Wireless routers

  • Thread starter Thread starter Don
  • Start date Start date
D

Don

I'm considering a wireless router to connect my home computers to my
broadband cable connection. I currently use a Motorola Surfboard 5120 cable
modem with a USB cable connection to my main desktop pc. The 5120 modem also
has an ethernet plug (RJ - 45) in which I have connected to my Linksys NR041
4 port cable router. I'm using the RJ - 45 cable out of the 5120 to input
the internet to the router and then can connect my second computer and
laptop to the router via additional RJ - 45 cables. This setup works fine
with my cable provider and all the devices can be run simultaneously without
problems. Having moved into my new home, I have set up my second desktop pc
on my desk in my garage workshop area and would like to know if I buy a
wireless router, can I connect all the devices without the RJ - 45 cables?
In other words, are the wireless routers wireless from the router to the end
use devices and if so; are there other devices I will need to get in order
to receive the wireless signal from the router? I have the ethernet cards in
all of my devices but am not sure how the wireless connection is
accomplished. Thanks -

Don
 
if you want to connect a pc to a wireless router then you need a wireless
card (not an ethernet card) in the pc

You would be better off with a wirless modem router all in one box (my
Netgear DG834G is excellent)

You then connect the router to the internet and any device can either be
wired to the router or wireless to the router

Remember wireless is slower and less reliable
 
Patrick said:
if you want to connect a pc to a wireless router then you need a wireless
card (not an ethernet card) in the pc
Click to expand...

..... or use one of the wired ports that many _wireless_ routers also
provide. Eg you can usually have a mixture or wired and wireless on one
router.

Microsoft and others usually recommend you always have wired connection to
set up the router.
 
Thanks for clearing up the questions about the "wireless" options. If I'm
understanding correctly, it sounds like my situation will best be served by
using the mixture option where I would only need one wireless pc card (with
the wireless router) for my desktop in my garage area and my main desktop
and laptop can still utilize the RJ - 45 cable to optimize the speed and
reliability. I might also ask if the Netgear DG834 is compatible with either
the PCI card or the USB pen adapters I see when searching Price Watch?
 
You certainly need at least one wired connection as you will find setting up
the router very difficult (impossible?) wirlessly

I suggest you only use wireless in the garage and even then if you could run
a wire it would be better.

Wireless is ok but wires better !!

Router plugs to the phone socket and to a ethernet RJ45 port in computer so
will have not matter to pci cards or usb devices
 
Don said:
I'm considering a wireless router to connect my home computers to my
broadband cable connection. I currently use a Motorola Surfboard 5120 cable
modem with a USB cable connection to my main desktop pc. The 5120 modem also
has an ethernet plug (RJ - 45) in which I have connected to my Linksys NR041
4 port cable router. I'm using the RJ - 45 cable out of the 5120 to input
the internet to the router and then can connect my second computer and
laptop to the router via additional RJ - 45 cables. This setup works fine
with my cable provider and all the devices can be run simultaneously without
problems. Having moved into my new home, I have set up my second desktop pc
on my desk in my garage workshop area and would like to know if I buy a
wireless router, can I connect all the devices without the RJ - 45 cables?
In other words, are the wireless routers wireless from the router to the end
use devices and if so; are there other devices I will need to get in order
to receive the wireless signal from the router? I have the ethernet cards in
all of my devices but am not sure how the wireless connection is
accomplished. Thanks -

Don
Click to expand...

As Patrick said "you need a wireless card." Just remember that "wireless" is
another name for "radio." You need both a transmitter and a receiver (in fact,
you need one of each for each unit that is to be connected wirelessly, in order
to have 2-way communication).

From what I've seen on the 'Net, you're usually better off if all of your
wireless devices come from the same manufacturer. If you poke around on the
product descriptions for the Linksys products below and related products on the
Linksys site, you'll get an idea of what you'll need. (I have no affiliation
with Linksys, it's just what I currently use; others may have different
experiences).

