Home network - Please help :)

[LeighMA]

I am looking at setting up a home network. I have two PC's that are approximately 25-30 metres apart (85-100 feet). The reason I want the network is primarily to play games such as RA & Quake (which I currently play via serial cable by moving the computers together)... but also for the odd file transfer here and there.

If I was to set up a network, what would I need (I assume Windows 95 on my iP233MMX and 98/NT on the iP200 is sufficient for running such a network) in the way of hardware and cabling (exactly what type of cabling, etc) to make everything work? And what protocols, etc. would I need installed?

And, most importantly.. will a distance of 100 feet work? And will there be too much lag to play games on (my primary concern)?

Please note that I know absolutely nothing about networking.. so try and keep talk of 10-Base-T's and all that business down to a minimum. Just pretend you're trying to explain it to a 5 year old

Thanks a heap,

LeighMA

[This message has been edited by LeighMA (edited 02-18-99).]

[moto]

I suggest you set up a simple ethernet network. For this, you will need 2 ethernet cards (10Base-T is the most common), some cable (RJ-45 is what is used for 10Base-T), and a network hub. I am not sure if 100 feet will be too long; I think the hub will boast the signal. The protocals you will need depend on the game you are playing. Older games (DOOM, Duke3D, etc...) use the IPX protocal. Games like Quake2 use TCP/IP. As for latency, you will not see any with 2 computers on an ethernet network.

[WildCajun]

First, RJ-45 is not a cable, CAT-5 will be the cable type, RJ-45 is the connector that goes on the end of the cable

Second, a hub will not boost the signal UNLESS it is an active hub which is more costly, but 100 ft is well within specs for 10Base-T network which has a limit of 328 ft so you could connect the 2 machines with a crossover connection and avoid buying a hub

[Josh]

100 Feet is ok for a cable run. 100 meters is the maximum cable length (approx. 300ft)
If you are only going to connect two machines you could just use a crossover cable also. Here is a link to a diagram of a crossover cable.

http://www.gcctech.com/ts/doc/crossover.html

[LeighMA]

If I were to get this "crossover cable", exactly how would it work? Two network cards with RJ45 connectors, and a 100ft crossover cable with RJ45 connectors? Is that all I'll need?

And can I just walk into a computer shop and say that and they'll know what I mean?

[oldbe]

You will have to do some configuration in your Control Panel>Network but if you get these other components installed the rest of the instructions should be available here also. About $50-$60 should take care of the parts, certainly not more. It's interesting to do!

[DougM]

Walk into Office depot right now and get 2 Netgear 10/100 PCI network cards at $19.99 each (clearance), they should also have a category 5 crossover cable with rj-45 connectors on the shelves somewhere (probably made by belkin, roughly $20.00? depends on length).

[LeighMA]

I hear that there are special installation requirements for Cat 5 cabling.. is this true? What is the best way to get it installed?

I need the cable run through a few walls (big house)... I've seen wall sockets for networks - is there much work involved in getting this done? Who shoould I contact that isn't going to charge me hundreds of dollars to install it?

[DougM]

Well if you are planning on running through walls and such then don't just use a crossover cable .

I would put a hub somewhere in the middle or at one end for future expansion.

I don't remember the specifics but here are some guidelines:
- Try to keep your cable at least 6 inches away from power lines at all times.
- When you do have to run your cable past power or other cables try to cross them at a 90 degree angle.

Try these as a starting place:
http://www.mcdata.com/~meh0045/homewire/wire_guide.html
http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/3300/simplecable.html
http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/LANs/cabling-faq/faq.html

[LeighMA]

Ack! So now I'm back to square one. I have a vague understanding of Coax networks... would a BNC system work over such a distance, through walls, etc? What about crossing power lines with Coax cabling? And expansion is much easier... just whack another piece of cable on the end.

[DougM]

I think the cabling requirements for Coax will be similar to Cat5. Coax is dying you should go Cat 5 with RJ45 connectors.

[Symes]

Coax will work, but I agree with DougM - It's old technology and Cat5 is easier to work with anyway.

100feet isn't very far, you still have another 200 odd feet to stay within spec, so why not look for alternative routing of the cables to avoid the walls - you could try going up into the roof space and back down(dependent upon building design).
Don't run the cable outside though unless you also attach lightning protectors to the cable (at eand end)!!!

One other (expensive) thought, would be to look at wireless, most of the kit runs at 2-3 Mbps at the present time but an 11Mbps standard is nearly ready and Lucent for one are intending to launch a product for sale in the UK in April.
Wireless would certainly make installation easy!

[ktwebb]

There is 11 meg wireless available right now in the US from a company called Aironet. Very fast, very reliable. (Just set up a 150 node LAN at a school in Miami) Would work for you and alleviate all your cable hassles but it aint cheap. 500 plus per card, and you lose a little bit of throughput without an access point, but it can be done without one. I can email you if you are interested.