wireless

beattiesman

a bit of a novice with a pc currently on virgin broadband with a modem.thinking of going wireless .what do i need to do this .is it easy to set up .would i need to alter my passwords.any help thanks

macman

You need a wireless router, and a wireless laptop or a wireless adapter on a desktop PC. No you don't alter any passwords, you just set up additional security to encrypt the wireless connections. Set up is easy.
PS: no advantage in going wireless unless you need the mobility, or if your router is not near your computer. Otherwise, wireless is slower, less reliable and less secure than ethernet.

Taffybiker

Or, by adding a wireless card to the PC, it's possible to connect another wireless device - laptop perhaps - to it without a wireless router, by using ad hoc mode.

The main disadvantage is the PC connected directly to internet must be switched on, or the other device(s) will lose its/their connection.

It does save the cost of a router though.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/adhoc.mspx

But as macman said, if you don't really need it don't bother.

Fifer73

Also with virgin media, and my broadband connection cable comes from my loft, down into my spare room and along skirting board and then into my modem to connect up my pc.

Now I am not very technical so please excuse the stupid question,

would a wireless broadband connection which virgin media have on there site then allow me to do away with all the cable that is in spare room and in the modem just now?

Could i then move the main desktop into anyroom as i wouldnt needto be connected to the old modem?

I do believe that virgin just send the wireless kit out to you and let you set it up yourself, Can you just put the wireless modem on a shelf or in any room ?

What happens to the old cable the one that is from the pc currently and is up in the loft space ?

I am about to redecorate and may change the main pc into another room and this would be benefical.

Many thanks

macman

Fifer73 wrote: »

Also with virgin media, and my broadband connection cable comes from my loft, down into my spare room and along skirting board and then into my modem to connect up my pc.

Now I am not very technical so please excuse the stupid question,

would a wireless broadband connection which virgin media have on there site then allow me to do away with all the cable that is in spare room and in the modem just now?

Could i then move the main desktop into anyroom as i wouldnt needto be connected to the old modem?

I do believe that virgin just send the wireless kit out to you and let you set it up yourself, Can you just put the wireless modem on a shelf or in any room ?

What happens to the old cable the one that is from the pc currently and is up in the loft space ?

I am about to redecorate and may change the main pc into another room and this would be benefical.

Many thanks

The modem is replaced with a wireless router. You can then connect to this using a wireless laptop or a USB wireless adaptor on your PC from any room in the house.
You have to put the wireless router wherever the existing cable is terminated, as it is still connected to this cable. The link from the router to the PC is the only wireless bit.

Fifer73

Thanks for clearing that up, I thought i might be able to remove all of the old modem cable all together.
Although i could bring in along celing and put wireless bradband unit on a shelf, this would allow me to move the main pc into either the living room or main bedroom.

Thank you for clearing that up :j

macman

Fifer73 wrote: »

Thanks for clearing that up, I thought i might be able to remove all of the old modem cable all together.
Although i could bring in along celing and put wireless bradband unit on a shelf, this would allow me to move the main pc into either the living room or main bedroom.

Thank you for clearing that up :j

They would probably shorten it for you if it involves an engineer install, as long as you can get a signal from router to PC it doesn't matter where either is sited.

DCFC79

macman wrote: »

The modem is replaced with a wireless router. You can then connect to this using a wireless laptop or a USB wireless adaptor on your PC from any room in the house.
You have to put the wireless router wherever the existing cable is terminated, as it is still connected to this cable. The link from the router to the PC is the only wireless bit.

but is the modem replaced with the router as how else can the OP get internet access on the desktop ?

macman

I'm not sure with Virgin if they replace the existing modem with a combined modem/wireless router, or fit a wireless router onto the existing cable modem. Maybe someone with Virgin Media wireless can advise.
But subject to that the broadband comes in via the fibre optic cable just as before, with a a wired connection through a cable modem.

FireFox

The modem is replaced with a wireless router.

If you have Virgin 'Cable' broadband the modem IS NOT replaced by the router. The two exist side by side. Your wireless router then connects to the modem with an ethernet cable.
Virgin will only usually supply you with a free wireless router if you are on the Large (20mb) broadband package or above, although its always worth a try.

DCFC79

FireFox wrote: »

If you have Virgin 'Cable' broadband the modem IS NOT replaced by the router. The two exist side by side. Your wireless router then connects to the modem with an ethernet cable.
Virgin will only usually supply you with a free wireless router if you are on the Large (20mb) broadband package or above, although its always worth a try.

or if not then he could always buy 1