The Linksys WCG200 wireless cable gateway
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=35&prid=579 has a USB
connection for one PC, and 4 RJ-45 Ethernet jacks in addition to the wireless
access point. Many new laptops have built-in wireless capability, but if yours
does not, you'll need a wireless PCMICI card like the Linksys WPC54G
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=507&scid=36 And for a
desktop/tower, you'll need a wireless PCI card like the Linksys WMP54G
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=520&scid=36

Alternatively, for either laptop or desktop, you could get an external USB
wireless adapter, like the Linksys WUSB54G
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=36&prid=665
 
Don said:
I'm considering a wireless router to connect my home computers to my
broadband cable connection. I currently use a Motorola Surfboard 5120 cable
modem with a USB cable connection to my main desktop pc. The 5120 modem also
has an ethernet plug (RJ - 45) in which I have connected to my Linksys NR041
4 port cable router. I'm using the RJ - 45 cable out of the 5120 to input
the internet to the router and then can connect my second computer and
laptop to the router via additional RJ - 45 cables. This setup works fine
with my cable provider and all the devices can be run simultaneously without
problems. Having moved into my new home, I have set up my second desktop pc
on my desk in my garage workshop area and would like to know if I buy a
wireless router, can I connect all the devices without the RJ - 45 cables?
In other words, are the wireless routers wireless from the router to the end
use devices and if so; are there other devices I will need to get in order
to receive the wireless signal from the router? I have the ethernet cards in
all of my devices but am not sure how the wireless connection is
accomplished. Thanks -

Don
Click to expand...

What is the physical distance (straight line) between the garage desk
and the wireless router location? And what type of wall construction
is used on the walls between the two points, and how are they
insulated?

I have had wireless signal strength problems with as little as 50 feet
(15 meters) between the wireless router and PC, where one of the
intervening walls was insulated with fibreglass insulation with an
aluminum foil backing. And the working distance has been reduced to
less than 30 feet when there is an intervening concrete wall.

You can purchase high gain antennas and also wireless relay points to
overcome signal strength problems, but there is an added cost
involved.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm
 
My straight line distance is only 15 feet with one 2x6 wall (standard
sheetrock) and fiberglass insulation (paper backing). However, in light of
the potential complication and additional expense, I believe I will opt to
buy a 25' cable and drill the hole through the wall (out of sight behind my
couch). The cost would be much less and the performance will stay maximized.
I have no problem sealing the hole with caulk on both sides and knowing that
my cable speed will not suffer. Thanks for all the advice and input.

Don
 
You certainly need at least one wired connection as you will find setting up
the router very difficult (impossible?) wirlessly
Click to expand...

Wrong. Wireless routers are able to be accessed via the wireless
connection. They don't require a physical cable connection ever,
although personally I desire having one.
I suggest you only use wireless in the garage and even then if you could run
a wire it would be better.

Wireless is ok but wires better !!

Router plugs to the phone socket and to a ethernet RJ45 port in computer so
will have not matter to pci cards or usb devices
Click to expand...

????

What does "router pluts to the phone socket and to a ethernet RJ43
port in computer" have to do with a wirless, OR wired router?

In a regular router, cables connet the computers to the router and the
router to the modem. The modem may or MAY NOT plug into a phone jack,
but the router DOES NOT.

Further, if it's wireless, there won't be the need for any cables,
period.

Please cease giving advice on this matter! You are just muddying the
waters.
 
Okay NobodyMan! You're a real piece of work, aren't you? Okay Mr.
Knowitall, unlike you, I have wireless here! So how do you connect to
your wireless router when you have to be connected to it already to know
what settings it is currently using?

I have Wardrivers trying to log into my wireless all of the time. And
they are having the same problem of logging on as I would without a
wired system on the network. According to you, anybody can log on your
wireless including you! Sorry, but it just doesn't work that way. Not
for WEP or WPA setups anyway. You probably don't even know what that
means, do you?


Cheers!


___________________________________________
Bill (using a HP AMD 1.2GHZ & Windows 2000)
-- written and edited within Word 2000


Date: Fri, 08 Apr 2005 20:21:30 -0400

You certainly need at least one wired connection as you will find setting up
the router very difficult (impossible?) wirlessly
Click to expand...

