Question about wireless "doability"...

[el noob]

Hello all, I may be setting up my first small wireless network, pending the opinions of you fine ladies & gents. Here's my situation. I have three pc's, 1 laptop and 2 desktops. Two of the computers are on the same level of the same house and shouldn't be a problem, however, the third might. The 3rd pc (desktop 2) is in a shop about 85 feet from where the wireless router will sit. The signal will have to travel through two walls in the house, across the span to the shop, and through a 3rd, thinner metal wall in the shop, where the desktop will be. Is this feasible without buying another router or access point for the shop? I am doing this for my in-laws and the less cost the better. I will be using a linksys-B router and linksys cards throughout.

A thousand thank you's in advance,
El Noob.

[el noob]

It's a belkin high speed mode wireless g 125.

[RoundEye]

With the right antenna I don't think the distance would be much of a problem, however I think the metal wall will stop the signal dead in it's tracks.

[reader]

No one can predict how it's going to work. You'll just have to try it.

If they really need throughput on the shop computer, sketch out plans for a hardwire running out there. That will be much cheaper than additional antennas etc. that may not solve the problem, anyway.

As you plan, consider putting the router Mid-way between the two desktops if that is possible. The placement of the wireless signal source is crucial, and you should plan to experiment with a few locations to analyze the signal strength.

You can use webstumbler
to analyze the signal strength by putting it on that laptop.