Wireless router questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cooter
  • Start date Start date
C

Cooter

I have two desktops, currently networked with a wired router and using
broadband cable for the internet. I want to put a laptop in an outbuilding
about 75 - 100 feet from the primary desktop. I only need internet on it -
no networking. A cable of that length is not practical, so I'm assuming I
need to switch to a wireless setup. The laptop has USB 1 available and an
Ethernet T100 jack. What do I need to put all three machines on a wireless
router? Any suggestions on a brand would also be appreciated.

Thanks for any help,
Cooter
 
Cooter said:
I have two desktops, currently networked with a wired router and using
broadband cable for the internet. I want to put a laptop in an outbuilding
about 75 - 100 feet from the primary desktop. I only need internet on it -
no networking. A cable of that length is not practical, so I'm assuming I
need to switch to a wireless setup. The laptop has USB 1 available and an
Ethernet T100 jack. What do I need to put all three machines on a wireless
router? Any suggestions on a brand would also be appreciated.

Thanks for any help,
Cooter
Click to expand...
Isn't that a bit far for reliable wireless networking? You may be able to
get the laptop
to link with your router. You would certainly have better luck with a high
gain antenna
at both ends.
The only alternative is a repeater between the router and the laptop.
And, by the way, internet is a networking protocol..
Jim
 
Cooter said:
I have two desktops, currently networked with a wired router and using
broadband cable for the internet. I want to put a laptop in an outbuilding
about 75 - 100 feet from the primary desktop. I only need internet on it - no
networking. A cable of that length is not practical, so I'm assuming I need to
switch to a wireless setup. The laptop has USB 1 available and an Ethernet T100
jack. What do I need to put all three machines on a wireless router? Any
suggestions on a brand would also be appreciated.

Thanks for any help,
Cooter
Click to expand...

Does the laptop have an available PCMCIA card slot? That would be your best
option as far as a wireless network adapter goes. Next, you'll need a wireless
router. As far as brands go, I'd recommend Linksys and Netgear in that order. If
you have a Circuit City nearby, you might want to check with them for these
items.

Linksys 802.11g Wireless Router
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Link.../sem/rpsm/oid/69086/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Linksys 802.11g Wireless Laptop Adapter
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Link...69085/catOid/-12980/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Here in the Boston area, those two components would cost around $80 this week.
Comparable equipment from Netgear would be around the same price at places like
Best Buy and Staples. Since I consider Linksys to be better quality, that's what
I'd buy.

The distance you indicate shouldn't be a problem for a wireless network. Try to
position your router in a location that has the fewest number of walls between
it and your laptop.

The most important aspect when setting up your wireless network is security.
Both of the Linksys products listed above use WPA to secure the signal. Here are
some articles about wireless networking security you may find helpful.

Improve the security of your wireless home network with Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/wireless.mspx

Myth vs. reality: Wireless SSIDs
http://blogs.technet.com/steriley/archive/2007/10/16/myth-vs-reality-wireless-ssids.aspx

If you have any question about setting up your network, you might want to post
them to this newsgroup.

microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web

Good luck

Nepatsfan
 
Thanks for the help. BTW, the networking I referred to on the laptop was
intended to mean file sharing between it and the desktops.
 
In addition to what Nepatsfan stated, you may also want to
look at the newer Wireless 802.11n router and network
adapters. I have just installed them in my house and where
my g signal was between low to good, with the n system
installed it is mostly excellent with a little good thrown
in. I don't notice the drop-off in speed anywhere as much.
For compatibility sake, look for both components from the
same manufacturer. I use Linksys and have had good results
with it.
 
Back
Top