Hi there, I presently have a network setup with a DSL modem connecting to a WRT54G router which has two wired clients (Server and my PC) along with two wireless clients. I use my internal network to stream a lot of video as well as copy large files within my basement and the wifi connections are not getting a good enough signal (they sometimes die within 5 mins of a copy process) I do not mind the times in waiting for the files to copy but the loss of connection is insufficient so before I string a 100-ft cable around my baseboards and add a switch to the mix, I was wondering if the following is at all possible: I have a second router not presently being used, a D-link DI-524 and was wondering if it is possible to connect the two wifi client to this router and the use the WAP as a repeater to strengthen the signal (or better yet, wire the two present wifi PC's to this router and then have the two routers WIFI connect to one another? As should be mentioned, I also use a Nintendo Wii as well as a PSP wirelessly. If this is not possible, I will most likely go out when I can afford it (I am a student) and get an N router or even a gigabit router as well as a lot of network cable Thanks and any info would be greatly appreciated. Blessings, Darin Darin Luckie

Can't really say. I am not sure you are on the right track. Could be right or wrong. The basic use almost requires a wired or very high speed wireless. Wires are just so cheap and work so well it would be worth your time to re-look at that. Might determine why the wireless fails. There are many things that may help signal strength. Might have to change channels or move antenna or move box around. Might have nothing to do with signal, might be other issues to include drivers. "Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, are in my top 10

Thanks for the quick responce :) I believe that I will relook into re-wiring my basement to accomodate the specific needs I have. I know that the problem lies with my router signal strength because when I had the router 10 feet closer the problem was cleared (though that meant the router was placed in the middle of my room, on the floor, for tesing purposes) and therefore will save up to get a gigabit network if posible seeing as how I am trying to setup an AD/ISA server as well as improve the security of my network (I am studying computing support and hope to find a job in the area of network security and know the best practice is by learning and simutating, so I do so at home, thanks again) Can anyone recommend some good books/links to find advice on network security? I mean we are learning about Domains/firewalls/ routing, etc but I would like something along the lines of learning how to protect my home network and setup an Actice Directory Domain with a file server/web server/ learn about ISA Server and such.. Any advice? Thanks and as always Blessings Darin Darin Luckie

Take it from an old gamer who's also a network technician, wireless just plain old sucks for gaming. I would go with a wired solution unless there were no other alternative. And if there weren't, I'd quit gaming online. I believe that I will relook into re-wiring my basement to accomodate the specific needs I have. I would. If your basement ceiling is done wiht removable tiles (or open) then you could easily do a nice neat job of pulling wires through the ceiling and into wall outlets. If you don't know how to do it yourself, you could call around to professional cabling companies for quotes (note: most any commercial electric company will pull data cables too). It's definately worth looking into, especially if you own the house and aren't just renting. If you're just renting, string em on the floor......it's only temporary right.

Thanks While I do not own the house, I live with my parents and the way our basement is, there is no way to run the cabled through the ceilings (the basement is finished, painted and the like) and therefore I will run the wire along the baseboards using the staply gun I bought a little while back, while running an RJ-11 phone line extension. Thanks and I believe there is nothing else to do other than to setup my wired network, game away and get this network up and running. How about any links or info regarding configuring AD at home? Anny ideas? Thanks and as always Blessings Darin Darin Luckie

One of the best places for free Microsoft information is on their site. They have word for word (somewhere) all the certification test question answers. They have all sorts of web casts, the msdn forums and newsletters, and the list goes on and on. The best cost solution is the 29x series of books. The local library or maybe half price shops might have them. Might start looking at 2008 instead of 2003. My firewall solution is a disconnected lan cable. I don't connect my lan to the internet. There is no other more secure means to protect your data. Keep a computer for the internet with no personal data on it. Keep all of your lan off the web. "Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, are in my top 10

Thanks and I believe there is nothing else to do other than to setup my wired network, game away and get this network up and running My home has a finished, drywalled ceiling in the basement too so I'm in the same boat. Needless to say, I have cables all over the floor in my basement where mine, and my wife's offices are. Of course, I've got them tucked neatly in behind the desks and all so they're hardly noticable (until you walk into my office.......LOL).