type of cable

Hi there,

I noremally do these countings in meters, but here goes nothing.

1500 feet is about 33 meters. You can use a Cat 5 UTP cable for 150 meters. So if i where you and you would like to go for the simplest solution (and off course the cheapest), i'd go for the UTP Cat 5 (or 6).

When you are using a wireless (which is easily possible with over 1000 feet), you have to buy two wireless NIC's. You'd also have to buy a wireless access point. All together, it will cost ya over $ 200. If you use two Internal Ethernet NIC's and a 50 meter cross cable between the two pc's, it will cost ya $ 100.

Also, if you use more then 2 pc's, you need a switch. Because normal access points have 1 Ethernet RJ 45 connection. This has to be connected to the switch.

what about using 802.11b wireless or if its possible to use spread spectrum LAN technology????

Hi,

802.11b isn't totally secured. Out of the box, you should do something about security. You can use both network options together, here's how.

Install a wireless access point somewhere, and put a switch next to it. Connect the wireless access point to the switch. If you have pc's with Ethernet, you can connect them to the switch also. Al wireless connection are being made through the access point. And because both are on the switch, they can see each other. I'f you like to create some sort of internet connection share, be sure to have a router or enable Internet Conection Sharing on your network..

Still, i wouldn't use Token Ring, but that's up to you.

oops...

You're right pseudocyber, added a 0 to much.....

Then Ethernet is out of the question...But you're options (fiber optic cable) isn't really a chaeper isn't it??

Well, of course fiber isn't cheaper than copper - but you have to use the right tool for the job.

It depends what admood is trying to achieve - trying to link a main campus to a remote office - or trying to share Internet with his friend down the block.

i own a local company mostly we do shipping, once the front office gets networked/ i relized if i could connect the loading dock to the network this be really helpful for the business it will keep everything more current but the dock is nowhere near the other computers. its approxi 1000-1500 feet away. i dont know what kind of cable will work the best?? i would like to get different options with details why to choose this way or that way.....
thanks..

I wouldn't even want to try wireless at 1500ft.....

I think you are going to be stuck with a fiber optic alternatively myself.

If you're inside the same building - I would recommend fiber for the distance.

what would be a second choice????

Why?  What is the problem with Fiber?

You could find some old equipment on Ebay and put in some thicknet coax and do 10Mbps to 500M ... <eek>

You could set up two separate networks, each with an internet connection and create a VPN between them over the internet.

I would go with the fiber though. Fiber is nice.

>> 10Mbps to 500M ... <eek>

LOL...eek exactly.

Admood - is this all in the SAME building?

no its not in the same building its about 1000-1500 feet away from the front office.................

OIC.  Then your other option could be wireless.

Or a VPN.

I'd go for the VPN then...

Fiber optic is to expencive for this option.
Wireless is not safe enough and 1500 feet is al lot to cross, will it still be of a good quality.

Usnig the VPN looks like the best option to me

Why not set up an ISDN solution?  Its relatively inexpensive and it sounds like you won't be needing too much bandwidth.  What kind of router do you have existing?  ISDN is easy and the hardware for it is relatively inexpensive.  A BRI will give you 128k of bandwidth.   If you need more you might think about using Frame-Relay or a T1 Point-to-Point.  This can all be leased by your local phone company.

If I could talk management into it, I would go with the fiber.  It's a capital infrastructure investment - it will give you the most bandwidth, it's the most secure, and it's the only option (besides wireless) that doesn't have a reoccuring monthly operating expense - assuming you own the fiber.