network conundrum

I set up a small peer to peer network in a building , typical cablemodem-> router -> hub -> computers. The router is a wireless linksys and the range is not good. The main office is on the third floor of a building, but there is a web server on the first floor that I connected with a line drop from the hub. Without adding another drop, is there any way to add an access point or something on the first floor without disconecting the server? could I just plug the drop into a standard port on a hub (not uplink, I dont want to recrimp cable) , then plug the server and ap into standard ports as well?

Thanks

Yep, that should work fine. You should invest in a cheap auto-sensing switch which will automatically detect the type of connection you need (straight-through or crossover). I have a few of them, and it sure makes cabling a lot easier without having to worry about MDI/MDI-X stuff.

alright, thats what I figured Id have to do . Any autosensing hub works fine?

This is a business? Geez. Buy a switch.

mprover said:

alright, thats what I figured Id have to do . Any autosensing hub works fine?

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I'd really recommend a switch with auto-MDI/MDI-X capability. It'll say that specifically on the box when you go to buy it. If you play your cards right you can get one for around $20 USD, or even a gigabit one for about $40 USD. Why not go for the future-proof solution?

ktwebb said:

This is a business? Geez. Buy a switch.

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Thats what I was thinking.

Just pick up a cheap switch that's autosensing, and plug it right in.
Then you can connect six or seven more items (or more, depending what you bought).
If your a security concious company (I'm hoping ;-) ), make sure you secure the network so that not just anyone can plug into this stray switch/hub.
-randyc

Id buy a switch if it was my money, but they want me to do it cheap. (honestly, if they wanted to spend a ton of money, they would have hired someone better than myself) . Ill look for an autosensing hub or switch. Thanks

You have to be careful. Most "auto-sensing" switches refer to auto-sensing between 10/100 link speed. You should specifically look for one that says auto-MDI/MDI-X detection, so that you won't have to worry about whether you need a straight-through or crossover cable.