Naive question - is this possible?

[Guest]

I know nothing about networking (as will be obvious). All of the computers described below use XP Pro.

Original plan: Connect computer to cable modem via NIC. Bought a NetGear WGR614 802.11g cable/DSL wireless router (is being shipped now), installed a MS NIC, and planned to use it to wirelessly connect to the appropriately equipped laptop to be used around the house.

The Reality: Cable person (who was less than clueless - I had to show him how to configure XP) comes and installs the cable modem. Due to location of computer and cable outlet he is unable to install a new in-wall outlet and I now have a cable running across my living room to the modem/NIC. Wife less than pleased.

Will this work?: Is it possible to hook up just the modem and wireless router (i.e. not to a computer) to the cable outlet and then buy a wireless PCI card for the PC across the room? I would then be transmitting the wireless signal to the PC and the laptop. IF this is possible (as I stated before, I'm clueless), could the PC still be used as the Shared Folder computer and also share the printer between the two computers?

TIA for any insights.

 

[Graham]

I know nothing about networking (as will be obvious). All of the

computers described below use XP Pro.

Original plan: Connect computer to cable modem via NIC. Bought a NetGear

WGR614 802.11g cable/DSL wireless router (is being shipped now), installed a
MS NIC, and planned to use it to wirelessly connect to the appropriately
equipped laptop to be used around the house.

The Reality: Cable person (who was less than clueless - I had to show him

how to configure XP) comes and installs the cable modem. Due to location of
computer and cable outlet he is unable to install a new in-wall outlet and I
now have a cable running across my living room to the modem/NIC. Wife less
than pleased.

Will this work?: Is it possible to hook up just the modem and wireless

router (i.e. not to a computer) to the cable outlet and then buy a wireless
PCI card for the PC across the room? I would then be transmitting the
wireless signal to the PC and the laptop. IF this is possible (as I stated
before, I'm clueless), could the PC still be used as the Shared Folder
computer and also share the printer between the two computers?

TIA for any insights.

Hi,

Yes, the scenario you describe is workable, but you will need to retain a
hard wired connection to set the router up and configured (plus being set-up
for wireless)and for use in the event of any wireless problems and wireless
is not available.

Ideally a permanent cable connect would be good, but if I was in your
position I would do the same - and it will work.

As longs as both PCs can be networked with wires/wireless they are a network
resource and can share folders/files/ attached peripherals.

Hope this helps (and hopefully returns you to your wife's good books!)
Rgds,
Graham.

 

[Guest]

It can be done. You need to know that for configuration
of the router a pc must be attached to it. But does not
need to be there all the time. You can use a laptop
connected to the router thru a cable(hardwire) if you
need to perform any configuration of the router.

-----Original Message-----
I know nothing about networking (as will be obvious).

All of the computers described below use XP Pro.

Original plan: Connect computer to cable modem via

NIC. Bought a NetGear WGR614 802.11g cable/DSL wireless
router (is being shipped now), installed a MS NIC, and
planned to use it to wirelessly connect to the
appropriately equipped laptop to be used around the house.

The Reality: Cable person (who was less than clueless -

I had to show him how to configure XP) comes and installs
the cable modem. Due to location of computer and cable
outlet he is unable to install a new in-wall outlet and I
now have a cable running across my living room to the
modem/NIC. Wife less than pleased.

Will this work?: Is it possible to hook up just the

modem and wireless router (i.e. not to a computer) to the
cable outlet and then buy a wireless PCI card for the PC
across the room? I would then be transmitting the
wireless signal to the PC and the laptop. IF this is
possible (as I stated before, I'm clueless), could the PC
still be used as the Shared Folder computer and also
share the printer between the two computers?