Resolved Changing network from wireless to wired

I currently have a wireless network between my office and shop. My internet signal comes into the office and is split at the router to my office computer and printer and the wireless connection to my shop.

The distance is about 220’ between the two buildings and, while there is line of sight between the high gain antenna on the router and the antenna on the shop computer, the signal is dropped too many times (normally about the time I need it). There seems to be just too much other interference from items such as two large oak trees in close proximity to the line and two coolers in the shop near the computer terminal. Further, I am going to need a hard wired line for a new credit card terminal at the front counter so I am going to install a wired connection from the router to the shop.

I understand that a connection by cat5 cable is good up to 1,000’ and I find that I can buy a cable and a conduit for about $150 and my son can plough the line in the ground.

As networking is not my forte, my questions are:
Will I have any problems because of the distance?
When I need to split the one cable in the shop into two (or more) connections, how do I go about this, install another router in the shop? I would run more cable but the limit is the size of the conduit and the ability to plough it into the ground.

Thanks in advance.

 

The 220' distance shouldn't be a problem. As far as splitting the connection in the shop, a router with a switch is what you need. I currently have two Linksys routers, like this, in my home. One for main floor/second floor systems and one for the systems in the basement. They work great. They also have 8 port router available, depending on how many connections you may have to make. Better to have a couple extra ports just in case.

Mike

 

I actually have a switch (not a router) that I am not using. That would work wouldn't it? Take a feed from the wireless router and plug it into the uplink port on the switch then cable from the switch to the computer and other terminal?

 

I'd strongly recommend you use fibre between buildings. Especially over the sort of distance you are talking about. There are electrical hazards related to connecting buildings via copper. Also fibre supports higher transfer rates and therefore is more future proof - installing this sort of thing needs to be an install and forget process. Media converters that will allow you to connect your current networking infrastructure to the fibre connection, are cheap. I'd recommend you get a quote from a local cable installer. Fibre's a good investment.

 

cspgsl,

Sorry for the slow response, I was out of town the past couple of days. To answer your question, yes, the switch should do the trick.

 

Thanks Mike I shall give it a go

Reggie - thanks for the advice. After looking into it the cost doesn't justify the end. Everything is secured on UPS's so, for the time being, I am willing to take the chance. As to future considerations I generally never say never however, if it comes to it, the expense might be worth the effort at that time

 

We buried a cable with ease and the network is now working like a charm.

Thanks everyone.

 

Great to hear! Thanks for the update.