Wrong. Wireless routers are able to be accessed via the wireless
connection. They don't require a physical cable connection ever,
although personally I desire having one.
I suggest you only use wireless in the garage and even then if you could run
a wire it would be better.

Wireless is ok but wires better !!

Router plugs to the phone socket and to a ethernet RJ45 port in computer so
will have not matter to pci cards or usb devices
Click to expand...

????

What does "router pluts to the phone socket and to a ethernet RJ43
port in computer" have to do with a wirless, OR wired router?

In a regular router, cables connet the computers to the router and the
router to the modem. The modem may or MAY NOT plug into a phone jack,
but the router DOES NOT.

Further, if it's wireless, there won't be the need for any cables,
period.

Please cease giving advice on this matter! You are just muddying the
waters.
 
Netgear DG834 is an ADSL modem/router. The question was in regard to "cable"
service NOT ADSL.
 
Okay NobodyMan! You're a real piece of work, aren't you? Okay Mr.
Knowitall, unlike you, I have wireless here! So how do you connect to
your wireless router when you have to be connected to it already to know
what settings it is currently using?
Click to expand...

Well, gee, let's see.....

I'm using a Linksys Wireless router that I've never cable into. Both
my desktop and my notebook have never had a cable run to it. When I
first powered it on, I simply followed the "instructions" that came
with it (you do know how to follow "instructions" right?), connected
to it without cables (hence "wireless"?), set it up and was done.

So it can be done - even though YOU say it can't!
I have Wardrivers trying to log into my wireless all of the time. And
they are having the same problem of logging on as I would without a
wired system on the network. According to you, anybody can log on your
wireless including you! Sorry, but it just doesn't work that way. Not
for WEP or WPA setups anyway. You probably don't even know what that
means, do you?
Click to expand...

Wireless Encryption Protocol? Wi-fi Protected Access? Nope, never
heard of them.

I set WEP on my router when I first logged onto it, without cables,
from my desktop computer. I used the same procedure to allow my
notebook access. So nobody BUT me can use my router. I check my logs
every week or so to make sure.

Oh, Mr. Smarty-man, where did I say "anybody can log onto my wireless
including me?" NOWHERE.

Now please, don't go away mad - just go away.
 
Date: Sat, 09 Apr 2005 11:00:45 -0400

Okay NobodyMan! You're a real piece of work, aren't you? Okay Mr.
Knowitall, unlike you, I have wireless here! So how do you connect
to your wireless router when you have to be connected to it already
to know what settings it is currently using?
Click to expand...

Well, gee, let's see.....

I'm using a Linksys Wireless router that I've never cable into.
Both my desktop and my notebook have never had a cable run to it.
When I first powered it on, I simply followed the "instructions"
that came with it (you do know how to follow "instructions"
right?), connected to it without cables (hence "wireless"?), set it
up and was done.

So it can be done - even though YOU say it can't!

I *never* said it can't be done! As I could be logged in on to your
wimpy WEP WiFi setup in 6 hours or less myself. And my 2Wire HomePortal
1000HG came without any WiFi instructions. For that, you have to access
the router itself to see them. Which is a tough thing to do if you can't
connect up without a wire.
I have Wardrivers trying to log into my wireless all of the time. And
they are having the same problem of logging on as I would without a
wired system on the network. According to you, anybody can log on your
wireless including you! Sorry, but it just doesn't work that way. Not
for WEP or WPA setups anyway. You probably don't even know what that
means, do you?
Click to expand...

Wireless Encryption Protocol? Wi-fi Protected Access? Nope, never
heard of them.

I set WEP on my router when I first logged onto it, without cables,
from my desktop computer. I used the same procedure to allow my
notebook access. So nobody BUT me can use my router. I check my
logs every week or so to make sure.

Using WEP for security? Well that doesn't sound too smart to me. And if
you are using WEP-Shared, that is even worse!

Oh, Mr. Smarty-man, where did I say "anybody can log onto my
wireless including me?" NOWHERE.

Now please, don't go away mad - just go away.

You don't seem too smart to me. But we will see. Btw, I normally
wirelessly tell my router to stop broadcasting when I am ready to log
off. Thus a hacker (or you) or even me can't access anything until I
turned it back on with one of my LAN connections.


