[mythtv-users] Semi-OT: OTA, Comcast business HSI and the single coax

[Brian Wood]

On Thursday 24 July 2008 12:55:22 Justin The Cynical wrote:
> Peter VanDerWal wrote:
> >> The issue is this:  The cable from Comcast comes out from the ground
> >> (all cables out here are underground) on one side of the house, and the
> >> antenna is on the other side.  A cable run from where the Comcast cable
> >> is to where it would be hooked up is approx 50 feet, all of it outside.
> >>
> >> Well, except for the jacks in one of the rooms, where the cable is run
> >> under the house via a hole punched through the foundation vent screen
> >> from the original install (previous owner oversaw that one) by the
> >> %%$#^%! Comcast installer.
> >
> > You could always run WiFi from somewhere convenient (for the cable, maybe
> > the exsisting jack mentioned above?) to the Myth box.
> > 802.11g is faster than anything you're likely to get over cable.
>
> Sadly, it's not that simple.
>
> Right now, the firewall/router part of the LAN here is in my bedroom,
> and the coax jack in the bedroom is in a bad location (small section of
> wall between the door and a closet.  Why it was put there, I can only
> guess as laziness on the part of the installer).
>
> Besides the fact that I don't want the installer tromping around in my
> bedroom, once our current tenant leaves, the machines currently in the
> bedroom will be moved into the living room (stuff in the living room
> will be moved into the then-empty room).
>
> Either way, I need to get a 'Comcast jack' working in the living room
> for the move.  Plus as stated, not having to drill another hole in the
> house is a goodness.
>
> Besides, I'm already running two different wifi networks here (one B,
> one G), and another would just make things messier (there are already
> eight other wireless networks in the area that my laptop can detect).

I'm not "suggesting" other alternatives, just mentioning them to be sure you 
are aware of them:

There are several systems available that run data over the power lines, some 
claiming pretty fast links. I have tried an HP pair to put an analog modem 
line where it would otherwise be difficult, but I haven't had very good luck 
(very noisy line).

802.11a is a possibility, if interference is a problem, not much congestion on 
that band. I'm seeing a lot of used 802.11a gear out there pretty cheap.

There are alternative firmwares available for some wifi routers (like the 
Linksys WRTs) that allow you to operate on channels that are not legal in the 
USA. This might of course be illegal, but if you happen to be in Japan...

If you can get the gear, you could run data over RF channels on coax, 
basically running a cable modem or two of your own on a private system. This 
is probably only practical if you have access to used CATV equipment though.

Anyway, just some thoughts.

beww