Wireless advice

[Ian B]

I have Dell XPPro 2 x NIC, 1 to adjacent Win98 via Crossover, other to
Motorola SB4200 Cable Modem.
Also have Gateway XPHome with NIC used (via 20meter across the carpet)
cable from time to time after unplugging Win98.
Most inconvenient although fun for cat & dog.

Want XPHome to have access to Internet and printer on XPPro via Wireless.
Needs to be USB because of lack of slots.

I am considering using 2 x Allied Telesyn AT-WCU200G, Wireless Ethernet
Adapter, 54Mbps, 802.11b/g, USB 2.
I understand they have good support and while not wishing to turn this group
into a "Consumer Organization" could anyone comment on suitabilty and
feasibility of project. All I read makes it sound simple - bitter
experience has made me a cynic!

TIA


Ian B

 

[Chuck]

I have Dell XPPro 2 x NIC, 1 to adjacent Win98 via Crossover, other to
Motorola SB4200 Cable Modem.
Also have Gateway XPHome with NIC used (via 20meter across the carpet)
cable from time to time after unplugging Win98.
Most inconvenient although fun for cat & dog.

Want XPHome to have access to Internet and printer on XPPro via Wireless.
Needs to be USB because of lack of slots.

I am considering using 2 x Allied Telesyn AT-WCU200G, Wireless Ethernet
Adapter, 54Mbps, 802.11b/g, USB 2.
I understand they have good support and while not wishing to turn this group
into a "Consumer Organization" could anyone comment on suitabilty and
feasibility of project. All I read makes it sound simple - bitter
experience has made me a cynic!

TIA


Ian B

Ian,

Is the lack of slots on the Dell, or the Gateway?

Instead of using your Dell for a software based bridge / router, why not get a
NAT router and connect it to the Motorola? Then connect the 3 computers
directly to the router? It's a lot simpler, easier to work with, and in the
long run, it's cheaper. And you could free up a slot on the Dell.

All computers will be safer. The router will block any malevolent internet
traffic. This further protects the internet, from your becoming infected and
spreading the infection.

All computers will run better, with the router blocking the trash infection
traffic. Any personal firewall on either computer will have less to do, because
the router will block most malevolent traffic.

All computers will run independent of each other. Right now, if you have
internet connectivity on multiple computers, you have to have the Dell on
whenever you wish to access the internet from the Win98 or the XP Home
computers. With a router, neither is true.

If you can afford to have more then one computer, and broadband, you can afford
a router. For many reasons.

 

[Ian B]

Thanks Chuck

Good advice - Going down this route still leaves me with cable across the
floor.
If I get a wireless router will this achieve same result but wireless -
yes? Or is that the router type you meant.
I would then need a wireless router and only 1 wireless connection?
Any advice on Brand?

Dell is lack of slots (Poweredge SC420) needed additional NIC and Soundcard.


Ian B

 

[Chuck]

Thanks Chuck

Good advice - Going down this route still leaves me with cable across the
floor.
If I get a wireless router will this achieve same result but wireless -
yes? Or is that the router type you meant.
I would then need a wireless router and only 1 wireless connection?
Any advice on Brand?

Dell is lack of slots (Poweredge SC420) needed additional NIC and Soundcard.

Ian,

I am a satisfied Linksys customer. The WRT545G is a pretty popular model.
Whatever make and model you get, a router is a better solution for 2 ICS
clients. And you won't have to add anything to the Dell, in fact you can remove
1 NIC, cause you'll only be connecting it (and the others) to the router. A
much better solution all around. XP Pro / Win98 2 wired connections, XP Home 1
wireless NIC (WMP54G or equivalent). Simple.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/ics-is-ok-but-you-can-do-better.html>