Question for you techies (probably really dopey!)

missimaxo

Hi

I have a broadband package at the mo (with 2 modems) and have a pc and a laptop. I want to go wireless at the end of the month when I move house.

What equipment do I need (and where is cheapest if anyone knows!)

The laptop is wireless enabled, the pc isn't but when I move I don't really want to be gragging phone extensions all over the house (again!).

I am thinking of changing providers so am not bothered if my new provider supplies the equipment or I buy sepeartley and go with Tiscali or whoever.

I can't get cable where I live so I think I need ADSL.

Thanks

Tina

YBNB

Hi Missimaxo.

Can't really advise, just explain my situation.

11 months ago, decided to go wireless.

Am an AOL Broadband subscriber, and I bought a Belkin Wireless Router/ADSL Modem (one box) so I could get my laptop (wireless enabled) and the Missuses laptop (not wireless enabled at the time) online with the one connection.

The router replaced the old ADSL BT modem, was unbelievably easy to install and configure, and I've had hardly any problems with either.

I bought a wireless PCMCIA adaptor for the Mrs's laptop.

Cost (then): approximately £60 for the router, £20 for the wireless adaptor. That was off the shelf at Currys, so a year on, and utilising the knowledge base on here, you'll almost certainly beat that price very easily.

Can heartily recommend this solution, the lack of wires is brilliant and the flexibility likewise!

JohalaReewi

For your broadband connection, you will need an ADSL modem/wireless router. There are any number of these about. This box plugs into your phone line (via microfilter) and basically gives you a home network in a box with broadband. To access the internet, your PCs will need a network card (ditch the old broadband modems - sell them on Ebay!!). You can use either a wired network card, or a wireless network card. You can get USB cards which are external (handy for laptops), or PCI (need installing) or PCMCIA (if your laptop has a slot). You can often buy bundles where the ADSL modem/router comes with a free network card (or two).

If you go wireless, remember to learn about wireless network security otherwise you could find next door using your internet connection too!! Also be aware that wireless uses radio signals which can suffer interference and can be attenuated or blocked by walls, ceilings, cupboards etc.

For more advice I suggest you google for how to set up a wireless broadband network.

scheming_gypsy

The Belkin Wireless G Router is fine for walls etc and an easy choice to configure. Mine is connected in the lounge and i've just the laptop wirelessly in the kitchen, garden, bedroom and on the loo (when playing poker)

peter_the_piper

JohalaReewi wrote:

(ditch the old broadband modems - sell them on Ebay!!).
For more advice I suggest you google for how to set up a wireless broadband network.

I suggest that you keep at least one of the (old presumably USB) modems in case of problems with the router.