Wireless Question

[Monte Comeau]

I want to set up a wireless network at home.

I have the wireless router and need to buy the cards for my computers.

Question: Does the primary computer require a wireless card installed as
well? Or does it just hook up to the router and the other computers only
need the wireless network cards installed?

Thanks in advance

 

[Rob Barbour]

If your wireless router's WAN connects directly to DSL/SDSL/ADSL/CABLE, then
you can have all computers connect to the router via wireless.

If your "primary" computer is used for internet sharing, then the "primary"
computer may or may not require an ethernet connection to the router.

I'd suggest reading the documentation that came with the wireless router
and/or contacting the vendor's tech support.

 

[Bill]

If your main PC has a NIC/ethernet card you dont need a wireless card for
it. Connect your main PC to the wireless router with appropriate ethernet
cable. The other PC has to have the wireless card .

Just did mine and it works fine.
Bill

 

[Linda B]

Most wireless routers have something like a four-port switch built in, so
you can attach a computer or two (or four) to it directly if you see fit.
If the router is in close proximity to a computer, you can use a cable
instead of spending the $100 on an additional wireless receiver. At the
same time, if you feel so inclined, you can not use the 4-port switch at
all, and hook them all up via the wireless card -- it's just a matter of
personal preference.

On my wireless network at home, I have two computers on my desk upstairs,
right next to the router, plugged into the router with cabling, and three
more downstairs, using the wireless cards.

LB

 

[TDP]

May I just add to this that it is highly risky to have all pc's in the
network connected wirelessly,you should have one connected as stated via an
Ethernet cable&card(it has been known that a mistake/problem can lead to all
the pc's being "locked out" of a total wireless network) TDP.

 

[Lem]

AFAIK, wireless routers generally require that at least one PC be connected
directly to the router (via a NIC in the PC and ethernet cable or perhaps by
USB) in order to configure the router. See, e.g., Linksys Wireless router
"quick install" instructions C and D at
ftp://ftp.linksys.com/qinstalls/wrt54gv1.1_qi.pdf

 

[Bill]

Yes that is correct. I overlooked stating that important fact. Thanks
Bill

 

[Monte Comeau]

Thanks to all for your quick answers.

Saved me $100!!