New to Routers, please help!

[Kccdx2]

So I have a dell downstairs and a comp that I just build upstairs (new one is in sig). Both are capable of getting to the internet through my dsl box, but only 1 at a time since I have to move the box to the one I want to use at the time. If I want to give dsl capability to both computers, would I need to buy a router, or maybe setup some kind of wireless network, since the physical distance between the two are so far apart? Need help!

 

[SleepWalkerX]

the easiest thing to do is get a router. a wireless router would be even better (depending on the router and its signal) since you can stick it anywhere in the house with the modem and not worry about tripping over ethernet cables over the house.

 

[Kccdx2]

The wireless routers seem to be somehwhat expensive, $30-$50 for the router and then $30each for the antenae right? How exactly could I hook up the 2 computers to have access to dsl w/o wireless. Would I have to actually get a very very very long cable to connect them or could I do it through the "data" jack in my walls?

 

[SleepWalkerX]

yeah it'd be kinda expensive.

actually you could just run them through the walls, you're right. as long as its an ethernet port. all you need to do is connect the uplink port on the router to the modem and somehow connect an ethernet cable from one port on the router to the ethernet port on the back of your computer. and connect another ethernet cable from a port on the router to the second computer.

 

[Kccdx2]

I dunno if its an ethernet port or not, I can only fit a modem sized cable in it, no ethernet cables...

 

[Kccdx2]

Actually, I think I'm going to go wireless just out of convience and to not cause a clutter. So for my use and purpose, what type would be best? A G-type?

 

[Fardringle]

Originally posted by: Kccdx2
I dunno if its an ethernet port or not, I can only fit a modem sized cable in it, no ethernet cables...

Then they are phone ports, not data ports, and the only way you could connect the computers with them is using a system designed for networking over home phone (or power) lines. I can't think of or find any specific names at the moment, but if I recall correctly they were quite expensive and slow, and you'd be better off just going with Wireless anyway if you were to spend that much money. If it's possible to do, the least expensive option would be do drop a long ethernet cable down the wall using the conduit (hopefully the home builder used conduit and didn't just stretch the lines) that the existing phone lines are running through. If that's not easily acessible, your best option would still be to go with an inexpensive wireless router.