Computer Network Advice

[bh357]

Well, my Wife and I are finally going to dump AOL, and are signing up for cable internet. We have a desktop PC and a laptop, and would like to hook both up to the net. Does anyone have advice on equipment to get (types, brands, etc...)? We want to set the laptop up wireless, so I think I need a wireless router and card for the laptop. Is there anything else I need besides the router and the wireless card? I believe the PC has a wired network card installed. What type of range can I expect with the laptop?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Computer Network Advice

Cable is the way to go. Three times faster than DSL. I am using a linkesy 2.4G wireless router and a wireless adaptor for my computer downstairs. The cost for both was under 200 dollars. When they wire your cable have them run it to the room with your desktop computer. If you are buying your own modem you will have to call the cable company and give them the modem MAC Address (I think this is the correct term) Get the cable working first. Then hook up wireless router to your lan card and get that working. It is pretty simple. The install wizard did all this for me. <br />For your laptop make sure the wireless card is the same as the router either 2.4GHz which would be a B or a 5.8Ghz which would be a G card. Use the wizard for this and when you have it all working change your passwords. Also enable 128K encription for security. Then go on the internet and download the newest versions of firmware for each piece of equipment. Sounds confusing but it is really simple. YOu are going to love cable. The only thing that I can say that describes it is Zoooooooooommmmmmmmmmmm.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Computer Network Advice

You're pretty much on target with the equipment list. Wireless router and a PCMCIA WiFi card. There are so many options , brand wise, for the router. For the laptop card, I personally would look for a Orinoco 'Classic Gold card (Ebay is a good source). This card works on the 802.11b spec. There are newer faster spec'ed card and routers too, like 802.11g.<br /><br />Regardless of the router and card you choose be sure to NOT do as most folks do. They stop configuring the router after they get it working on the Web. They fail to implement the security features that are built into the router.<br /><br />Be sure you configure:<br /><br />Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)feature, <br />Change the default SSID, <br />Change the default router password<br />Disable the routers 'SSID Beacon'<br /><br />Enable MAC filtering on the router to only respond to your wireless laptop and desktop computers.<br /><br />These are only the beginning steps to securing your broadband connection. <br /><br />Other sites of good info for securing your computers operating systems can be found at sites like. <br /> BlackVipers WebPage <br /><br /> Steve Gibson's Shield's Up

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Computer Network Advice

I may be in the dark ages but your other option is to hardwire your network. No security issues and it is cheaper. If you live in a modern truss roof house and have access above the walls it is simple to run the cable from your primary input cable area to the second computer. I have networked 5 computers off of my network cable and they all work slick. Approximate cost for this route is :<br />Modem =$60-70<br />Router=$40-50<br />Misc cable, conectors and cut in wall boxes=$30<br /><br />PCMCIA card for your laptop and Lan card for your PC(if it's not built into your MB) are dirt cheap.<br /><br />It is true that wireless takes less work but I enjoyed setting mine up.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Computer Network Advice

Here at work, I got the Microsoft MN-620 Wireless kit. It has an access point with a 5 port switch built in. I plug the DSL into this, then the other machines plug into the switch to get DHCP out. The kit came with a PCMCIA wireless card for the laptop... $100 at sams.<br /><br />22,000 sq ft warehouse, and I can go anyware in here on the wireless.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Computer Network Advice

Don't forget the firewalls if they are to be connected at all times. You want to be able to control what is able to come into your network.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Computer Network Advice

bh357<br /><br />Do yourself a favor and stay with a "Wired" router. They are faster, cheaper and more secure.<br /><br />

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Computer Network Advice

The problem with a wired router is you dont have the flexibility to use the lap top anywhere you want. I am using the 2.4GHz wireless and with cable it is plenty fast. With 128K security encryption it is pretty hard for someone to tap into my cable signal.