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Networking & wireless: new to networking, what will I need for each computer?

by aknight53 - 3/4/06 7:36 AM
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Post 1 of 24

new to networking, what will I need for each computer?

by aknight53 - 3/4/06 7:36 AM

Hi,
I have just purchased a laptop with wireless 802.llb, runs with Win 2000 pro. My desktop has Win XP and I have DSL modem. I ordered a Belkin FSD7230 wireless -g router (please tell me that will work!) and as I read, I will need to get a network adapter for my desktop. Is this correct? I am looking at the USB adapters so I don't have to install internally. Am I on the right track? Nothing has arrived, but I'm trying to make it ready to go. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

Post 2 of 24

I'll write no.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 3/4/06 7:40 AM In reply to: new to networking, what will I need for each computer? by aknight53

USB adapters are usually more painful to install than the usual PCI ethernet card.

Bob

Post 3 of 24

anyone know about usb network adapters?

by aknight53 - 3/4/06 10:36 AM In reply to: I'll write no. by R. Proffitt Moderator

I thought you just plugged into the usb port and XP recognizes it, that's not true? anyone out there have experience with usb network adapters?

Post 4 of 24

Rarely that easy.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 3/4/06 10:46 AM In reply to: anyone know about usb network adapters? by aknight53

Microsoft provided very few drivers on their issue.

Plus many complain of the sluggish performance of USB 1.1 adapters.

I'd pass.

Bob

Post 5 of 24

installing usb network adapters

by edmister - 3/11/06 11:46 AM In reply to: anyone know about usb network adapters? by aknight53

I have come up with a standard proceedure of installing the drivers first, reboot and then plug in the adapter. If you are adding a pci wireless card, you can install the card after shutdown. Most likely when your O/S finds your hardware, it will find the drivers and a screen will pop up for "Not digitally signed". Click "Continue Anyway" and you should be up & running in no time. If your card doesn't automatically lock on to your wireless router, right click on the wirelss bars or monitor in the lower right corner, click "Open", go to "Configuration" in the tool bar, scroll the "SSID" and highlight your router. Click "OK" or "Apply" and within seconds you should be online.

Post 6 of 24

Disagree

by cm2gj - 3/4/06 5:07 PM In reply to: I'll write no. by R. Proffitt Moderator

I already install lot of USB wireless card and works ok, even at 54mbits/s

Post 7 of 24

Copying a file from machine to machine is... slooow.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 3/4/06 5:33 PM In reply to: Disagree by cm2gj

Wifi's neat, but not too swift at times.

bob

Post 8 of 24

802.11B is slow

by jonimp - 3/10/06 7:05 AM In reply to: Copying a file from machine to machine is... slooow. by R. Proffitt Moderator

If you want decent speed you'll have to upgrade to a 802.11G wireless network. B type caps out at max 11Mbps vs. 54Mbps for G type. