Question

Network

Asked by: swordfishsoup

Hi.

Just built an office down the garden and the wifi from the BT home hub doesn't reach.

It's about 45 meters away and I don't know what option to go for. I could run a cable from the hub to the office - or I have seen the plug in systems that use the mains.

I want to be able to back up large quantites of data to the house for safekeeping.

So, question is - ethernet or plugin?
If ethernet which cable do I need cat5 or 6 patch or crossover?
If plug in which speed - 85 - 200 or gigabit?

Thanks for your help.

Dave

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Asked On
2009-11-05 at 08:05:33ID24874884
Tags

plug in or ethernet

Topics

Miscellaneous Networking

,

Networking Cables

,

Plug Ins

Participating Experts
2
Points
500
Comments
11

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Answers

 

by: thinkpads_userPosted on 2009-11-05 at 08:29:44ID: 25751129

The "large quantities of data" has a big influence. For overall reliability and speed, I would most definitely install an ethernet wire. Wireless could prove problematic over time (even though I use it all the time in my home, but use wire for big transfers)  ... Thinkpads_User

 

by: swordfishsoupPosted on 2009-11-05 at 08:38:03ID: 25751228

Thanks.

Laying a wire isn't a problem. Do you know what kind I should buy? cat5 cat6? I assume it's a 'patch' cable to go from BT hub to PC?

Thanks

 

by: thinkpads_userPosted on 2009-11-05 at 08:42:19ID: 25751279

For most purposes, CAT5 is fine. However doing it new now and then for the longer term, I would myself use CAT6. That is probably the best way. You either need outdoor cable or run a small conduit and use indoor cable. Outdoor cable will be the best way to go.

In terms of connection, run the cable from your BT Hub to the location. I would now be inclined to get a small modern switch and connect the cable to the switch. Now you can have more than one PC out there and indeed, you could bridge a wireless router in to have wireless access when you want it. The switch is optional but highly desirable.
... Thinkpads_User

 

by: PeteJThomasPosted on 2009-11-05 at 08:45:39ID: 25751322

CAT5e would be as good as any for your purposes, up to 100metres - It's designed with gigabit ethernet in mind, which if your BT home hub and other PC can use would make the transfer significantly faster.

Common sense would dictate that it should be run within some kind of protection if it's outside, to avoid moisture etc...

Pete

 

by: PeteJThomasPosted on 2009-11-05 at 08:48:50ID: 25751367

Hey I just did some googling, and found a useful load of info:

http://www.connectworld.net/syscon/support.htm

Tells you about the different cables etc, even has a section on running Cat5e outside etc. :)

Pete

 

by: thinkpads_userPosted on 2009-11-05 at 08:49:02ID: 25751369

Thank you and best wishes in your project. .... Thinkpad_User

 

by: swordfishsoupPosted on 2009-11-05 at 08:51:58ID: 25751407

Thanks thinkpad - very helpful.

Can you clarify that a 'switch would go at the office/garden end of the cable - I think I'm answering my own question as I type but good to clarify as I'm new to this. And a wireless router that end too? Not too sure what the difference between a router and the hub is.....

Thanks again

 

by: swordfishsoupPosted on 2009-11-05 at 08:53:23ID: 25751428

Thanks Pete, still not sure if I'm after a patch or crossover?

 

by: thinkpads_userPosted on 2009-11-05 at 08:55:01ID: 25751452

Your BT device is (probably) supplied by the telecom people. I took that as a basic installed device. Run a cable from there to your location and install a LinkSys (Cisco) consumer 4 or 8 port switch. These are usually inexpensive. Then plug in your PC. All should be well.

Later comes a wireless router. I would get it all connected and working, and see if you still want to do this. ... Thinkpads_User

 

by: thinkpads_userPosted on 2009-11-05 at 08:55:54ID: 25751463

If you put a switch at the garden end, straight cable will do. Avoid crossover cables if you can.
... Thinkpads_User

 

by: PeteJThomasPosted on 2009-11-05 at 09:04:07ID: 25751568

Indeed, or if you're running the cable straight from your BT Hub (I'm assuming you're talking about a home hub?) then you don't need a cross over... You only really need a cross over if the cable goes straight from computer to computer with no switch/hub in between, which you have.

BT home hubs usually have a 4 port switch built-in I believe...

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