limitations of cables...

[Flinkly]

i noticed a thread a while back about usb cables and how you can't use them over long distances.  i was wondering about the same thing except with tv cable/internet cable and ethernet cable.  i'm looking to move a computer to another part of the house, away from the spot i originally had it installed.  would it be better for internet reception to have my internet cable go fifty feet, or to take my ethernet cable fifty feet.  also, will i really lose "reception" with my internet, or am i fine and just worrying about nothing?  i'm a mechanical engineer so all this electrical stuff isn't my thing, but it seems like neither should matter, since servers use long ethernet cables and since tv cable gets wired throughout the house anyways...but thanks for anyone who calms my nerves on this.

[JB]

i noticed a thread a while back about usb cables and how you can't use them over long distances.  i was wondering about the same thing except with tv cable/internet cable and ethernet cable.  i'm looking to move a computer to another part of the house, away from the spot i originally had it installed.  would it be better for internet reception to have my internet cable go fifty feet, or to take my ethernet cable fifty feet.  also, will i really lose "reception" with my internet, or am i fine and just worrying about nothing?  i'm a mechanical engineer so all this electrical stuff isn't my thing, but it seems like neither should matter, since servers use long ethernet cables and since tv cable gets wired throughout the house anyways...but thanks for anyone who calms my nerves on this.

TV cable is fine for any distances you're going to get in your house.

Ethernet has a limit  of 100 meters, or 328 feet. Though this is for an individual cable. Routers, switches, etc., reset the run length when it hits them.

[AmericanDemon]

regardless, the coax is going to be cheaper, unless you have a friend who has access to a lot of ethernet cable.

[cholin]

Yeah you're fine either way you go.  I just bought a new computer and I ran a good 100 feet of ethernet through my house from the router...works like a charm.

[Flinkly]

thanks guys.  i dind't think it was a problem, but i never new there was a problem with usb either.  just didn't want to spend alot of money in cable and work, and then figure out it didn't work.

[Paul Olson]

Wireless would be easier, and maybe even cheaper.  You can get a wireless router for $50 or less.  Wireless NICs are also coming down in price.  I got a Wireless-G PCI NIC for $20 after rebate, definately worth it to avoid running cable.

Paul

[cholin]

To go wireless though, you have to buy the wireless access point, cards for each computer and then you have to set it all up to be safe so some jack@$$ neighbour isnt stealing your internet.  Depends whether you already planned on it, what it can really accomplish for you...

[pointdablame]

To go wireless though, you have to buy the wireless access point, cards for each computer and then you have to set it all up to be safe so some jack@$$ neighbour isnt stealing your internet.  Depends whether you already planned on it, what it can really accomplish for you...

This is true, but as he mentioned, the prices have come down substantially.  I still prefer to run wire when it's not too much trouble, but if you look around, you can get a wireless network up and running for pretty reasonable prices.

As far as making it safe.. if you are complaining about wireless security setup being difficult, you shouldn't be on the internet.      You click a few options, make a password, and have to type a code into each computer.  Not exactly rocket science.  That's why I always say if you are running an unsecure WiFi network, you deserve what you get.