best reliable homeplug device

[j.o.s.h.1408]

hi, i am looking for a good reliable homeplug network device i can use to connect the main houses internet with the summer house.

anyone have any suggestions? prefebly one from either pc world or maplin as thats where i am heading tomorrow and weekend.

cheers in advance

[itslate]

I'm using Devolo Homeplugs 85mbps upstairs and downstairs for PS3, and 2 computers. They have worked fine for me for about a year now. Connection was simple, security is simple and they've lasted this long without a single hicup.

[j.o.s.h.1408]

i have a 85mb one that i am currently using but most of the time it doesnt work on the other side of it. how i have it is that the internet router is located in the summer house 50m away and we use the homeplug to connect it to the main house and atm the internet is very unreliable in the main house.

im actually thinking if its best to run a large network cable between the two outside. are such network cables weather proof?

Where can i buy such a huge reel of cable for networking the two houses together?

What is the difference between a cross over cable vs patch cable CAT5? I am planning on connecting my netgear hub to a netgear broadband router thats being used as a hub and not for connecting to the broadband.

how i have things setup is like this: My DG8345GT netgear is connected to the internet, i then have a mini netgear hub connected to the DG8345GT and i want this hub to be connected directly to my other netgear DG8345G router thats being used as a hub located in the main house.

[Champman99]

I'm not a networking expert exactly but I'll try to help you out.

Crossover vs Patch: Crossover cables AFAIK are for connecting two (or more?) PC's directly together. For example you have upgraded to a new machine, and want to transfer over your old documents etc.
Patch cables are the traditional type for PC->Switch, or Switch->Switch. However I've got a feeling many modern switches are actually wired to allow you to use either crossfire or patch cables (i've tried it with mine, and it does indeed work with either)

Are network cables waterproof? : To be on the safe side, i would probably house them in some tubing (an old hose might do).

Where can you buy long lengths of cable? : I dont know how much you need, but ebay can be a good place for cabling. Other than that type "[length you need] Cat5e patch]" into google product or something. Amazon (often amazon marketplace) also have a good range of long cable reels. Beware that alot of this will be "raw" cable where you have to attach the connectors yourself (or wire them into backplates)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/100m-Cat5e-Cat...item19b5b64c06

[j.o.s.h.1408]

i think maplin sells some http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=44362

What about cat6? is that water proof and more reliable? Cat5 seems cheap for a 40m cable

[Apex]

Cat6 is overkill, get some good Cat5E and your set to go.

Has for the home plug, i've got a pair of the 200mbs Devolo's working ok

[j.o.s.h.1408]

thanks but what cat 5e cable? i am browsing this website here http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=47616 and i see various different versions of network cables of cat 5e such has UTP solid, UTP stranded, FTP solid etc?

not sure what the difference are? Are the UTP and FTP cables that come in a roll where you cut it as small or large as you want the cable to be and stick the network end connectors in when your done?

what about this one from scan http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/305m-...Gx4-Solid-Pair 300m long reel so im guessing i need to cut it to whatever length i want it to be? where do i get the end connectors for it to be connected to a router/pc?

what tools do i need to cut it? specified tools or will a knife do?

[itslate]

If you thinking of going with cable, Get yourself the right legnth of Cat5e Patch Cable from maplin here http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=44362

Easiest solution is as above, hose pipe or some sort of tubing for protection.

[j.o.s.h.1408]

what about the one linked from scan. seems cheaper for 300m of cable lol

[gabriel]

Firstly, if you leave the cable unattended on open space then you need to get gel filled ones, this will hinder moisture in the cable. Secondly, if the cable passes with a close proximity of power cables or other noise interference sources then you should use the FTP (or else called shielded).

The end connectors can be purchased at the store that you got the cable, and you dont need any extra tools to insert the cable into the connector. A small screw driver can handle the job.

Dont forget to shield the ends for extra protection

[j.o.s.h.1408]

Thanks. will the scan one linked be ok along with some Conduit and the RJ45 connectors? how would i shiled the ends with proections? the ends will be connected to each router so it shoould be fine?

i will be running the cable along the side of my garden where their is just a load of plants and dirt on the way.

i have cable running their for a telephone line and the sky TV but those where done by an enginner and dont have any Conduit

[GoNz0]

run the cable with the sky/phone stuff, buy black cable so it resists the light over the years, it is waterproof so long as the ends are higher than whats on the ground.

cable reels are 1000ft/305 mtr so there will be plenty on there.

[gabriel]

The scan wont do for outdoors. You are looking for something like this:
http://www.echotechwireless.com/Bulk.../cat5e-utp.htm

or outdoors and shielded at the same time. and they are black cables here, back home are grey!

It is as Gonzo say, if the cable is higher and indoors directly connected then there is no need for insulation.

[j.o.s.h.1408]

The scan wont do for outdoors. You are looking for something like this:
http://www.echotechwireless.com/Bulk.../cat5e-utp.htm

or outdoors and shielded at the same time. and they are black cables here, back home are grey!

It is as Gonzo say, if the cable is higher and indoors directly connected then there is no need for insulation.

Yea the ends of it will be connected to the router and obviously higher on the ground as i have one router placed on the 2nd floor of the main house and the other on the summer house on a table.

[MaddAussie]

IIRC the gel filled cables need special tools and terminators, I use the 200mb Belikin ones and they are fine

[j.o.s.h.1408]

run the cable with the sky/phone stuff, buy black cable so it resists the light over the years, it is waterproof so long as the ends are higher than whats on the ground.

cable reels are 1000ft/305 mtr so there will be plenty on there.

Im guessing these should do the job then? http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/305m-...Gx4-Solid-Pair

if not, which one from these lot will do? http://www.scan.co.uk/Index.aspx?NT=1-0-34-61-0