Setting up a wireless network at home???

[Styx555]

I need to set up a simple, cost effective wireless network at home. I currently have one computer however will be acquiring another shortly for work purposes. Currently am subscribed to Rogers High Speed and will be keeping the service. Ideally I would like to run Internet off both computers without having to re-wire things.

Is this possible and if so, what's the best way to do it. I am very new to wireless networks, so please be very specific.

What do I need to buy? Good brand names/good models? Do I need to install anything in the computers?

Thanks!

[pandaharo]

You need to buy a wireless router and a wireless receiver (PCI, usb, PCMCIA, depending on your needs) at the very least. I've had good experience with D-link and Linksys routers, they should be good as long as you upgrade the firmware which is easy to do. You should be able to find one of those package prices, ie BB had a wireless G router with a USB adapter for $50.

The best setup for you is probably one computer (the one close to the modem) being connected physically with a network cable and the other computer via a wireless network. You will need to install a utility program and drivers to your wireless computer. Most routers wont require you to install anything on computers directly connected to it, though some may have useful utlitites programs.

Routers tend to slow down your internet connection unless the ports are set properly, but this only applies if you download a lot or do a lot of gaming. For most average users the decrease in speed through the router is not noticable.

Remember to set the encryption on your wireless network (D-link and Linksys comes with good instructions of how to do this), so your neighbors dont steal your internet. :)

[Styx555]

Thanks for the advice. The wiring coming in for my Internet is not close to either computer. Will it be a problem to have both computers running off the wireless network?

[Gee]

Thanks for the advice. The wiring coming in for my Internet is not close to either computer. Will it be a problem to have both computers running off the wireless network?

The wireless router is designed to handle multiple computers. Check your notebook Chances are it will already be wireless. Especially if it is Centrino based.

Then just go and get a wireless router. If you are using your computer now with Rogers, then all you need to do is place the Wireless router between your cable modem and your existing computer. Wired is the prefered method as it will save you buying a wireless card for your desktop.

[Mr Nobody]

The question is: How is the current one computer hooked up to the net since you stated that the "wiring coming in for [your] Internet is not close to either computer"?

The preferred method of connection would be with a router, wired to both computers unless one or both is a laptop in which case, you would probably want the mobility of wireless.

[Styx555]

just to clarify:

currently my computer (desktop) is connected thorugh a cable running through my basement. I want to avoid having this cable, and re-wiring is not an option. Also, with the addition of another computer (another desktop), I will need a wireless connection as well.

Briefly, 2 desktops to be connected to the Internet, with one cable coming in far from both.

hope this clears it up?

[Gee]

just to clarify:

currently my computer (desktop) is connected thorugh a cable running through my basement. I want to avoid having this cable, and re-wiring is not an option. Also, with the addition of another computer (another desktop), I will need a wireless connection as well.

Briefly, 2 desktops to be connected to the Internet, with one cable coming in far from both.

hope this clears it up?

What is actually in the basement? The cable modem? What wire is being pulled up from the basement?

You can technically use any cable outlet in the house to plug your cable modem into. Then have your wireless router sit next to the cable modem and then from the router, run a cable into your current computer.

[Styx555]

The cable wire is in the basement. All other cable outlets are being used by T.V's. Ideally I would plug my modem into this wire and then "transmit" wirelessly to 2 computers in the house.

To do this, what type of router do I need and what do I need for the 2 desktops?

[Gee]

The cable wire is in the basement. All other cable outlets are being used by T.V's. Ideally I would plug my modem into this wire and then "transmit" wirelessly to 2 computers in the house.

To do this, what type of router do I need and what do I need for the 2 desktops?

You could split the cable from one of the TVs.

But since you are bent on spending extra money...

Get a Linksys WRTG54 Router. Don't bother with SpeedBoost, waste of money. Should cost about $69

Then if you have a notebook, get a CardBus Adapter, $79. But I think your notebook will have wireless built in.

For your desktop, get a Linksys WMP54G card, should also cost about $79

[Styx555]

I was told splitting the cable would give unreliable Internet connections? True?

[Gee]

I was told splitting the cable would give unreliable Internet connections? True?

Get a good quality splitter. Internet signals are digital. So if it is not a zero or one, it is ignored. If it is unreliable, there is a fault in the actual cable.

All you have to do is try it. See if your speed is still maintained.

http://myspeed.rogers.com

[Matryx]

I'm in a similar situation, but I got my wireless router setup already which is in the basement with my brother's computer that is connected to the cable model. I want to connect my computer which is not on the main floor but up 1 more floor using a wireless setup. What would you guys recommend?

Also which one would be better for range and signal? USB adapters or PCI adapters? I heard PCI adapter is better because it has the antenna and I'm guessing you can get a better signal if you were to direct it to the wireless router?

[Gee]

The Antennae on most PCI cards are omni directional. Meaning you don't have to point it anywhere.

PCI is definitely the one to buy. USB is too unreliable and power is not regulated properly. PCI will provide constant power and you will get better results.

If signal is weak because you have concrete walls or if you are using a microwave or 2.4 GHz Cordless Phone, consider getting an external antennae.

[Mr Nobody]

I was told splitting the cable would give unreliable Internet connections? True?

Splitting should be fine unless your cable signal is already very low. All your cable outlets in your house are already split from one line outside your house.

If you are really concerned, you could always get a tap (DC-4) instead of a splitter:

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/cabletech/4.3%20DC%20Taps%20(special%20splitters)

[poedua]

I'm in a similar situation, but I got my wireless router setup already which is in the basement with my brother's computer that is connected to the cable model. I want to connect my computer which is not on the main floor but up 1 more floor using a wireless setup. What would you guys recommend?

Also which one would be better for range and signal? USB adapters or PCI adapters? I heard PCI adapter is better because it has the antenna and I'm guessing you can get a better signal if you were to direct it to the wireless router?

There was a good discussion in the thread below awhile back on a 3 machine network.

It covered among other things:

- differences in wireless protocols via a link in post #9

- compariosn of PCI vs USB

- some discussion of Linkys and Speedbooster


http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162624&highlight=linksys