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very old lan

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  • 02-11-2007 12:16pm
    #1
    folan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,630 ✭✭✭


    Hi

    Im working with a very old lan, so old it still uses coax and bnc. The new hardware wont use this without serious changes so need it to be cat5 and rj45. Im in need of some switch or something similar which will convert the signal on one to convert to the other.

    Does anyone have a similar situation or any suggestions?

    I really appreciate it.


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    #2
    Alun
    Registered Users Posts: 21,470 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    You can get single coax to rj-45 media converters very cheaply, or else there are small switches available that have an additional bnc connector on them to connect into an existing coax based LAN.


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    #3
    10-10-20
    Registered Users Posts: 7,163 ✭✭✭10-10-20


    Why can't you look at upgrading segments of the network where required?
    For example, install CAT-5/6 on a segment and bridge this with the older segments until you get time/funding to upgrade them also.
    Reason I say this is that you're not going to reap the benefits of newer hardware on a coax backbone!


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    #4
    steveland?
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,842 ✭✭✭steveland?


    A balun box should do that.

    Goes from BNC to RJ45


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    #5
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 91,840 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    Best off doing the above

    If all else fails a really really ugly hack is to put two NIC's into a PC on different subnets and use it as a router. One NIC would be BNC the other RJ45

    enableiprouting is the registry key to use in windows 2000/XP workstation, NT 4 had a tick box if you still have one lying around.

    You could do the same with a server no reg editing necessary


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    #6
    Taildragon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 100 ✭✭Taildragon


    @OP

    What you need is a base10 to base2 transceiver. I just happen to have one that *almost* ended up in the bin recently. I have no means to test it, but it worked fine when last used some 15+ years ago :-)

    Yours for the asking - pm me your details

    BTW, the router idea would also work, but only if the protocols in question are routable :cool:


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    #7
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 91,840 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    Taildragon wrote: »
    BTW, the router idea would also work, but only if the protocols in question are routable :cool:
    True.

    TCP/IP - should be fine
    NetBEUI - no way Jack
    IPX/SPX - routable but yer on yer own :p


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    #8
    Taildragon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 100 ✭✭Taildragon


    Capt'n Midnight wrote: »
    IPX/SPX - routable but yer on yer own :p

    Pah! Sissy :D


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    #9
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 91,840 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    Capt'n Midnight wrote: »
    Best off doing the above

    If all else fails a really really ugly hack is to put two NIC's into a PC on different subnets and use it as a router. One NIC would be BNC the other RJ45

    [strike]enableiprouting[/strike] IPEnableRouter is the registry key to use in windows 2000/XP workstation, NT 4 had a tick box if you still have one lying around.

    You could do the same with a server no reg editing necessary
    http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=323339
    edit - found the link


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    #10
    monkey tennis
    Closed Accounts Posts: 583 ✭✭✭monkey tennis


    Capt'n Midnight wrote: »
    If all else fails a really really ugly hack is to put two NIC's into a PC on different subnets and use it as a router. One NIC would be BNC the other RJ45

    Better off sticking linux on and configuring it as a bridge.


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    #11
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 91,840 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    an even uglier hack is to put both NIC's in a windows 98 PC

    http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/w2kprout.html
    ignore the bit about 95 - it blue screens if you try to enable routing with two NIC's (it will route with one)


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    #12
    FusionNet
    Closed Accounts Posts: 695 ✭✭✭FusionNet


    Dump the BNC full stop!! All its good for is CCTV and even thats coming to an end. Is it a big network or is the budget for upgrade non existant?

    A cat5e or Cat6 Network with proper switches and a well set up system will make your life so much easier, if you have a budget to play with I'd start making some calls. I can help you with cable spec etc if you like.


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    #13
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 91,840 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    FusionNet wrote: »
    Dump the BNC full stop!! All its good for is CCTV and even thats coming to an end. Is it a big network or is the budget for upgrade non existant?

    A cat5e or Cat6 Network with proper switches and a well set up system will make your life so much easier, if you have a budget to play with I'd start making some calls. I can help you with cable spec etc if you like.
    Suppose there was one PC 150m away down in a store room with no power en-route and you already have coax installed.

    Most expensive part of recabling is the labour especially if the run is external or high up, the cable will cost less than the call out charge. www.connectix.ie for prices

    WiFi just isn't as easy to secure as a cable on your property and might not be as fast anyway in a noisy area and if you dont' have line of sight ...

    TBH if the OP had a budget the coax would have been replaced 10 years ago.


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