Please help the newbie with very basic advice - PS3, XBOX 360 and PC networking

[Ono'rach]

I really don't know much about routers and other networking stuff, and could really use some advice please!

So basically, I have an adsl line in the study and about 30m away or so in the lounge I have an Xbox360, PS3 and Sony Bravia which I want to all be able to connect to the internet. My computer is in the study and also must connect to the net (obviously ).

Would the best thing to do be to run a normal telephone cable extension to where the tv and everything else is, plug the modem in there and connect the three components right there and then run a long ethernet cable (I think thats what its called) from the modem to the computer in the study?

Thank you so much in advance!

 

[Nimz]

you could connect them all wireless if your router supports wifi

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

You don't want to game on a wifi connection.

Ono'rach: Getting an extension to your lounge, and then using your router there will work. You can then run an RJ-45 (Ethernet) cable from the router in the lounge to the PC in the study.

Alternately, you may want to get a cheap 4-port switch and place it in your lounge. Then connect the switch in the lounge to your router in the study via an RJ-45 cable. Your Xbox/PS3 will then connect to the switch. Doing it this way means that you only need to run one cable between the lounge and the study, and there will be no need to have an extension to your phone line installed.

 

[SirFooK'nG]

I'd go with Mike's suggestion. get a 4/6/8 port hub (cheapy), run Cat5 from router to lounge.

 

[memakda]

Get an extension and leave the router in the lounge. Then connect Xbox and PS3 and then buy a usb wifi dongle or pci card for your pc to connect over wifi.
That's if your Router supports wifi and you don't use the pc for gaming.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Get an extension and leave the router in the lounge. Then connect Xbox and PS3 and then buy a usb wifi dongle or pci card for your pc to connect over wifi.
That's if your Router supports wifi and you don't use the pc for gaming.

Wifi over a distance of 30 meters, through multiple walls, is a horrible idea. It may (only just) work if his router (and NIC) support 802.11n.

 

[SirFooK'nG]

Wifi over a distance of 30 meters, through multiple walls, is a horrible idea. It may (only just) work if his router (and NIC) support 802.11n.

+1 yip... been down that route before... nothing like wired!

I tried putting my AP in the ceiling in the middle of my house, definitly improved quality and strength... but then you need to run your telephone cable to it, plus power. Eventually I just wired it all in with Cat5. Still can access the Router via wireless - use it for my laptop and cell, sometimes the PSP....

 

[Ono'rach]

Thanks all for the suggestions, I really appreciate your input! I like the sound of mikes suggestion, so I think I'll get a cheapy switch and put that by the consoles, with the modem in the study by the pc. So all I need is to run an ethernet cable from the modem to the switch, which doesn't sound too difficult. . With regards to a switcher, any old make will do right? Same with the cable, is any old specification/type ok? Thanks

 

[SirFooK'nG]

Thanks all for the suggestions, I really appreciate your input! I like the sound of mikes suggestion, so I think I'll get a cheapy switch and put that by the consoles, with the modem in the study by the pc. So all I need is to run an ethernet cable from the modem to the switch, which doesn't sound too difficult. . With regards to a switcher, any old make will do right? Same with the cable, is any old specification/type ok? Thanks

Cat5 cable (network cable) with RJ45 (network plugs) and whatever port/hub you can get a hold of... I have SMC which was well priced and works a charm.

http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?event=viewProduct&localeCode=EN_USA&cid=6&scid=22&pid=1432

http://www.zapsonline.com/unmanaged...00-fast-ethernet-desktop-switch-sasmcfs8.html for R167.00