Networking Question?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Vaughn
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Vaughn

When computers were first networked, or a little after, it was possible to
network 2 PCs using just a card in each PC, and using a twisted wire link.
No hubs, switches, or anything else was required, pretty good, and very
cheap for gamers.

Now we have wireless cards, is this still possible?

If so again a nice cheep way to concept 2 PCs for gamming.

If not is there a nice cheep answer, or is the use of a HUB, or Router the
only option?

any help most gratefully appreciated.#

Cheers Vaughn
 
Vaughn said:
When computers were first networked, or a little after, it was possible to
network 2 PCs using just a card in each PC, and using a twisted wire link.
No hubs, switches, or anything else was required, pretty good, and very
cheap for gamers.

Now we have wireless cards, is this still possible?

If so again a nice cheep way to concept 2 PCs for gamming.

If not is there a nice cheep answer, or is the use of a HUB, or Router the
only option?

any help most gratefully appreciated.#

Cheers Vaughn
Click to expand...

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/bowman_02april08.mspx

as well as many more which turn up when you google for "ad hoc wireless".
 
Vaughn said:
When computers were first networked, or a little after, it was possible to
network 2 PCs using just a card in each PC, and using a twisted wire link.
No hubs, switches, or anything else was required, pretty good, and very
cheap for gamers.

Now we have wireless cards, is this still possible?
Click to expand...

Yes. Operate the wireless adapters in what's called "ad hoc" mode (as
opposed to "infrastructure" mode that requires an access point). The 'air'
is the 'hub'.

Any wireless card on the same frequency with matching SSID can get access
(assuming you get the IPs straight).
If so again a nice cheep way to concept 2 PCs for gamming.
Click to expand...

Well, PCI wired ethernet cards are still cheaper than wireless ones and a
lot faster.
 
i already have a wired router, 4port, can i add a wireless access point to
get some wireless pci s on line or do i need a wireless router and access
point togther, with the wired router?

thanx john
 
john said:
i already have a wired router, 4port, can i add a wireless access point to
get some wireless pci s on line or do i need a wireless router and access
point togther, with the wired router?
Click to expand...

You can just add a WAP to the current router.

HOWEVER, wireless routers are not much more expensive than WAPs, because of
their popularity. Also, replacing the current router with a new wireless router
may give you a couple advantages, if you want/need them:

WPA security or better, instead of 128-bit WEP security that is on older and
low-end routers/WAPs.

Speed-enhancing technology such as Linksys' "Speedbooster." IF you will be
doing significant large file transfers between computers, and if you can afford
to put compatible NICs in all your wireless computers, you will get significant
bandwidth improvement.
 
cool

i was going to get the wap from a friend used so it would be cheaper,
however i did notice that wireless routers are not that much more that's why
i wanted to make sure what to do

my real goal is to add a fifth and sixth room to the network that are harder
to wire and since my 4 ports are full i would be getting an additional
something so i thoiught i might take the wireless plunge in 2005

thanx john
 
Vaughn said:
When computers were first networked, or a little after, it was possible to
network 2 PCs using just a card in each PC, and using a twisted wire link.
No hubs, switches, or anything else was required, pretty good, and very
cheap for gamers.

Now we have wireless cards, is this still possible?

If so again a nice cheep way to concept 2 PCs for gamming.

If not is there a nice cheep answer, or is the use of a HUB, or Router the
only option?

any help most gratefully appreciated.#

Cheers Vaughn
Click to expand...

Many thanks to all who have offered help.

Much appreciated, made things a lot more understandable.

Thanks again Vaughn
 
john said:
i already have a wired router, 4port, can i add a wireless access point to
get some wireless pci s on line
Yes

or do i need a wireless router and access
point togther, with the wired router?
Click to expand...

No, but WAP/Router combos just as cheap as a WAP alone and give you more
flexibility and features.
 
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