Networking suggestions needed

[Diz2K2]

I have about 7 systems networked on a second floor in a warehouse. They are all wired. There is one computer on the first floor that needs to be on the network also. Running another wired cable down there is not the best option. What route show I go? Should I get a wireless router and install a wireless card in the first floor computer? The second floor computers have a wired router and an 8 port switch. We will be getting cable internet shortly. I wanted to get the network out of the way before we purchased the internet access. What is the best method to go about this? I would like to see what some of you have done if you had a similar situation. Systems are mostly Windows XP.

 

[jlazzaro]

I dont see the need to start running wireless, go about securing it, buying wireless cards, ect for only 1 computer. Your best option, though you dont seem to think so, would just to be run a single line to the first floor.

If the 1st floor requires more connections, you can put a hub in at a later date. I would not recommend wireless for such a situation...

 

[brockj]

What is the distance between the computers on the first floor and second? Is the computer on the first floor directly below? Is there a concrete barrier with no access between floors? This could cause problems with wireless.

 

[JackMDS]

You do not need to change any thing, if you want to go Wireless leave every thing as is. Just buy an Access Point and plug it some where in the Network at the closes point to the spot that needs the Wireless Computer at the other floor.

Link to: Wireless - Basic Configuration.

Link to: Wireless - Basic Security.

:sun:

 

[jlazzaro]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
You do not need to change any thing, if you want to go Wireless leave every thing as is. Just buy an Access Point and plug it some where in the Network at the closes point to the spot that needs the Wireless Computer at the other floor.

Link to: Wireless - Basic Configuration.

Link to: Wireless - Basic Security.

:sun:

why introduce a wireless solution for a single pc that could be taken care of with an ethernet cable? using a complex solution to fix a simple problem doenst make sense to me ;x

 

[spikespiegal]

why introduce a wireless solution for a single pc that could be taken care of with an ethernet cable

Because he said he doesn't want to run a physical cable there - didn't you read? While I prefer a wired network of a wireless one anyday for desktop computers, the reality is many people don't want to drill holes and pull cable.

My suggestion would be to get a dedicated access point for the lone computer provided it already has a network card in it, and plug another access point into the switch where the main group of computers are so the two can connect. Or, when cable internet arrives, just get a wi-fi enabled router.

 

[Diz2K2]

Yes the man obstacle is no drilling. Unfortunately it is not directly underneath the 2nd floor computers. I know the easiest way is simply to add another cable to the first floor. I am just weighing all my options. Thanks for the tips so far.

 

[spikespiegal]

Exactly. This is why I suggested using an access point connected to the solo PC vs a wireless network card.

Access points typically have much better reception than Wi-Fi NICs allowing them to get stronger signals through building floors, and can be mounted in more convenient spots given they don't have to be stuck inside a PC.

 

[JackMDS]

You can post until doomsday and it would not solve the issue until you try.

Go to a store, buy and Access Point a simple 4 port switch and a Wireless Card (all together could be less then $100) and try.

You can plug the switch anywhere were there is a computer on the Network and plug the Access Point into it. By doing so you might find a spot that provieds solid Wireless communication.

:sun:

It is a business Right? I.e. if the business would fold because of a $100 expense than you might be better closing it to begin with.

 

[Diz2K2]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
You can post until doomsday and it would not solve the issue until you try.

Go to a store, buy and Access Point a simple 4 port switch and a Wireless Card (all together could be less then $100) and try.

You can plug the switch anywhere were there is a computer on the Network and plug the Access Point into it. By doing so you might find a spot that provieds solid Wireless communication.

:sun:

It is a business Right? I.e. if the business would fold because of a $100 expense than you might be better closing it to begin with.

Just taking suggestions. $$$ is not the issue. It is not a business by the way. Thanks for the reply.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Diz2K2
It is not a business by the way. Thanks for the reply.

LOL.

If a Warehouse with 7 computers is for storing your private possessions you must be Really Rich and can afford to buy Hardware.

There is many more ways to solve via Wireless but the cost would start to amount.

So at the end it would come to a decision what is more cost effective.

Wirelessly Bridging Network.

:sun:

 

[imported_JFG]

How about a wall plug ethernet switch?

 

[Diz2K2]

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: Diz2K2
It is not a business by the way. Thanks for the reply.

LOL.

If a Warehouse with 7 computers is for storing your private possessions you must be Really Rich and can afford to buy Hardware.

There is many more ways to solve via Wireless but the cost would start to amount.

So at the end it would come to a decision what is more cost effective.

Wirelessly Bridging Network.

:sun:

How about a church? Hmm maybe you need to stop assuming and simply just ask if you are wondering about the warehouse. And the cost is not important. The goal is to get a feasible working solution. Just looking for suggestions about the networking.

 

[JackMDS]

http://www.mayworks.com/

:sun:

 

[Diz2K2]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
http://www.mayworks.com/

:sun:

And? The project has nothing to do with my business. Wow. I don't see the point. Get a hobby. LOL. Thanks to all the relevant posters in this thread.