add wireless to wired router?

[SL]

Hello all,

Simple question I should think. I have my house wired to a simple Linksys 4
port router, cat5 of course. I just added a pc to my downstairs for a media
pc. But routing another wire to that one would be tough. So, I though I
might be able to add it to the network via wireless. Is it easy/possible to
add a wireless transmitter to the router and add a pci wireless card to the
downstairs pc? I have an open port on the router but have yet to get a
wireless pci card for the pc. All the pc's run WinXP Pro.

thanks group,
SL

 

[Rick Wintjen]

Hello all,

Simple question I should think. I have my house wired to a simple Linksys 4
port router, cat5 of course. I just added a pc to my downstairs for a media
pc. But routing another wire to that one would be tough. So, I though I
might be able to add it to the network via wireless. Is it easy/possible to
add a wireless transmitter to the router and add a pci wireless card to the
downstairs pc? I have an open port on the router but have yet to get a
wireless pci card for the pc. All the pc's run WinXP Pro.

thanks group,
SL

Yes, it is easy. It's called a Wireless Access Point, and connects to
one of the local ports of the router. Often, though, wireless routers
are cheaper for the same functionality; you can use them as an AP
without enabling the router function, or replace the wired router with
one. They usually have a few wired ports in addition to the wireless
interface.
Try looking around broadbandreports.com for various manufacturers and
the wireless groups. You can find lots of good advice there.

 

[SL]

Thanks Rick,

Thats sort of what I was expecting. Its easy enough.

I have a local computer store/warehouse called MicroCenter near me. They
are like NewEgg, but in a brick and morter. They "always" have something
cheap to do the solution on sale. The only decision I guess I have left is
that my pc's all have gigabit lan. I dont think that the kind of money for
a 10/100/1000 router would be that cheap yet. I may just go with your other
option of the wireless router with some hardwired ports on it. That I have
seen for decent prices. I just never went totally wireless due to gaming
and hacking issues.

I will definately look at that store tommorrow as my job brings me right by
the place.

Thanks again,
SL

 

[Rick Wintjen]

Thanks Rick,

Thats sort of what I was expecting. Its easy enough.

I have a local computer store/warehouse called MicroCenter near me. They
are like NewEgg, but in a brick and morter. They "always" have something
cheap to do the solution on sale. The only decision I guess I have left is
that my pc's all have gigabit lan. I dont think that the kind of money for
a 10/100/1000 router would be that cheap yet. I may just go with your other
option of the wireless router with some hardwired ports on it. That I have
seen for decent prices. I just never went totally wireless due to gaming
and hacking issues.

I will definately look at that store tommorrow as my job brings me right by
the place.

Thanks again,
SL

Don't forget to visit the wireless security group for info on encryption
to secure your network.

 

[SL]

Thanks again,

I was gonna block all sharing except to one pc. That pc will have XP
firewall/ZoneAlarmFirewall/Router firewall. I was thinking that would be
good enough. Plus, I will disable the network via XP when its not in use by
myself. It will rarely need to go online/network. But I will still
investigate your ideas. Thanks again Rick.
SL