Networking with satellite broadband (6 posts)

Anonymous Posted 6 years, 4 months ago Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago

Our workshop is way out in the bush and thanks to the HIBIS scheme we have recently acquired broadband with satellite down and ISDN back up.

We currently have two work computers running XP wired together with a 10Base-2 system. An HP laser printer hanging off one and a Roland engraver attached to the other. We also have a Centrino laptop that is not yet networked.

We have two modems. A Hughes Direcway receiver for the satellite and a Telstra NT1plus II for the ISDN. Both these modems have USB connectors which plug directly into our main computer.

I would like to upgrade with a router and a print sharer for the laser printer that has a parallel interface. Are there routers that will accept the USB connectors from two modems? Or can I buy adaptors from USB to Ethernet?

Our house is 400m through the bush from the workshop that has the satellite dish. Would a wireless LAN directional antenna cover this distance to give me internet access with the laptop up at the house? Instead of having to spend lonely evenings down at the workshop all on my own!

Thanks
Steve Bundred

Chris Burrage Posted 6 years, 4 months ago Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago

Re: Networking with satellite broadband

You can share internet via the network connection in the main PC - leave the modem setup as is and type ICS into help. If you are currently using a crossover cable to link the two units, you will need to add a hub or wireless router and swap the crossover for standard (straight through)network cables. Standard wireless won't cover 400m, but there are repeaters available which might solve this. Power might be an issue. Wireless I dont know much about, but hopefully someone will solve it.

Chris B

Gordon Drennan Posted 6 years, 4 months ago Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago

Re: Networking with satellite broadband

Steve, we're a bunch of guys with general experience who know the the solution that generally works. But you have a very unusual computing environment. To be honest, you really need to be asking people with specialist knowledge of that very unusual computing environment you have.

There might be a router built for your specialist environment. But if it does exist its not something we are likely to know about. You need to be asking specialists. We can answer questions like whether USB can be converted to ethernet. No, it can't. Not easily. So Chris's suggestion of sharing your internet connection using a PC running ICS has merit.

But I'd be concerned that ICS might be unable to operate properly in an environment with a downstream modem and and an upstream modem. It might work. It might not. So let me suggest an unusual solution to match your unusual problem.

Don't try to share your internet connection out to all your PCs. Instead try sharing your internet-connected PC. Windows XP Pro includes the ability to take over another PC remotely, and other vendors offer similar products for remote control of PCs.

400m is right out of the limit of what you can do with wireless even with a directional antenna. You're going to have to research what products are out there and put directional antennas at both ends. And even then you might have trouble with vegetation. And they're going to be expensive. So again, let me make an unusual suggestion: Silicon Chip magazine ran an article a while back on building directional antennas out of common kitchen items like collanders and woks.

Ollie Nam Posted 6 years, 3 months ago Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago

Re: Networking with satellite broadband

Now we are all assuming the modems do not have ethernet connectors on them... right?

It is likely Telstra have a heap of software on your computer to handle the two connections, and your login and so on, so it could be a bit hit and miss when sharing. The router idea is nice, but I don't like your chances. The best people to talk to would be Telstra.

As for your wireless link, it all depends on how think the bush is between the house and workshop. If you have a clear line of sight you could pay about $200 for an antenna (and you'd probably need two) to get that working. If it is think bush... you can try a $400 antenna with a 10km line of sight range, but nothing is guaranteed. Have a look at http://www.dlink.com.au/Default.aspx?ArticleID=777

It might be best to run a fibre optic connection for your situation. Either way, I doubt there will be a cheap and easy solution. I'll get back to you on the approx. cost of fibre.

Ollie.

cezar meliton Posted 6 years, 3 months ago Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago

Re: Networking with satellite broadband

H Steve,

With limited info you provided, I can suggest, at this point, a cookbook approach.

1. Install a linux firewall/proxy server, such as IPCOP. It's free but you'll need a separate pc (old pc will do- no monitor/keyboard required, only 2 nic's).

2. a hub (to network your pc's)

3. Your laptop connection from home (400m) is a bit tricky but doable.

I'm willing to give you a hand Steve. Contact me at czar@ans.com.au.

We can post the final working setup to the list later.

czar

Ollie Nam Posted 6 years, 2 months ago Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago

Re: Networking with satellite broadband

Hi Steve,

Sorry about the delay. If you get in touch with the Australian optic cable Anderson Corporation, with your locality details and what you would like done, they will be able to give you a rough quote. Frankly I have no idea and I found this company and they said they'd be happy to quote on fibre for your needs if you email them at sales@andcorp.com.au.

Good luck with your problem, it would be great to hear what you do when you finally decide on something.

Networking with satellite broadband (6 posts)

Networking with satellite broadband (6 posts)

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