Phoneline --> USB vs Phoneline --> Ethernet?!?!

Guitar3583

Junior Member
Mar 25, 2003
7
0
0
Ok, I have like 4 computers. 2 macs, and 2 PCs. Both macs and one of my PCs is upstairs, while my good pimped out PC is in my basement. However, I have a cable modem and a Linksys Ethernet router I am using. My Cable is 2.2mbps capped. I managed to get two free 1mbps phoneline PCI Cards, and have Windows 2000 sharing the ethernet connection upstairs, so my PC in the basement can get online. HOWEVER!

key word 1mbps, I have 2.2mbps cable, its not fast enough in my basement, and would like to replace them with 2mbps cards or adapters. But, its annoying having to keep my brothers PC on all the time so that it can share the connection, so I'd rather get an ethernet adapter, but why are they so expensive? USB ones are $9....but the cheapest Phoneline to ethernet bridge is $100!!! I can't afford that! Why is there such a difference in price? Can anybody else think of a cheap way to bridge my networks without leaving my computers on all the time? (I might go wireless eventually, but don't have the money).

 

amdskip

Lifer
Jan 6, 2001
22,530
13
81
Is it possible to run CAT 5 cable between the computers. Most of the time it may be difficult but usually possible.
 

Superman9534

Senior member
Aug 8, 2002
272
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(this is guitar, on my other computer). No, its 2 floors down, and no way to get it there (unless i run it out a window and drop it outside).
 

MistaTastyCakes

Golden Member
Oct 11, 2001
1,607
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Take a look at some HomePNY cards under the name of HomeFree, I think. They're 10mbps phoneline NICs and they work perfectly fine for internet access.. they're somewhere around 10 bucks. I'm not sure where to buy em anymore though...try checking pricewatch :)
 

Superman9534

Senior member
Aug 8, 2002
272
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i know the PCI cards are cheap, however I would then have to share the connection using a PC, which I don't want to have to do.
 

MisterMe

Senior member
Apr 16, 2002
438
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Price on the phone line routers/bridges is probably high since the overall demand is softer than that of CAT or Wireless. CAT5 sure would solve your issues even if you have go out the window. How about wireless. Save up some cash, head over to the Hot Deals forum and jump on some of those wireless deals they have ever so often. I'll bet you can get it done with the same $100 that would have given you a frustratingly slow 1mps phone line connection..
 

AgaBoogaBoo

Lifer
Feb 16, 2003
26,108
5
81
One of my friends was previously in a situation similar to yours. What you need to do, is get a router with ports for the phoneline 10mbps connection. Then get the PCI cards for it onto those computers. That shouldn't be too expensive but I'll ask my friend tomorrow exactly how much he paid, but I know it wasn't much since he doesn't spend that much on his computer, heck he's still using a 13 inch monitor, probably 11 inch visible, lol that came with his Windows 3.1 computer.

Try checking prices at a Best Buy, Compusa, etc. Otherwise, you could always go wireless :) Just check the Hot Deals forum because lately there have been a few good deals.

EDIT: To save more money on the wireless, setup it up as follows: Keep the wireless router near the cable modem, connect that cable modem directly to the router. Then wire the other computers on the same floor using CAT5 and then buy a wireless card for your computer.

Oh yeah, depending on your ISP, you may be able to get another modem for a few more dollars a month ($6.95/month here, if I remember correctly), then you won't need to mess with all this.

Edit 2: Welcome to the forums :)
 

Superman9534

Senior member
Aug 8, 2002
272
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Edit 2: Welcome to the forums :)


i've been here a while....that was just a new name since i forgot my password to this account :p

i'll ask about the additional modem, that could come in handy.