Computer networking question ...

[Anduril]

My son just got a new computer and he wants to put it downstairs in his room (he's almost 18 and reliable so no one freak).

We have one of those internet/cable packages: the cable TV box is downstairs, the internet modem is upstairs. The problem seems to be that the wireless router is also upstairs and it can't see the computer (although it can see the PS3 which is about 15 feet closer but also downstairs).

I'm the IT person for the house and normally I can figure things out eventually but this has stumped me. Is there some way to do this without running an ethernet cable downstairs, across the house, and into his room?

*fingers and toes crossed*

[Michael Ramm]

Need some more details:

• Are the wireless AP and modem in one device?
  
• Can the computer see the AP?
  
• Can the computer connect when in the same room?
  
• Is there just one floor between the computer and Wireless AP?
  
• What are the brands involved: modem, Wireless AP (if they are different)
  

We should be able to get this fixed for you.

Michael

[dtrumbower]

Does the computer have a wireless card?

Laptops come with them, desktops not always.

If you think it is a range issue, move the computer closer to at least set it up. Then try it downstairs.

[wildross]

I've had friends be very successful with the power line based ethernet adapters. (And you almost certainly have too much house in the way).

Here's the first link I got with a google search of "power line ethernet"

http://www.newegg.com/Powerline-Networking/SubCategory/ID-294

[Anduril]

• Are the wireless AP and modem in one device?
  
• Can the computer see the AP?
  
• Can the computer connect when in the same room?
  
• Is there just one floor between the computer and Wireless AP?
  
• What are the brands involved: modem, Wireless AP (if they are different)
  

I had to look up what a "Wireless AP" was ... I'm not really an IT person, I just play one.

The modem and the wireless router are two devices: the modem is from my ISP and is a Motorola. The router is a Linksys.

We just have a two story house, so there's one floor.

We haven't tried setting it up upstairs, that's a good idea.

[Anduril]

Does the computer have a wireless card?

Laptops come with them, desktops not always.

/facepalm

Well, I don't honestly know. I just assumed it did. I'll check on that.

[Anduril]

Okay, it doesn't have a wireless adapter, we'll go get one of those USB ones and go from there.

[Anduril]

Well, that seemed to have taken care of things! Thank you for your help

[wildross]

I've had friends be very successful with the power line based ethernet adapters. (And you almost certainly have too much house in the way).

Here's the first link I got with a google search of "power line ethernet"

http://www.newegg.com/Powerline-Networking/SubCategory/ID-294

Edit..and I was certainly wrong :-(

[Jcannon98188]

Edit..and I was certainly wrong :-(

I discovered these at fry's the other day (first time at the store, it was awesome) and I freaked out. Coolest devices ever.

[Spooky_Rach]

I've had friends be very successful with the power line based ethernet adapters. (And you almost certainly have too much house in the way).

Here's the first link I got with a google search of "power line ethernet"

http://www.newegg.com/Powerline-Networking/SubCategory/ID-294

Ahh good old homoplugs as one of my friends named them.

[Anduril]

Edit..and I was certainly wrong :-(

LOL don't worry -- I do have too much house!