Networking help please

[Swooper]

Ok Guys and Girls

I presently have a desktop PC and my daughter’s laptop networked together via a single RJ45 crossover cable. We can both share the broadband connection at the same time as well as access the shared files on the larger HD of the PC (lots of music and photographs etc). So far so good.

I have just acquired a 2nd laptop and want to be able to share the existing broadband access also but do not want to be confined to a cable for the connection.

I am guessing I will need some sort of wireless connection and some additional bits of hardware but am not precisely sure what. I could go to PC world and ask but I would rather not!

If any one can give me a shopping list of what the ideal solution would be that would be great. I am trying to provide just what I have outlined and noting too fancy.

Any additional suggestions would also be welcome.

Looking forward to your help.

 

[Fanum]

You need a broadband wireless router and a wireless card or USB dogle for the laptop/s, plus at least one more RJ45 cable.

The cable connection goes from the wall to your cable modem/set top box (depending on what you currently have) then the cable that did go to the main PC now goes from the modem to the wireless router.

The main PC gets attached to the Router via another RJ45 cable, then the first laptop is connected to the router via another cable (or you could use another USB dongle/wireless card) and the new laptop also with a usb dongle/wireless card.

Don't forget to set up the security so others can't pinch your bandwidth, (that should be detailed in the paperwork) and I'd strongly recommend you get all matching kit...don't mix and match manufacturers (they should work together in theory but in practice, it can go a bit wonky)

You can get packages now that have all you need and you'lll often get a good price on one of these bundles...personally I'd go for Belkin

 

[Fanum]

PS Just had a look on the PCworld website and they have packages for just over 60 quid (d-link) that will do the job nicely....Belkin are a few quid more but worth it IMO.

 

[nick]

I bought a 3Com OfficeConnect ADSL Wireless 11G (54Mbps) Firewall Router Modem with 4 port switch from Amazon a couple of weeks ago and they had an offer of a free USB adapter for my old notebook.

Only cost £45 for the lot.

Works fine, but the signal strength is a bit weak in some locations.

I simply disconnected the BT Broadband ADSL modem and plugged in the 3Com unit and it worked straight away.

 

[cattell]

Glad you all had no trouble, I bought a D link from rlsupplies.co.uk (very good and cheap) but the wireless connection has been a real pain, I am now using the laptop for this reply. I should have read the instructions about not using windows to configure the connection, this was recommended by my company I.T. dept. Hope all my problems are fixed but computers always have this habit of screwing up when your guard is down

 

[Rod Souter]

A non-wireless solution is powerline, see http://www.solwise.co.uk for information etc.

Rod

 

[centaur]

Ok Guys and Girls

I presently have a desktop PC and my daughter’s laptop networked together via a single RJ45 crossover cable. We can both share the broadband connection at the same time as well as access the shared files on the larger HD of the PC (lots of music and photographs etc). So far so good.

I have just acquired a 2nd laptop and want to be able to share the existing broadband access also but do not want to be confined to a cable for the connection.

I am guessing I will need some sort of wireless connection and some additional bits of hardware but am not precisely sure what. I could go to PC world and ask but I would rather not!

If any one can give me a shopping list of what the ideal solution would be that would be great. I am trying to provide just what I have outlined and noting too fancy.

Any additional suggestions would also be welcome.

Looking forward to your help.

Step 1. Bin the dialup modem !

Step 2. Buy a wireless broadband modem/router with built in firewall and :- 1 PCI wireless card for the PC and 2 more PCMCIA wireless cards for the laptops ( or the USB 'dongle' equivalents..a bit dearer usually ).

Step 3. Upload all drivers which came with the various bits of hardware to the various computers as appropriate and insert all wireles cards into the various computers, plug in the wireless modem/router and configure as per setup instructions supplied.

Step 4 . swear forcibly as at least one bit of kit fails to respond and follow troubleshooter instructions (supplied).

Step 5. If all else fails use the Windows WZC configuration wizard (assuming you have Win XP.

Note. the modem/router should include all necessary cables.

Good luck !