What Networking Situation?

[brandon184]

I have a new situation in the house.

I need to network two desktops and a laptop, which has a 10/100 NIC.

Using Cat5 cable to network is out of the question, since the house is too big to be doing stuff like that.

Printer/Internet Sharing is a MUST.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

- Brandon

[iSpark]

Here are some choices http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Ethernet (Ruled Out)

Phone-line (Most likely the best in your situation)

Wireless

Power Line

Direct Cable Connection (only for two computers)

[brandon184]

I need to UTILIZE the Network Interface Card that came with the laptop. Its too expensive to just put off the side, not to be used.

[Mr.Goodbytes]

Well you're in the weeds if you want to use your NIC without CAT5. It will run fine at 268 foot lengths; if you need longer use the FastCAT standard. The spool will just cost more.

[kwebb]

Cat5 spec is 100 meters, or 300 feet plus, and will actually work past that although attenuation becomes a problems. Unless you live in Bill Gates house, distance should not be a problem. Hiding the cable, on the other hand, may in fact be a problem you cant overcome easily. Wireless is probably the fastest, most reliable alternative. You could buy a 802.11b access point and just add 802.11b client devices as you need them. To use the NIC in your laptop, buy a hub, and plug the laptop into the same hub as the Access Point is plugged into.