Wireless Network Advice

[Wardy]

I need some advice on wireless networking. I currently have 2 PC's sat next to each other that connect to my broadband connection via a router.

I am about to build a 3rd PC for myself and plan on moving on of the current ones downstairs. This will mainly be used for my 3 y/o daughter to use.

To avoid having a CAT 5 cable running around the house, i want to set up a wireless network. I need help with the following...

1. I need a system that is fairly cheap for the main unit and will support at least 3 machines.

2. It needs to be fairly fast since i play on-line games on one of the machines.

3. It needs to be easy to set up the security side of it. I do not want people using my connection for their laptops etc.


Anyone know or use any good ones or know of any good ones?

Thanks

Wardy

 

[Westdene Seagull]

1. Check out Netgear stuff. Fairly well priced and quite well supported. You'll need a router such as the MR814 and a wireless network card ( or PCMCIA card if you've got a laptop ). I can't remember the model codes for the cards but just look at the Netgear site.

2. Nearly all new stuff runs at 54Mb - far faster than your internet link ( unless your bloody loaded with cash to waste !!! ).

3. Just set up a WEP key - all new stuff has this capability.

 

[Willow]

I got this one last week and it's going great. Dirt cheap, and a piece of piss to setup, too.


3COM Router at DABS

 

[moggy]

who is your ISP?

NTL?

 

[Pevenseagull]

I wouldn't recommend Belkin - home network is set up on one of their wireless routers and there are regular problems

PC world are full of them

 

[eastlondonseagull]

What about if you've only got the one computer?

I normally work from home and have a laptop, but nothing else, no main desktop or anything. I want to be able to use the internet around the house, upstairs if poorly, in the garden, while watching telly. What's the best thing to buy then?

 

[Wardy]

who is your ISP?

NTL?

Curently with BT Broadband, but when i can be arsed to call then and get the code will be switiching to Zen.

 

[moggy]

i used this setup

http://www.linksys.com/international/defaulttest.asp?coid=6

easy as pie

 

[Pevenseagull]

What about if you've only got the one computer?

I normally work from home and have a laptop, but nothing else, no main desktop or anything. I want to be able to use the internet around the house, upstairs if poorly, in the garden, while watching telly. What's the best thing to buy then?

ask your neighbours if they've got a wireless network and if they have, offer them a fiver a month for the WEP key

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

I don't know how prices compare - but Netgear (as westdene seagulls above) offer hich quality, reliable products. We use them at the office and at home.

 

[Shropshire Seagull]

In my house I've got 4 cabled network PC and one wireless laptop. I use a US Robotics 9106 ADSL modem and wireless router for the WiFi which runs at 802.11g (54 Mbps)

Speed and cost (as usual) are the factors.
802.11a, 802.11b & 802.11g are the main standards out there. a is a bit old now and there is a faster one than g but not widely available or cheap yet.

http://www.homenethelp.com/802.11b/index.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/bowman_02july29.mspx

There is loads on the web for this.

PS I've also got two shared printers (colour inkjet and vanila laser) in the network so printing is possible from any client. I use the D-Link DI-704P which is a switch (not so useful for you if you're intending to go all WiFi) but also has a useful Print Server capability.

 

[Cian]

Whatever you get, for the love of (insert appropriate here) SECURE IT. Don't assume your neighbours won't leech. Someone will.

 

[Cian]

In my house I've got 4 cabled network PC and one wireless laptop. I use a US Robotics 9106 ADSL modem and wireless router for the WiFi which runs at 802.11g (54 Mbps)

Speed and cost (as usual) are the factors.
802.11a, 802.11b & 802.11g are the main standards out there. a is a bit old now and there is a faster one than g but not widely available or cheap yet.

http://www.homenethelp.com/802.11b/index.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/bowman_02july29.mspx

There is loads on the web for this.

PS I've also got two shared printers (colour inkjet and vanila laser) in the network so printing is possible from any client. I use the D-Link DI-704P which is a switch (not so useful for you if you're intending to go all WiFi) but also has a useful Print Server capability.

You mean B is a bit old. A and G are both from around 2002, B was formalised in 1999 but has been around since 1994.

A is uncommon as its not interoperable with B and G without expensive hardware. B and G work on the same frequencies, but G is faster. G hardware supports B and B supports G (at B speeds only). G is safest to get, by far.

 

[Crouch End Seagull]

just to confirm DON'T GET A BELKIN. Unfortunately i did. I'm constantly rebooting their router. The helpdesk people are nice though.

 

[Wozza]

Best value/easiest wireless router/ADSL Modem around is the Netgear DG834G.

The instructions are aimed at newbies these days, so you can get up and running in 10mins flat.

It's easiest if you have that wired to your main PC (assuming it's near your phone socket).

Then you'll need wireless PCI/PCMCIA cards for your PCs/notebooks. They cost under £25 these days (try Dabs or ebuyer). Any make will do but make sure they're 54Mbps (802.11g).

Sorted.

 

[Cian]

I'll confirm that Netgear are dog easy to use, but still TURN ON WEP. Most Netgear routers around are on default settings - no WEP, SSID of "NETGEAR"

 

[Wozza]

I'll confirm that Netgear are dog easy to use...

So that's OFFICIAL?!

 

[DJ Leon]

You mean B is a bit old. A and G are both from around 2002, B was formalised in 1999 but has been around since 1994.

A is uncommon as its not interoperable with B and G without expensive hardware. B and G work on the same frequencies, but G is faster. G hardware supports B and B supports G (at B speeds only). G is safest to get, by far.

WHAT?

 

[ManxSeagull]

Best value/easiest wireless router/ADSL Modem around is the Netgear DG834G.

The instructions are aimed at newbies these days, so you can get up and running in 10mins flat.

It's easiest if you have that wired to your main PC (assuming it's near your phone socket).

Then you'll need wireless PCI/PCMCIA cards for your PCs/notebooks. They cost under £25 these days (try Dabs or ebuyer). Any make will do but make sure they're 54Mbps (802.11g).

Sorted.

I second that. I have mine running: -

Main PC - Hard Wird
Laptop - Wired or Wireless
Xbox - Wired
Daughters PC - Wireless
IPAQ - Wireless

All work a treat and so easy to set up !!

 

[Cian]

WHAT?

Translation: A is crap, B is old, get G.