[mythtv-users] Noobish network cable connection question, basement > upstairs

[Travis Tabbal]

On Fri, Dec 5, 2008 at 10:49 AM, Bobby Gill <bobbygill at rogers.com> wrote:

> I've installed linux many times, it wouldn't be a problem, and the idea of
> turning the mythbox into a router is very interesting-- never thought of
> that-- and when time permits I would surely look into it. For the moment, I
> am glad I have the sucker up and running and all is "back to normal" hehe.
>
> I do move large files over my network, so I'm wondering if gigabit would be
> worth it for me. What would roughly be the cost? I have one desktop and the
> mythbox server, and we have a couple laptops in the house (would they see
> any benefit via their wireless connections?).



Gigabit won't help you on a wireless connection. But PCCard and Expresscard
adapters are available for laptops if your internal network port isn't
gigabit. The desktop and Mythbox could need adapters, recent motherboards
come with gigabit these days. Adapters can be had reasonably cheap these
days. You also need a gigabit switch, about $50. I don't recomend the
plastic Netgear ones, I have 2 and both of them have decided that some ports
aren't gigabit anymore. No idea why. I replaced one with a D-Link "Green
Ethernet" unit and it works great. It also doesn't get as hot as the Netgear
units do. I hear the metal Netgear units are better.

Also, you might need to upgrade your cables, depending on how long the runs
are. Cat5 should work in most cases. 5e or 6 might be required on long or
noisy runs. I use 5e here and it works fine. Make sure you terminate the
cables properly. Follow the color code or your connections won't work at
gigabit speed.

I have my main patch panel area served by a 5 port gigabit switch and a 24
port 100M switch. Most connections are on 100M as I'm dealing with older
stuff that doesn't do gigabit. The few computers I have that can use the
higher speed are connected to the 5 port and another 5 port in my office
where the server resides for now. The router connects to the 100M unit, and
there is a patch cord connecting the 100M and the gigabit switches so
everything can talk. It sounds far more complicated typed out than it is in
practice. :)
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