1 network(isp) 2 houses

[_Vira_]

Heyas,
So I don't know much about networking... we have 2 houses, about 50feet apart, and only one has a modem(internet connection) in it but both need to have internet. I see two options... either getting another separate internet connection or by joining the two with either a long LAN cable or maybe wifi. What do you guys suggest? is there a better way? how would i go about doing it?

 

[getochkn]

It depends how much work you want to do. The best would be a cable between the 2 houses. Cat 6e max length is like 300feet, so 50 shouldn't be a problem.

Myself, I would lay PVC pipe and run the cable through that. In fact, I would run 2 cables through it, in case 1 breaks or goes down, you don't have to dig it up, there is a spare.

 

[ikaz]

Personally I would suggest a seperate connection that being said you could buy a high power wifi router. Though if you go that route I would at least hide the network name so it not broad cast out right. Last option well either cables have a 100m spec which is about 300 feet so you could use a long cable to connect the house with maybe a switch or AP at the end of the connection. If you go that way may sure to use high quality shielded cable as well as some piping so its not affected by weather.

 

[jeff-j]

I would recommend running a cable between the two houses if you go with burying the cable do with getochkn suggestion of running two cables in case one breaks. If you want to run the cable outside I would recommend http://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id=8111. It has a UV protection and a messenger cable to support the ethernet wire above the ground.

 

[_Vira_]

Would connecting the two houses with 1 cable slow the connection? by how much? enough to consider subscribing to a separate network?

 

[getochkn]

Would connecting the two houses with 1 cable slow the connection? by how much? enough to consider subscribing to a separate network?

Depends on what your max bandwidth is by your ISP, and how many people will be using it. Joining it by a cable, 10 feet, or 50 feet, doesn't matter. It's like having a router in your house connecting all your PC's.

If you have 100mb down/100mb up, and a few people surfing and playing online games, no problem. If you have a 10mb/512kb crappy ADSL connection out in the country, and want to have 15 people downloading torrents and streaming netflix, then not a chance.

 

[_Vira_]

what about 15mbps down/1mbps up, moderate use, like streaming, gaming, dl'ing etc. if we were streaming constantly would that slow the connection a lot? what would be good, the highest speeds we can get are 50mbps...

 

[getochkn]

How many people at once? I'd go 50, I share my net with 6 people in the house and we have 120mb/10mb speeds.

 

[Kewlx25]

I would use fiber or wireless, but not copper to connect. You can get some strange problems or damage to your network when connecting networks with different power sources.