Home Network

[Bobo23]

Hello, I want to make a home network. Wireless seems too expensive.

But using Ethernet cables is a hastle since lining them around the house will be hard and my parents don't want them to be too much in the way.

Is there some way to use the existing phone lines to network the computers.

Any help would be appreciated.

[glc]

Yes, you can get phoneline networking kits.

[Bobo23]

oh good, please if you know, who makes em, where can i buy, how much will it cost, any additional imformation...

[glc]

There are other brands, but Linksys is one I am familiar and comfortable with, and is priced competitively with anyone:

http://www.linksys.com/products/group.asp?grid=3

The HPN200SK (2 nics, cables, software, documentation) runs about $100.

[LawyerRon]

Bobo,
Here's a good link that's dedicated to what you want to do. So if you really want to "read up" on networking, go here: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/

I've done the same thing you want to do and it's not too difficult. It's just a matter of installing the ethernet cards, running the cable (or not running cable if you go wireless), and getting the network settings right.

[Bobo23]

sigh.

I actually want to use my existing phonelines and not setup and ethernet. I am now seeing that various companies offer this. It is slower though. You basically have to get a NIC for each computer but not a normal NIC, its a special one with a phone jack not an ethernet jack, but it serves the same purpose as a NIC (only slower (1-10 mbps)). If you want to route DSL/Cable you buy a DSL/Cable Router which you plug into one phone jack and to your DSL/Cable hookup. Its actually a lot cheaper than a wireless and you don't have to lay any cables. best yet it doesn't occupy your phone line so you can talk and network at the same time. (or 56kmodem and network at the same time)

I know i'm the one who asked the question but since the post by glc i've done some research. Thanks for all your help people.

PCI Phoneline NIC = $14.99
PCMCIA Phoneline NIC = $49.99
Cable/DSL Router = $89.99

These are prices as quoted from Ebay where I intend to buy. If you can find better prices please tell me.

[racerbrownn]

i just bought a linksys 4 port cable dsl router from mwave.com and got it for $79.00 plus ship. it works great and setup was wayyy to simple.