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Simplest way to network my apt...?

Asked by InspecterJones (1052points) May 11th, 2010

I’ve moved into a new apt and it’s quite long so I’ve had to resort to being creative to maintain quality speeds on all the computers in the household. I had the cable company install two separate modems, one in living room and another in bedroom, at opposite ends of the apt.

Here is my current set up:

Wifi router in the living room, into which I have plugged a HTPC and a NAS that contains all of our important files, pictures, tv shows, movies, etc. We have two laptops, one of which is currently being used as my main computer.

The bedroom contains the second modem, the only thing in there currently is my aging desktop, which will soon be being replaced by a new comp, this is where my problem comes in.

Aside from running a cat5 from the living room to bedroom, which is not an option, there is no easy way to get access to my NAS and just general network access to other computers, for RDP and the such.The wifi reaches into the bedroom with a 4–5 bar rating but its not the most dependable thing ever.

As for why I need two modems, I play a decent amount of online games that require a good connection at both ends of the apt as well having hulu+netflix for our television needs (we got rid of cable).

So Flutherers, how do I solve my dilemma?

Options I’ve thought of but don’t know a ton about:

-LAN to Powerline adapters, don’t really know how well they work or if they would work in an Apt building.

-Getting two Wifi routers and finding a way to have them network between themselves, don’t really know if this is even possible or if I’d need special routers.

-Having the comps in the bedroom connect to direct line AND to the wifi network to keep access with NAS and other comps, this is probably the easiest and most rational method of getting things done, but also the messiest and I imagine slowest. Hoping to not have to resort to this.

I realize this is a massive wall of text but I could really use some thought and ideas from some smarties.

Also, my tech knowledge and ability is pretty good so even the most complicated set ups are considered.

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