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Dilbert1234567 · 05-13-2006, 01:26 PM

Yes you can use more than one cable modem, but you need a separate account from your provider for each, that is expensive, the best way is to run wires, through the attic, but if that’s not an option, wireless is the only alternative, if you do go with wireless, make sure you encrypt the network, with a strong WPA or WPA2 encryption. There are some products that allow you to run the network through the electrical outlets, but they are terrible, as well as the ones that allow you to run it over the existing phone line in the house.

Wireless (802.11b/g) has a range of 115 meters, but that’s optimal conditions, most likely you’ll see around 30 meters inside your house. You would be best served by placing a wireless router in the centermost room with the cable modem, and then installing wireless cards in the other computers.

Personally I have wires going everywhere, every room in my house has a wired connection (except the bathrooms) it’s easy to run wires and a lot cheaper than building a wireless network from scratch. Drywall is easy to patch up when you remove it, and the cables can be run along the floorboards to minimize there visibility. Wireless is by nature insecure, there is not encryption that can’t be broken. The only reliable solution is to run wires.

If you do go with a wireless setup, first thing change the default password on the router, then change the SSID to something other than the standard SSID. Then add encryption to the wireless, there are several types of encryption, WEP is worthless, WPA and WPA2 are both breakable, but it takes longer, if all your devices support WPA2 use that, otherwise go with WPA and use a long password. Then start connecting the computers to it. Don’t worry about MAC filtering, it’s worthless, anyone that can get through the encryption will not be stopped by MAC filtering.

If you need any help with the wireless, PM me, I make a living off setting these things up, also if you need tips on running wires.

~dil

05-13-2006, 01:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
Dilbert1234567 Devils Cabana Boy Location: Central Coast CA	Yes you can use more than one cable modem, but you need a separate account from your provider for each, that is expensive, the best way is to run wires, through the attic, but if that’s not an option, wireless is the only alternative, if you do go with wireless, make sure you encrypt the network, with a strong WPA or WPA2 encryption. There are some products that allow you to run the network through the electrical outlets, but they are terrible, as well as the ones that allow you to run it over the existing phone line in the house. Wireless (802.11b/g) has a range of 115 meters, but that’s optimal conditions, most likely you’ll see around 30 meters inside your house. You would be best served by placing a wireless router in the centermost room with the cable modem, and then installing wireless cards in the other computers. Personally I have wires going everywhere, every room in my house has a wired connection (except the bathrooms) it’s easy to run wires and a lot cheaper than building a wireless network from scratch. Drywall is easy to patch up when you remove it, and the cables can be run along the floorboards to minimize there visibility. Wireless is by nature insecure, there is not encryption that can’t be broken. The only reliable solution is to run wires. If you do go with a wireless setup, first thing change the default password on the router, then change the SSID to something other than the standard SSID. Then add encryption to the wireless, there are several types of encryption, WEP is worthless, WPA and WPA2 are both breakable, but it takes longer, if all your devices support WPA2 use that, otherwise go with WPA and use a long password. Then start connecting the computers to it. Don’t worry about MAC filtering, it’s worthless, anyone that can get through the encryption will not be stopped by MAC filtering. If you need any help with the wireless, PM me, I make a living off setting these things up, also if you need tips on running wires. ~dil __________________ Donate Blood! "Love is not finding the perfect person, but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." -Sam Keen