# Computer technology question I should know the answer to **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 31, 2007, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-technology-question-i-should-know-the-answer-to/406241 "2007-05-31T20:52:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Yag\_Rannavach](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/858c86/32.png) [@Yag\_Rannavach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yag_Rannavach)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-technology-question-i-should-know-the-answer-to/406241/21 "2007-06-02T18:30:57Z")
One more suggestion…leave extra wire in the main room, in case you need to replace an end or move the hub/switch/router around. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-technology-question-i-should-know-the-answer-to/406241/22 "2007-06-02T21:46:50Z")
[QUOTE=riker1384] I was thinking it might not be a bad idea to run some Ethernet cables betweens floors, in a couple rooms. This would let all the computers ultimately access the Internet through the same cable modem of or other device and so forth, and add value to the house if it’s ever sold. [/QUOTE] If you aren’t planning on using this right away, a better option is to run empty wire pathways (blue ‘smurf’ tubing, usually) from boxes in each room to your master location. Adding this is quite cheap when doing a renovation, and useful anytime in the future. The quality/capacity of wiring improves constantly, so doing this will make it easy to install the most up-to-date wire type at the time you decide to use this. And can certainly add to the value/marketability of the house. ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-technology-question-i-should-know-the-answer-to/406241/23 "2007-06-02T22:15:41Z")
[QUOTE=KneadToKnow] ole parts. Assume we’re talking a distance of up to 50 feet, which may also include changing floors. What’s my best solution? Ethernet KVM? Is there a wi-fi solution to this problem? I’m open to any advice on this. [/QUOTE] Um, really cheap laptop? Possibly connected to your big box via wireless VPN if you need more power? ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2007, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-technology-question-i-should-know-the-answer-to/406241/24 "2007-06-03T01:05:38Z")
What about this: [Minicom Mini KVM Extender](http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/0dt23008a.html) for $150. You just run Cat 5 cable between the PC and the K, V, and M. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2007, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-technology-question-i-should-know-the-answer-to/406241/25 "2007-06-03T15:52:10Z")
Yeah, that was the cheapest thing I found, too, and was IIRC the impetus for the idea for moving my coffee pot to my office. 🙂 Barring finding something used/refurbished for under $100, I’m still thinking the used laptop idea is the biggest bang for my buck. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2007, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-technology-question-i-should-know-the-answer-to/406241/26 "2007-06-03T18:32:30Z")
[QUOTE=t-bonham@scc.net] a better option is to run empty wire pathways (blue ‘smurf’ tubing, usually) from boxes in each room to your master location. Adding this is quite cheap when doing a renovation, and useful anytime in the future. [/QUOTE] Agreed. Look at some old construction books and they’ll talk about how important it is to run phone wires to every room. Now it’s ethernet cable. No doubt some fiber optic standard is in the offing. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-technology-question-i-should-know-the-answer-to/406241.md?page=1)