PHONELINE Network, anygood?

[mmx]

I bought 3com version it was sinmple to install, but USB gave me problems, so I returned it. I'm gonna try the LINKSYS phoneloine 10m PCI version, $35 per computer is cheap too at buy.com(+ coupons)

I want to hook 4 computers to my cable modem
I want to attach my cable modem, printer to a lowly pentium 150mhz, and create it as the server, and have all computers in the house to share it using the phoneline, because it is a hassle connecting all network cable thorught the 6k sq.ft. house(not to brag, and I mean it).

Any thoughts? My scare is that Driver support, because any hub or nic can work with most OS, but phoneline has to have their drivers, so for microsoft next OS, I'm worried.

 

[Dyngoe]

Hi MMX,
Sorry noone has replied yet, I hate when a post goes unanswered. If you just want my thoughts, let's start by clariying yours:
You want to connect 4 computers to your cable modem. One of these PCs you wish to use as a file/print server. You estimate the cost ~$35 per PC for a total of $140. Is this all correct? If so, here's my advice:
1. I have used Sygate, NAT32 and Wingate, all of whick are internet connection sharing programs. There is also ICS(Internet connection sharing) for NT and Win2K. All of these programs are fine and will enable you to share a network connection. Print Sharing is a simple setup in Win3k, NT and WIn9x. The drawback is that the host computer always connects faster than the clients.
2. For a system like this to work you will need 4xPhoneline Network cards(1 for each PC), 1xRegular 10/100 NIC for the Cable connection and 1 hub or switch. If this equipment is totalling $140, you should definitely think about a 10/100 setup. In my oppinion, if you are going to buy all this equipment, you should definitely look into buying true CAT5/RJ45 connections.
3. The phoneline network is not a guarantee. It has a maximum transfer of 10Mb, and trust me that when you try a 100Mb LAN, you will never want to go back. In addition, if your phone lines are old or cross over power wires(all of which does not affect phone calls), you will se a degredation of performance.
Finally, I suggest you go with a router with print sharing capabilities. You can also get one without printsharing and save some money. I like this option for many reasons. It is simple, it is faster, and it allows you to turn off any computer you like. The first time your server goes down and you need to change harware just to access the internet you'll understand. I know running hundreds of feet of cable does not sound like fun, but someday you WILL want it. Once you get comfortable with LANs, you will be like most of us and you will be upset with slow file transfers. You will end up spending a little more money ~$20x3(only three NICs needed now, since you probably have one with your cable modem) ~$50-100 for a switch/router and ~80 for cable. On the outside this option would be about $100 more, but it will be money well spent. Shop around and PM me if you need some more thoughts, or if you just want to bounce an idea off me.
As Always,
D

 

[mmx]

thanks for answering. The problem is that the family does not want to have cable all around the house, so we would have to call a especialist to have the cable run inside the walls which will cost alot, if not for that I would have gone the cable way long time ago.

 

[chasm22]

I suggest you check out the 2Wire Home Portal. A little more expensive, but very fast and very easy to install. Uses phone line to network the home.

 

[jonnyGURU]

I was thinking of doing this as well, but have a few questions....

1. One part of the house has a router on it, so I will need some sort of media changer to allow the current CAT5 config over here to plug into the phone jack. I believe the companies are calling these "bridges".

2. The part of the house that will need the phone networking will have Linux OSs installed and I gather that these Home PNA "NICs" are not Linux compatible, or can someone show me otherwise? Sure, I could buy a second "bridge" to convert the media back from phone to CAT5, but this can get expensive.

Thanks!

 

[Workin']

The 10mb phoneline setups work very well for internet connection sharing and printer sharing. I have installed lots of these systems, using linksys and d-link parts. Never had a problem and the bandwidth is plenty good for 4 users.

<< I believe the companies are calling these &quot;bridges&quot;. >>

That's the &quot;official&quot; name for a device that connects one type of network to another. Unfortunately I don't think any of the HomePNA devices are compatible with linux, at least at the moment. Also unfortunate is the cheapest PNA/Ethernet bridge I have found costs about US$200, from Linksys.

<< so for microsoft next OS, I'm worried >>

Don't worry, if any OS will be supported it would be Microsoft's. Of course it is up to the device manufacturer to write new drivers, but with Linksys or D-Link or 3Com I would feel pretty confident about future support.

 

[Eug]

Works great.

I have. Cable modem --> Linky Ethernet Router --> Netgear Ethernet to HomePNA bridge 10 Mbps --> Phone lines.

Through HomePNA I have a laptop running, as well as a Dell MP3 Receiver. By the way, the Dell Receiver runs Linux, although it's just a closed box type of deal. I dunno if any of the HomePNA cards are supporting Linux in a PC.

I also have 100 Mbps Ethernet for the laptop, but I don't really miss it, since I usually don't need to transfer humungous files. If I do, I just walk the laptop over to the router, and plug it in (pretty infrequently).