Advice needed on Wireless Networking a laptop

n_earnshaw

I’m new to wireless networking and I’m in the process of buying a laptop that I want to network to my Desktop. The main use for the laptop would be to allow me to access the internet and access some files that may be on the other pc

Please forgive me if I’m not using the correct terminology (and please correct me if I’m wrong) but I’m looking to use a Wireless Router to connect the laptop to my Desktop.

My main question is that I’ve been given two suggestions on how to link the laptop.

1.) To get a Wireless Network card put in the Laptop
2.) To get an adapter that plugs into a USB port on the side.

Which would be the better option. Which would give the better performance.

The Router that I’m looking at would be about 100Mbps. Does that sound about right or too much/little?

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Darksun

You'll need:

A wireless router
A wireless adapter for your laptop (if it doesn't have a built in one)
A wireless adapter for your Desktop

You'll want a 801.11B/G router, these can be got for about £30. You connect this to your modem - check your modem has an ethernet port.

For the laptop, you could get a USB adapter, these are generally cheaper, but I'd be tempted to go for a PCMCIA wireless adapter, they're still fairly cheap if you shop around.

For the Desktop, a USB dongle is probably fine, provided you have a spare USB port. Alternativly you can get a PCI adapter, but that will involve opening up the computer to fit, it's fairly straightforward, but if your not confident (or the computer is still under warrenty) go for the USB.

If the router you get is a B/G router, you can use either B or G adapters on the computers. B is slower, but for your needs, it's probably sufficient - B is 11Mbps, G is 54Mbps (under optimal circumstances). Your internet connection is probably a lot slower than 11Mbps, so the speed isn't a problem there, and 11Mbps is probably fast enough for transferring files between the computers, unless you have massive amounts to do regularily.

If you have any more questions, just post.

tair_bashir

Hi,

You can pick up a wireless router for around £30, a laptop wireless PCMCIA card will put you back around £20, and a USB wireless adaptor around £10-£15.

So all in all, around £60.

Nb. lots of wireless routers have ethernet ports to connect directly to 1/more PCs...this allows direct connectivity hence giving max. allowable broadband connection to ehternet connected PC(s). You can still then use your laptop wirelessly (if it's enabled), but wireless connectivity won't be at the same speed as a direct connection via an ethernet cable.

h4nym

Hiya

In terms of performance, you'll be limited by 2 things:

1. A USB port runs at either 11mbps or 480mbps - that's maximum. If you're on USB (as distinct from USB2) it'll max out at 11mpbs full stop. Better to use the PCMCIA card option if performance is a major consideration.

2. Even if it's 802.11g - the max spec gives you 54mpbs - but no-one's ever got close - the best you'll get is about 20mbps.

So - if you really need performance, use a wires! If, however, you really need mobility then make sure that EACH end of the wireless is 802.11g (not 802.11b - that's 11mbps) and that you're using the PCMCIA (Credit card-type) slot or a USB2 port.

hth

H