Console Networking question
 

I have an xbox and a PS2 connected to a Linksys BFRS41 router - currently, theyre all within 6 feet of each other. I bought/moved into my current house 8 months ago, and have finally gotten around to getting some networking plans down.

Anyway, the room where the PC/router and consoles are currently is below and off to the sideof the living room where my Sony 36" XBR400 resides. I'd like to move the consoles back up to the living room, but I also want to run Cat5e up there to connect my consoles. Looking over the measurements, I think I'll be good with 60 - 70 feet of cable. The running of the cable will be tricky as I'd have to go through the garage and up through the garage ceiling into my living room, but I think i can do it.

My question is, would wireless be worth it? I hear wireless is good, but not as good as a hardline connection. There are no 2.4 Ghz phones in my house, the the signal would have to go through at least 1 wall and 1 ceiling. Would I be better off running the cable, or should I get a WAP?

I'd recommend Wireless for convience sake. And if you were ever to move again you can continue to use your wireless setup.

You have several options. You can get a Linksys Wireless access point and hook it up to your hardline router. Or you could just replace your router with a Linksys Wireless/hardline combo router. Either of those options should run you between $50 to $100 (I havent been in market for one in awhile)

The other thing you need is the hookup for your PS2/Xbox in the room that you place them. You can get what is called a Ethernet Bridge which costs $100+ or buy the Linksys Game Adaptor (basically its a bridge but with no WEP security) for $70.00 Look at Best Buy they have tons. Who knows you might be able to use the $5.00 BB Gamers GC coupon.

Now your concern about speed. Yes wireless-B is slower than hardline cables. BUT unless you have a Big Fast Internet connection in your home it won't really matter cause the wireless speeds should be faster than your connection.

I have the Linksys setup your exact router and Wireless access point an additional 8 port switch and the game adaptor. I've had successful lanned with my friends using the wireless and actually had 5 xboxes on live using my 1 ip. So you should be fine!

Hope that helps!

wireless gets so poor beyond 2 walls, connection speeds are far below specs. You may want to look into HPTI connection. It uses the electrical wiring already in your house, and simplifies greatly.

That's not exactly true. I use wireless and I'm between 2 walls and a washer and dryer. And I still get my 2Mbps downstream. Also, one of my neighbors (I'm in an apt complex) is running a wireless network too. He left it wide open so I can pretty use his internet connection. I also get the full 2Mbps from him.. and I have no clue where he's located.

So like azeledge said, the speeds you'll get on the 802.11b will be fine unless you have some incredibly fast internet connection.

I have a standard cable broadband connection (Time Warner Roadrunner, 3000 down, 370 up). I was thinking of trying the wireless first, see how the speeds are and if I have any issues I could probably just return all the equipment and put the $$ towards Cat5e instead.

Thanks for the help fellas - much appreciated.

I went the wireless route, but I have my cable modem and wireless router downstairs with my XBox. I have the XBox plugged directly into the router, and I have wireless NICs for the PCs upstairs. It's worked really well.

my understanding is that there is no difference in Internet connection between a wirelss G and wireless B connection, the difference in speed only applies to transfering files...

well since theoretically wireless B is rated at 11 mbs (actual transfer rates will vary) and most internet connections are significantly slower than that you would be correct. The wireless G is rated at 54 mbs which is great if you need fast LAN connections to transfer large files, etc within your LAN (especially if you have a newer machibe with a Gigabit NIC)