Cable modem upstairs, Router downstairs, will this work?

[XRdirtHead]

I have a computer upstairs hooked to the internet through a cable modem. I'd like to set up three computers downstairs. Could I run a cat5 cable down to the router from the cable modem connecting into the wan port and then run another cat5 back up to the computer upstairs from one of the ports on the router.

 

[Garion]

Yes, that would be fine. Alternatively, you could leave your router upstairs and buy a cheap switch (you can get them for ~$20, or even free after rebate if you watch the hot deals forum) to put downstairs. This will allow you to run a single cable from the router upstairs to the switch downstairs, then plug the PC's downstairs into the switch. Much easier that way and less cables to run.

- G

 

[XRdirtHead]

I was planning on putting the router downstairs so the printer could be set up down there off the router.

 

[Cheetah8799]

ya, that'll work as you described.

Or you could setup the router next to the cable modem, then run only 1 cat5 downstairs from the router to a switch for the other systems down there.

just realized Garion said the same thing...

 

[XRdirtHead]

I was planning on putting the router downstairs so the printer could be set up down there off the router

 

[HKSturboKID]

Yes it will definitely work. I live on a 3 floor house and I am sharing my DSL connection for all three floors which have about 10 computers. I live on the 3rd floor and I have the DSL modem connect to a four port dsl router which one of the port is connected to a 8 port switch which then one of the port from the switch is connected to wireless access point. Back couple of years ago, we were renovating the house and pretty much wired the whole house with CAT 5. It all work out good.

 

[Garion]

If you need the router downstairs for the printer then you first description of how to do it (two cables) is the best way to do it.

- G

 

[JackMDS]

It will work as long as the cable is less than 100meters.

 

[XRdirtHead]

I think 100 foot cat5 should make it...100 meters is like over 300 feet...i think

 

[Pilsnerpete]

Sure would be nice to go wireless, wouldn't it? I have about 150 ft. of cat5e strung all over this house. Sounds like the guy with 10 computers has a bit more though! Man, that'd be a job and a half if only 1 person in that home knew anything about networking!!!!:Q

 

[HKSturboKID]

Originally posted by: Pilsnerpete
Sure would be nice to go wireless, wouldn't it? I have about 150 ft. of cat5e strung all over this house. Sounds like the guy with 10 computers has a bit more though! Man, that'd be a job and a half if only 1 person in that home knew anything about networking!!!!:Q

Well all the cat 5 wires are behind the wall and I have boxes and plates to connect the wires. Then all the wires are run to a closet where I have my patch panel and switches and stuff. There are only 2 wires are dangling is the wire from 3 floor to the 2nd and to the first floor thru a sky window inside the house.

 

[Revo]

If you need the router downstairs for the printer then you first description of how to do it (two cables) is the best way to do it.

Hello all,

I'm quite new to networking and was reading through your posts and was wondering why can't the printer be attached to the switch?

 

[XRdirtHead]

No switch will be used on this setup.....

 

[Revo]

The reason I asked was because someone suggested that the 2 cable solution would be better than introducing a switch if a printer was to be attached. Therefore, I was wondering why couldn't the printer be attached to the switch?

 

[mboy]

Because he probably has an SMC or similar router that has a built in Parallel print server. Unless his printer has an onboard ethernet print server (doubt it if it is a home use type printer), you can't just connect a switch to a printer taht does not have onbaord ethernet.

 

[XRdirtHead]

correct mboy.....

 

[Revo]

Cheers guys! Thats cleared that up.:beer:

 

[vi edit]

You can buy a wireless print controllers now for ~$80. Cool little gizmos that allow you to put a printer basically anywhere if you have an AP somewhere in the house.