Running an ethernet cable: 150-200 ft outdoors!?

Question

Could someone give me a good answer? My grandma has broadband, and she also has a router. I always have to go to her house to use wi-fi with my iTouch. Her house is about 150-200 ft away. I am wondering if someone could tell me what kind of cable I could use (Without the signal fading significantly) and also a great router. I know that I won't be able to get her wi-fi on this end of the house, so thats not an option.

P.S.: We will have to run it over--or around--a tank(pond) 50 ft in diameter. Also, the price needs to be kinda low. Got a budget.

I would greatly appreciate the help of an expert, but if anyone else could give me great answers it would also be great!!!! :)

Answer 1

I would use a Cat5E for it.

Cost - for a box of cable I think it runs about $40 for about 300ft

tools - about $25 on up.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pr...

Answer 2

Buy a router capable of running DDWRT(http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Sup... after you get that firmware installed CRANK the antenna power and enjoy your wireless internet connection.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv3/index.php

Answer 3

Might I suggest installing a Type N wireless router?  Distances they cover are up to about 300 feet.  If you ran cable 150 -200 feet you will suffer significant signal loss.

But you will need to place the router at the end of the house nearest you and be at the end of the house closest her to get the best signal.  I have worked with good signal at ranges of up to 240'

I am very happy with the Linksys N series.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite...

BTW:  Having a budget is nice.  But if you finish the project and it doesn't work you will have spent you budget for nothing.

Answer 4

Running cable outside doesn't make sense unless you bury it, and even then you have to put it in PVC pipe or something to protect it. It will get ruined just lying around outside with the weather, animals, etc... I would buy either a stronger wireless router (Like a G plus or N model). If those are not strong enough, purchase an "extender". They just plug into a power source, and they amplyify your wireless signal. We use one at work to go way more then 200' from a regular G router, and it works fine.

Answer 5

I believe the maximum distance for Cat 5 cable is 100 meters.  That's around 330 feet so you're good.  Use good quality Category 5 Ethernet cable.  You also need a crimper to attach the RJ-45 connectors to the ends of the cable.  You could have them attached at the computer shop where you will buy your Cat 5 cable so you don't have to buy a crimper.

Wireless is also an option but reception may be weak and unreliable at 200 feet.