but will not offer the speed that a hardwired CAT5 cable will. (At this point, if you're going to run cable... spend a little extra and buy CAT6.) With a good link, 54g is fast enough for web surfing and most items, it is likely faster than the DSL link speed he is buying, and would therefore not be the weak link in the system.

Regarding security, if he is really worried, buy a router that supports VPN, and make all wireless connections tunneling over the VPN link.


Most DSL accounts give the customer one dynamic IP address. The customer could buy two DSL modems, and hook each up using existing phone lines. This would mean any filters installed at the service entrance would have to be removed, and filters installed anywhere a POTS phone was to be used. This would require the customer to log in and out at each side of the network... likely not an appealing scenario, as this doesn't allow transferring info across the home using the internet as a bridge. (Remember, you only get one IP address.)

Larry, if this isn't what you do, I'd suggest he contact any good networking administrator, they will be able to examine your situation and requirements in detail, and give a good solution. Sort of like what you do for home audio and video ;-)

Well, thanx for the compliment!

In no particular order:

He mention not wanting wireless, there is a sidewalk between, he may like the two-modem idea if he has paralleled phone lines, the distance is around 30' at the closest above-ceiling points but maybe 75' from hub-to-hub (using the term loosely), and what is a '54g access point'?

I shall do a search.

(return:) Aha! It's a wireless router system.

So, If he doesn't want wireless, that leaves only wired solutions. Two DSL modems will likely require him to obtain fixed IP addresses and sign up for DSL on two phone lines, sounds like an expensive fix. If he only signs up for one DSL service, he'll be unable to move files from one PC to another using the network.

Of your options, I like running a buried CAT6 cable. It can be easily run under the sidewalk. Dig about a 2ft deep hole on each side, use a piece of hard conduit with a fitting attached on one end to a hose, and let water pressure move the soil as you push it under the sidewalk. The same sprinkler guy that would run the slitter for installing the cable has likely done this. If this is like most areas, the sprinkler guy will do this for very little money.

Have you tried HPNA. Up to 10M over almost any copper. Have used this solution plenty of times in existing homes as an alternative to WLAN.

http://www.homepna.com/

http://www.homepna.org/

There is no reason not to do WIreless in this case.... A Secure 802.11G Bridge will offer plenty of bandwidth and be more cost efective in the long run. Just get some nice high quality Bridges (Cisco, Orinoco, AMX) and you'll be fine. I've got bridges going 120-150 feet with directional high gain antennas in place at a couple jobsites.... Work flawlessly.