Need help setting up wireless connection

  • Thread starter Thread starter Newtechie
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Newtechie

I currently have a wired network which I would like to keep. I have 2
desktops and a laptop connected to a Linksys router and a broadband
connection. What I'd like to do is remove the laptop and have it on it's
own network so I can move about the house. 1)What hardware do I need to
purchase? 2)Will I still be able to share files and access the other pcs on
the wired network? and 3)How will printing be affected?

Thanks in advance,
newtechie
 
You need a wireless router or Access Point, and frnakly I would buy the
router and turn off the DHCP function on the wireless router. The wireless
router will be cheaper than an access point.
More than likely your laptop has a built in wireless adapter, if not get one
and match it to the same brand as the wireless router or access point you
buy. In case you need technical assistance, the compnay can not point the
finger at someone else.
 
Newtechie said:
I currently have a wired network which I would like to keep. I have 2
desktops and a laptop connected to a Linksys router and a broadband
connection. What I'd like to do is remove the laptop and have it on it's
own network so I can move about the house. 1)What hardware do I need to
purchase? 2)Will I still be able to share files and access the other pcs on
the wired network? and 3)How will printing be affected?

Thanks in advance,
newtechie
Click to expand...

If your current router does not support wireless, then I'd replace that
router with a wired+wireless router. With the normal setup, you will be
able to share F's & P's from the wireless laptop to the wired desktops
just as you now do.

You can use DHCP or not; your choice. Make sure you use WAP if you can,
since it is more secure than WEP.
 
Thank all of you for your help to get me started. I'm sure I'll have more
questions but I'll read first and the get my tools in place before posting
again. I have one more quick question. What's an Access Point?

newtechie
 
Newtechie said:
Thank all of you for your help to get me started. I'm sure I'll have more
questions but I'll read first and the get my tools in place before posting
again. I have one more quick question. What's an Access Point?

newtechie



pcs on
Click to expand...

An AP is a wired-to-wireless transducer; it allows wireless widgets to connect to
a wired network.

Because APs are low-volume compared to combo AP+switch+routers, those wireless
routers are frequently cheaper than simple APs.
 
So which is better to get - an AP or wireless router? There was an
comparison chart on amazon for WAP vs Wireless router and the router had
more yeses than the access point. So I'll assume according to the chart
than the router is better but I'm unsure.

newtechie


 
Since you are familiar with your Linksys router, simply buy a Linksys WRT54G
wired/wireless router to replace the old router. The wired portion is
identical to what you have, and the wireless configuration is relatively
easy. Once the wireless configuration is set up on the router and the
Laptop, printing is unchnaged from what you have now.

If you have a built-in wireless card in the laptop, you need no more
hardware. If not, buy a Linksys PC-Card wireless card for the laptop.

When you set up the wireless part of the router, follow the instructions to
set up WPA security. Copy down the SSID and Security codes you enter,
because you will need them for the laptop setup.
 
Hi John. I think I'd have to buy a wireless card. Do you know if the
Linksys WPC54G Wireless-G card is any good? It says it operates 2.4 ghz.
Are there any faster or is that pretty good?

newtechie
 
Newtechie said:
Hi John. I think I'd have to buy a wireless card. Do you know if the
Linksys WPC54G Wireless-G card is any good? It says it operates 2.4 ghz.
Are there any faster or is that pretty good?
Click to expand...

If you're going to buy both a router and a card, go for the WRT54GS and
WPC54GS for about $10 more each. The S at the end is for "Speedbooster,"
which increases range and throughput when the compatible pair (router and
card) are used together. They also work as regular Wireless-G with
non-Speedbooster systems. I have them (as well as WMP54GS for my basement
desktop) at home.

The "2.4 GHz" is the radio band, not the throughput. Wireless-G is designed
for 54 Mbps, but nominal throughput is closer to 20 at typical ranges. With
Speedbooster, you may close to double that.

Another advantage is that both are able to use WPA2 security.

Just stay away from the "Wireless N" stuff. It's not "ready for prime time"
yet.
 
Thanks for your thorough explanation of the differences. How much of a
difference would I see if the router is in a different room than the laptop?
 
Distance is the primary factor in throughput. The number and type of walls
is another factor. Antenna orientation is yet another.

How far? How many walls in between? What kind of walls? Straight shot, or
45 deg angle from the wall orientation? Same floor or 2 floors up/down?

If the answer is 1 or 2 walls, sheetrock, 20-30 feet, same floor, straight
shot; then the throughput is probably "nominal" .


Newtechie said:
Thanks for your thorough explanation of the differences. How much of a
difference would I see if the router is in a different room than the
laptop?
Click to expand...
WPC54GS for about $10 more each. The S at the end is for "Speedbooster,"
which increases range and throughput when the compatible pair (router and
card) are used together. They also work as regular Wireless-G with
non-Speedbooster systems. I have them (as well as WMP54GS for my basement
desktop) at home.designed for 54 Mbps, but nominal throughput is closer to 20 at typical
ranges. With Speedbooster, you may close to double that. Another advantage
is that both are able to use WPA2 security.
 
Hi John,

I live in an apt. My office area is between the living room and bedroom.
I'd say it's about 20-25 ft from the office to the living room with a sheet
rock wall in between. The bedroom is maybe 15ft from the office separate by
a wall also. All of this is on the same floor.

What do you mean by nominal?
 
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