Wireless question

sodamnfunky

Hi all,

My broadband package is with Orange with a Livebox. Currently I have 2 laptops running wirelessly from it, and the desktop is connected directly to the livebox.

Mrs SDF, has now asked if I can move my desktop into the spare room, so we can fit the christmas tree in :rolleyes: , now I will need an internet connection up there too, and cant move my livebox as I do not have an available telephone connection there.

I seem to remember i can get a wireless card for the desktop, but as I have no idea at all what I am looking for, could someone please guide me into where I can buy one, how easily it is to fit, and will it work.

The desktop is a Dell Dimension 5000.

Many thanks in advance

darude

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/128972

A wireless USB dongle is all you need, hopefully the signal is good enough to reach that far. Always check if it is compatiable with your OS (Windows or Mac), and check if it is matches your wireless speed (link above is 54mbps), otherwise it should work.

[Deleted User]

At the moment you can buy a PCI Wireless NIC from Maplin for £13. If you're confident enough to undo a few screws, slot something in and put the screws back in then you'll get better performance from that than a USB Dongle. Then it would be a case of installing the drivers and you're away, probably a 30 minute job all told if you take your time.

sodamnfunky

anewhope wrote: »

At the moment you can buy a PCI Wireless NIC from Maplin for £13. If you're confident enough to undo a few screws, slot something in and put the screws back in then you'll get better performance from that than a USB Dongle. Then it would be a case of installing the drivers and you're away, probably a 30 minute job all told if you take your time.

That sounds good, Ive installed new RAM in it, and replaced the HD too, and on the wife's laptop, so it should be ok...

darude

Sometimes, a PCI card doesn't give you the wireless signal reach that dongles can, I've had this problem when I was trying to connect to a BT Homehub wireless router. With a PCI card, you can only move the antenna a little, but with a USB dongle (assuming that it comes with a USB extension cable), you have a much more flexibility in where you can place it (e.g closer to the window/away from the wall/higher). Just speaking from experience.

sodamnfunky

Now I am really confused.....

Leopard

SDF,

You might find that a pair of 200Mb/sec powerline adaptors do this particular job better for you. :cool:

sodamnfunky

Leopard wrote: »

SDF,

You might find that a pair of 200Mb/sec powerline adaptors do this particular job better for you. :cool:

Where do I get them and what are they?

darude

With wireless, you need an antenna, PCI card is usually stuck at the bottom of a PC tower. Wireless USB dongles can be placed anywhere on the desk. You may find that placing the USB dongle higher gives you a better wireless signal.... something that PCI wireless card won't let you do.

sodamnfunky

Im gonna go for the dongle, as that sounds easiest for now...

Cheers guys

Leopard

Easiest would be powerline adaptors: they're simply plug in and play. No screwdrivers, no drivers, no software, no configuration. They'd use your electricity wiring to get the signal between upstairs and downstairs.

Faster than almost all wireless and totally secure.

Info here. There's a video on it, too.

They're perhaps not the best solution permanently but they're ideal for short-term solutions.