What 's the best approach for connecting wired devices (desktops) when running Ethernet isn 't ...

[G+_John Mink]

What's the best approach for connecting wired devices (desktops) when running Ethernet isn't an option?

 

Renting an apartment so I can use any existing wiring, but can't add my own :(

 

Is WiFi the way to go?  Or is some form of existing wiring better? I count

1) AC

2) coax cabling for TV's

3) phone lines (very short range DSL)

 

Dunno what the state of these technologies are, how fast/reliable they are, and how expensive this can get...

 

Any other ideas that I'm missing?  Appreciate the advice, but I just can't seem to find a good way to run Ethernet :(

[G+_marc williamson]

You could use a usb wifi dongle $10?

[G+_John Mink]

I'd expect that a PCIe card, or router as a bridge over the network would be better than a USB dongle.

 

And that's what I'm worried about mostly is the performance of this, hence why I started with ethernet.

[G+_Eddie Foy]

I'd opt for wired for all devices that support it, or can.  In an apt building, WiFi might be less reliable with everyone misconfiguring their APs/routers.  You can buy base board cable ways to hide the cabling.

[G+_Mark Tierney]

Assuming you have an existing wireless router and a bunch of wired devices here, you could go with a wireless bridge.

 

Get an old wireless router and convert it itno a bridge near the other equipment. Then you can plug the other equipment into the bridge. The bridge and the wireless router talk to each other and the wires are connected to the bridge. 

 

I did something similar in my house for my son's machine which is way on the other side of the house. Running the ethernet wasn't practical given the tightness of some of the walls.

 

Decent article here: http://www.cnet.com/how-to/reuse-an-old-router-to-bridge-devices-to-your-wireless-network/

[G+_John Mink]

Mark Tierney? Yeah, a wireless bridge is probably what would happen if I ended up going wireless. I'm not sure if I'd go with the overcrowded but better range of the 2.4 GHz or the basically empty but worse range of the 5GHz... especially with a few walls in the way!

 

Eddie Foy? yeah, I really do wish I could run wires but there's just too many problems. Between it requiring a cable running across the floor to not being able to entirely close doors because of the cable... if I could find a way to run the cable, I would! It's really just not practical :(

[G+_J Miller]

Check out Ethernet through your AC. I think it called power line.

[G+_Brandon Butler]

I think the wireless bridge is the best bet. I have two routers setup as bridges that connect multiple wired devices in different locations.

[G+_John Mink]

Brandon Butler??? what performance are you seeing with your WiFi bridge?

 

J Miller??? powerline is an option, but I'm a little hesitant after trying it (granted it was almost a decade ago) & barely being able to turn on a light.? Though a quick Google search shows devices claiming Gb over Power Line... so maybe that's feasible? I'd love to know real world figures of people actually use it.

[G+_J Miller]

John Mink Powerline also depends if the outlets you use are all on the same electrical circuit of the building.

[G+_John Mink]

J Miller good point but? it's an apartment... I'm not worried about them using any sort of electrical isolation within my apartment :p

[G+_Brandon Butler]

John Mink I don't have exact numbers but it works well for me. I put ddwrt on the routers. One of the bridges connects to my Slingbox in a bedroom and I'm able to stream to another laptop in the house and also when I'm away from home. 

 

The other bridge has my mythtv server and hdhomerun prime connected to it. I'm able to stream to a separate mythtv frontend and download recorded shows to my other laptop in a reasonable amount of time. 

[G+_Eddie Foy]

Ethernet through AC/power mains, be cause that totally isolated from your neighbors. ( a breaker is ***NOT*** isolation.  they do not understand DV modulation put on top of the AC lines)  Any IP over power lines in an apartment local should be avoided!!!

[G+_John Mink]

Eddie Foy? I'm not understanding what you're saying or your first sentence is sarcasm. Assuming #2 (if #1, please clarify) your concern would be that my network would be on the powerline unencrypted or that the neighbors could DoS me (even unintentionally) by having their own network?

[G+_John Mink]

So let's sat powerlines are a bad idea in an apartment.... what about the RF coax that's normally used for TV or using some form of DSL over a phone line? Neither of these are connected much less used by me. Yet they're wired everywhere! Is there just not the drive to develop network over those mediums as there is with wireless or power lines?

[G+_Mark Tierney]

I don't think I've had any performance problems with the bridge I am using currently. My kid gets pretty good service for his steam games, minecraft, the usual You-Tubing, etc.

[G+_James Berry]

I ran ethernet against the baseboard and used double sided tape to hold the cable hiding trim. Doorway blocking was used for where the kitchen opening caused a need for it. A wired switch was used to provide conectivity nearby to multiple items.