Wireless advice please

Viz_2

I have a Dell Dimension 8400. I'm looking to install a wireless router / modem and have almost settled on a product. But what i'm unsure of is which wireless card to buy to install in the back of my PC.
Are they all the same ? Are there better options than others ?
The router I will buy will be 54mbps.

Cheers.

DonnyDave

If you are going wireless to enable other computers to connect and your current PC is located next to the router (as will be the case with your current ADSL modem setup), then you should connect it using a network cable.

Chippy_Minton

I've no experience of these cards but I'd say the big brand (Linksys, Netgear, Belkin etc.) are pretty much the same. You can buy cheaper 'own brand' cards. Check the specs and reviews here --> http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/search/?strSearch=&intCatID=39&bolShowAll=true&intSubcatUID=1019

Viz_2

The wireless router is to enable me to move my current PC across the room without the need for extended cables from the BT socket.

DonnyDave

Viz wrote:

The wireless router is to enable me to move my current PC across the room without the need for extended cables from the BT socket.

If possible, I suggest that you run an extension lead round the outside of your room. The router and wireless card solution seems to be an expensive solution to me.

robnye

also it is preferable to buy the same make route and card, although mix and match do work work fine, i have had less problems when keeping to the same make for both items

littleange

Which router are you going for? I have found D-link to be the best, we have the G640T. I've never had any trouble connecting any wireless card or device to it, whether its a Wireless PCI card, Cardbus card, USB dongle, A PDA, or even a Mac.

jimmyn

Whatever you choose make sure you set up security on the router for wireless. It's amazing how many people just use their equipment out of the box!

Good luck

Kimberley

What is a 10/100 Lan card? What use is it? Do you need it as well as a wireless laptop adaptor?

littleange

Kimberley wrote:

What is a 10/100 Lan card? What use is it? Do you need it as well as a wireless laptop adaptor?

It is a WIRED network card, rather than wireless

Monkey_Tennis_3

@Viz: Per the other posters, if you get a 54G router get a matching brand 54G wireless card. If you're not confident fitting a PCI (internal) one then there's plenty of USB options - also handy because if, in the future, you move the PC even further away from the router it easy to use a USB extension cable to position the PC-end device for best signal reception. Remember, if you're only using wireless for accessing the internet (and not connecting to other PCs in your house) you won't paticularly benefit from any of the expensive 'speed boost' products as the speed of your broadband (unlikely to be >8Mbs) will be the limiting factor.

Oh yes, and steer clear of Belkin... I've never had any joy with thier products!

@Kimberly: A 10/100 Lan card is the connection you would use for a wired connection to a router. All new desktop and laptop PCs now have them built in. If you went for a wireless option it would not be used.