Wireless network - how?

Bigun28

OK, probably a stupid question but I'm new to this wireless stuff. I've seen all these offers/adverts about wireless networks in the home etc but I'm afraid I am a little confused by it all.

I have a main computer which is connected directly to an broadband modem. My plan is to buy a laptop and set up a wireless network so that both the main computer and the laptop can be connected to the internet, through the broadband connection, at the same time. Hence, what do I need to do this? Any recommendations for a standard 4 bedroom house? In addition, is it possible to share files over the wireless network ie transfer files wirelessly (is that a word??) across the wireless network between computers in the home?

Any help/info would be greatly appreciated.

Omertron

I don't reccomend Belkin products specifically due to a bad experince with one of their routers, but THIS site is quite useful at running you through the basics.

First thing to know is that there are different routers for ADSL (BT, Wanadoo, Virgin, etc) and Cable (ntl or Telewest). For ADSL you will need to get a router with and ADSL modem built in. For Cable, you need a cable router. Broadband Buyer has a good page giving you an overview of the different types of router available. A router plus free card should set you back about £40. A card for your desktop PC about £20. However, if you already have the Desktop PC connected to the cable modem, it'll probably be easier to connect it wired to the router.

Yes, it's perfectly possible to transfer files across the network (regardless of whether it is wired or wireless).

joshm_2

Like Randal implies in his message, there are a number of ways to achieve a wireless network (yes, wirelessly is a word!).

If you have a broadband modem that does not have a built-in router, you will need either to:
a) get another one, this time with a wireless feature
b) set up a wireless connection between your desktop and laptop and share the internet connection. HOWEVER, this will mean that your desktop will need to be powered up and connected when you want to use the laptop for connecting...

If you have a broadband modem that DOES have a built-in router, you can
c) buy and bolt on a wireless broadband router which may be cheaper than one with an integral modem. This will also mean you might be able to avoid the bother of setting up your b/band connection again with a new piece of kit.
d) same as (a).

Hope that helps a bit.

wolfman

Check your current modem. If it is an ethernet modem (not usb) then all you need is a router. You don't need a router with inbuilt modem.

An ethernet modem will use cable that looks like this:
http://www.hardware-one.com/reviews/nexland_pro800turbo/cable_1.jpg

If you do have an ethernet modem, then all you need is a router. The router attaches to the modem via ethernet cable, and then routes (shares) the connection between other machines, and also allows them to see (share between) each other. I'd recommend the KCorp KLG-575. Got one myself, it won a PC-Pro labs test back last July. Great value for money, and it performs better than routers 4x its price. My one is comparable to my £140 Draytek router. They're hard to get hold of, but someone on eBay is selling them cheap:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/KCorp-KLG-575-108-Mbps-Wireless-Router-BEATS-NETGEAR_W0QQitemZ5867982819QQcategoryZ44997QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If you want the best, the Belkin Pre-N is the router to go for. It retails at about £80 though.


If however you have a usb modem then you'll need a router with inbuilt modem. If this is the case then you need to know if you are on an ADSL or Cable connection as this will effect the type of modem that is inbuilt.


The key point to know is routers and modems are two different things. A modem connects you to the internet, a router merely routes data to and from computers. You can however have routers that have an inbuilt modem, basically an all in one job.

Think of it like:

Internet > Modem > Router > Computer

dinkie_2

Hi

Have been reading lots of threads etc, and although am picking up more about it, am unsure what would be involved. Am on NTL cable; modem is plugged into usb. There's also an ethernet plug at the back of the modem. Dell Dimension 1100, and am not sure if I need to add a card or something into the computer? or if it's okay to buy just a router that doesn't include a modem, and plug it into the modem's ethernet plug ... and the router would plug into the computer via usb?

Not at this point trying to network computers, just thinking about it for extra security, after reading a few of the firewall threads.

Thanks, Cat

dinkie_2

Sorry, thought I'd started a new thread. Will start this as a new thread now.

Apologies, Cat