Broadband via extension

[kags]

We have just had our house renovated and we requested Broadband access in several rooms. We have BT Broadband via a phone line, and the contractors have simply run extensions off the phone line into the rooms, but we are not sure if that will work! Would we have to run a router from each extension, and if so would that actually wok - ie could the Broadband work with 2 or 3 different routers? We have tried using the main router wirelessly but the signal is not strong enough, in particular for online access for the PS3.

[vehelpfulguy]

>and the contractors have simply run extensions off
>the phone line into the rooms, but we are not sure if
>that will work!

What they SHOULD have done is run Ethernet CAT5 cable (a network cable) into each room. Then you could have plugged the various ethernet cables into the router, then plugged the cable in each room into the PC or laptop for that room.

I dont think there is any way you can use those phone lines in each room and multiple routers certainly wont work.

I think your best bet is a stronger wireless router, or maybe wireless "boosters".

You can get wireless boosters, but as I have never used one best leave the answer to someone who has.

[vehelpfulguy]

Bit more info

Wireless routers usually come in a "G" specification. If you look at the router or the box it came in it will probably say it is a "G" router somewhere.

You can buy routers that give a stronger signal, with names on the box such as MIMO.

Also the "G" specification is due to be replaced by an "N" specification soon, which is more powerful and you can buy "N" routers now.

I think for these to work your PC or laptop also has to support "N" as well.

[kags]

thanks - that was what we suspected, they haven't done what we asked (and paid) for.

[ChuckFickens]

I think for these to work your PC or laptop also has to support "N" as well.

Yes it does, and I would keep away from buying N rated wireless stuff for a little while yet. The standard hasn't been finalised yet so there is a (very slim) chance the current gear won't work when it is finalised.

[ACtheTROLL]

just a thought .... before you shoot anyone .... are you certain that the sockets are phone and not cat5/6 rj45 sockets

they do look quite similar to people
http://www.maplin.co.uk/searchtemplate.asp?cri teria=RJ45%20WALL%20SOCKETS
not the best pikkies .... but that's the point.

if they have done what you asked and installed structured wiring you can fit adapters so you can connect a PC or phone to the same socket
to do all this you should/must have is a patch panel used to connect the router or a switch to the sockets

http://www.blackbox.co.uk/ukhome.asp?cs=dvh&id =2&tx=Technology%20Overviews&bc=techoverviews/ installingscs

if you go for wireless
DO go for "N" bt have now made the change (their black range) - the rest will follow - the delay now is just a "cooling" period required by IEEE to be certain
N has far better range penetration - (I assume renovated refers to an old house - with thick walls?)

however - another option is homeplug http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/MFR/Categ ory.asp?CategoryID=255&SupplierID=1

but the best option is to get them back

[kags]

they are definitely phone sockets. I am going to speak to the architect tomorrow and see if the wiring can be changed easily - I'm not having anyone gouge new channels out of my newly plastered walls! Otherwise we will have to try the wireless option again - we have tried before with no success but maybe this new N spec. will be better. Thanks everyone.

[kags]

ps - how does the homeplug work?

[koster]

Homeplug, or Powerline networking means using the existing electricity cables in your house for computer network data. It sounds incredible but it's possible.

The advantage, of course, is that you don't have additional visible wires spoiling your house. The disadvantage is that each socket needs an adapter which costs about �50.

Have a look at Windows Vista Magazine, October issue, page 96.

However, since your contractors have put telephone cables and sockets, it shouldn't be too much trouble to replace these cables and sockets with network cable and sockets. Just a question of pulling the cables through the channels they have made.

[kags]

thanks koster, worth considering.