Cheers!


___________________________________________
Bill (using a HP AMD 1.2GHZ & Windows 2000)
-- written and edited within Word 2000
 
NobodyMan said:
Well, gee, let's see.....

I'm using a Linksys Wireless router that I've never cable into. Both
my desktop and my notebook have never had a cable run to it. When I
first powered it on, I simply followed the "instructions" that came
with it (you do know how to follow "instructions" right?), connected
to it without cables (hence "wireless"?), set it up and was done.

So it can be done - even though YOU say it can't!


Wireless Encryption Protocol? Wi-fi Protected Access? Nope, never
heard of them.

I set WEP on my router when I first logged onto it, without cables,
from my desktop computer. I used the same procedure to allow my
notebook access. So nobody BUT me can use my router. I check my logs
every week or so to make sure.

Oh, Mr. Smarty-man, where did I say "anybody can log onto my wireless
including me?" NOWHERE.

Now please, don't go away mad - just go away.
Click to expand...

Hi there

WPA and WEP are the way to go to prevent serious security threats but
a bit of a hassle to set up. If you just want to block freeloaders,
you can try our free WIFI internet access blocker at
http://www.myWIFIzone.com
 
Where did you go NobodyMan? As I have fun playing with you mere morals
as you believe you know everything! Come on, let's see what you really
know? Or are you going to wimp out like the rest? <grin>


Cheers!


___________________________________________
Bill (using a HP AMD 1.2GHZ & Windows 2000)
-- written and edited within Word 2000



Date: Sat, 09 Apr 2005 16:20:18 GMT

Date: Sat, 09 Apr 2005 11:00:45 -0400

Okay NobodyMan! You're a real piece of work, aren't you? Okay Mr.
Knowitall, unlike you, I have wireless here! So how do you connect
to your wireless router when you have to be connected to it already
to know what settings it is currently using?
Click to expand...

Well, gee, let's see.....

I'm using a Linksys Wireless router that I've never cable into.
Both my desktop and my notebook have never had a cable run to it.
When I first powered it on, I simply followed the "instructions"
that came with it (you do know how to follow "instructions"
right?), connected to it without cables (hence "wireless"?), set it
up and was done.

So it can be done - even though YOU say it can't!

I *never* said it can't be done! As I could be logged in on to your
wimpy WEP WiFi setup in 6 hours or less myself. And my 2Wire HomePortal
1000HG came without any WiFi instructions. For that, you have to access
the router itself to see them. Which is a tough thing to do if you can't
connect up without a wire.
I have Wardrivers trying to log into my wireless all of the time. And
they are having the same problem of logging on as I would without a
wired system on the network. According to you, anybody can log on your
wireless including you! Sorry, but it just doesn't work that way. Not
for WEP or WPA setups anyway. You probably don't even know what that
means, do you?
Click to expand...

Wireless Encryption Protocol? Wi-fi Protected Access? Nope, never
heard of them.

I set WEP on my router when I first logged onto it, without cables,
from my desktop computer. I used the same procedure to allow my
notebook access. So nobody BUT me can use my router. I check my
logs every week or so to make sure.

Using WEP for security? Well that doesn't sound too smart to me. And if
you are using WEP-Shared, that is even worse!

Oh, Mr. Smarty-man, where did I say "anybody can log onto my
wireless including me?" NOWHERE.

Now please, don't go away mad - just go away.

You don't seem too smart to me. But we will see. Btw, I normally
wirelessly tell my router to stop broadcasting when I am ready to log
off. Thus a hacker (or you) or even me can't access anything until I
turned it back on with one of my LAN connections.


Cheers!


___________________________________________
Bill (using a HP AMD 1.2GHZ & Windows 2000)
-- written and edited within Word 2000
 
WTF are you talking about. I've been posting all along.

The truth is, you bore me. I know when to put up a fight, and it's
not with clueless idiots, like yourself.

Oh, and am I supposed to be impressed by your outdated computer? An
AMD 1.2 ghz and win2000? Geeze, that is so old.

Now don't go away feeling mad, just go away. Bye bye now!
 
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