Hi,

I would like to connect my pc to my wireless router through an ethernet cable, do i need a straight or cross-over cable? Also, at what range does the signal weaken? I heard it's at 60 metres but is it possible it can weaken below that range?

Thanks

I would use a straight cable, cross overs are for PC to PC connections. (correct me if im wrong, its been a while since my high school networking class...)

Id also be interested to hear anyones thoughts on signal strength, we have a 25m cable from our modem to our router and are wondering if this is causing any signal loss in our house.

Quote: Originally Posted by Dex I would use a straight cable, cross overs are for PC to PC connections. (correct me if im wrong, its been a while since my high school networking class...) Id also be interested to hear anyones thoughts on signal strength, we have a 25m cable from our modem to our router and are wondering if this is causing any signal loss in our house.

Correct, no cross-over is needed to connect a PC to a Router. Cross-overs are only used between 2 computers.

As far as signal strength goes, there are many factors that play into it: how your house is constructed, where you are in your house, the type of router you're using, etc. Unless you live in a huge mansion, you'll probably be able to pick a signal just about anywhere in your home.

@Dex - That cable could in fact be causing poor signal strength. If the cable is unshielded, it could be receiving interference from any number of things, like RF signals and such... acting like a giant antenna. The length of the cable itself could also be a factor, although the max length (last time I checked) of an Ethernet cable is 300Ft., or around 100M. Since routers are passive devices (as in they do not boost the signal before transmitting), poor signal quality coming from the cable could certainly affect wireless performance. Shielded cable or a repeater of some kind might be a solution.

25m is a long way, I'm pretty sure 100m is a "technical" longest they should get. On the other hand, i wouldn't break 45m, so you shouldn't loose to any signal, necessarily.

EDIT: like jobistober said, the other sources of signal loss he covered pretty good.


Other the other hand, you are correct, cross overs are PC to PC, or Router to Router (if you don't have a cisco serial, or aux connector. Sometimes they use them to interconnect mesh networks (again PC to PC) when you have more than one ethernet port.

A straight cable on the other hand it for all purpose networking, such as connecting a router to a computer.

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) CAT 5 cable can go up to lengths of 300 feet before experiencing signal loss on a 100baseTX network, provided there is no cross-talk or interference in the room. Hope that helps =)

EDIT: and S1ugh34d beat me to it..

Quote: Originally Posted by s1ugh34d 25m is a long way, I'm pretty sure 100m is a "technical" longest they should get.

Ahh yes... I knew it was 100 something. Thanks for clarifying.

The guys above covered most of it.

Also make sure not to run the cables parallel to household wiring. You can lose a lot of strength just doing that.

If you don't have the tools and equipment to test the wiring there is a diy way to check for problems. After u run it twist two wires together at one end and go to the other end and check those wires w/ a multimeter. Continue for the rest of the wires.

But even if you accidentally buy crossover you shouldn't have to worry, most modern NIC's can "sense" if they're connected to a hub/switch or PC via a straight or crossover.

Quote: Originally Posted by 4x0n But even if you accidentally buy crossover you shouldn't have to worry, most modern NIC's can "sense" if they're connected to a hub/switch or PC via a straight or crossover.

Yes most modern, but stuff that doesn't it can save a lot of headaches if u get a crossover adapter to switch it back http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/SearchDetail.asp?productID=5663&ta=offersπ=Y

BTW u could just switch the wires.

Quote: Originally Posted by musclecars&computers Yes most modern, but stuff that doesn't it can save a lot of headaches if u get a crossover adapter to switch it back http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/SearchDetail.asp?productID=5663&ta=offersπ=Y BTW u could just switch the wires.

ThinkGeek :: Ethernet Crossover Adapter this is a tad more expensive but doubles as a keychain

The maximum single direction run is 90 meters. The maximum total cable length is 100 meters. That is about 295'3" and 328' respectively.

Well, the distance thing was beat to death, but interference wasn't, so I will beat on that one some more. M&C stated not to run Ethernet cable parallel to house wiring, which is good advice. You also want to keep it away from any strong sources of electricity (like the wiring panel, incoming main, etc), electro-magnetic sources (AC motors, Fridge/Freezer compressors, etc), and flourescent lights. All of those cause interference.

Additionally there are many grades of cable. If you are running wires in the wall I would suggest you get the best cable you can to future-proof the installation. This means not stopping at Cat5, but going to Cat5e or even Cat6. And make sure you buy the cable from a decent reseller.

Quote: Originally Posted by 4x0n ThinkGeek :: Ethernet Crossover Adapter this is a tad more expensive but doubles as a keychain

two for one here.....
ThinkGeek :: T1 Loopback and Crossover Adapters