Computers - Networking with Cat5 cable

First off,

I'm a wrench spinner, That's why I came to you computer gurus !


I have a Netgear wireless/wired router, My mother lives 600 ft. down my driveway. Before I knew Cat5 solid copper has a max run of 328 ft, I had already ran it down to her place and tried hooking up her computer. The signal is intermittent like flipping a light switch on and off.

I have been reading up on this for two days now and am still a little lost (don't know all this computer lingo) as to what I need or can do to make this already installed Cat5 cable work.

I read about fiber optic cable (expensive !!!) and going wireless but there's no line of sight (woods) and her place is a tin sided mobile home.

Questions;

Will these boost the signal and make the Cat5 functional ?

VLR-104: Long Range Ethernet Repeater (http://www.versatek.com/products/s-vlr104.htm)

If not is there any way to do this ?

She doesn't use a computer enough to pay a monthly DSL fee and her dial-up STINKS anymore.

Sorry for the long thread.....

Thanks !

Sorry I can't answer your question. I just wanted a post in here so I could track the responses easier.

For what it is worth, the technology is there. I am not familiar with the product.

First thing I'd try is putting in a switch, they're cheap enough to try, somewhere around 300'. It will act as a repeater. Can you find a place to put it? You might do better with two switches as your distance is borderline for one.

Don't use a hub, you need a switch.

Hope it helps.

First thing I'd try is putting in a switch, they're cheap enough to try, somewhere around 300'. It will act as a repeater. Can you find a place to put it? You might do better with two switches as your distance is borderline for one.

Don't use a hub, you need a switch.

Hope it helps.


Thanks aandpdan,

I can make a place for this switch and have no problem giving it a try. My problem is, lack of computer/networking knowledge. I read (other message boards) about a switch used as a repeater but couldn't find a link to see what one is/looks like.

Would you be so kind to post a link ?

http://www.chinapans.com/images/1119686955-8%20port-10-100.gif

they look a lot like a hub and the units you were looking at. Personally, from all the guys I know that word such data, I have never heard of one stretching the 300 foot mark by much. If you could put the switch in the middle of the run (middle of nowhere?) that would work for you but other than that, that thing you found would appear to be the answer, if it actually does what it says it will. I just have not ever seen such a device before.

Try this for an example:

Newegg.com - LINKSYS EZXS55W 10/100Mbps Workgroup Switch 5 x RJ45 - Switches (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124005)

A switch analyzes the packets and determines which port to forward them to. It is a smart device, unlike a hub. It breaks one network into smaller networks so the distance limitations restart.

For $10 it's worth a shot.

Thanks Dan,

I'll do some checking on materials to set this switch up and see what happens..... http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif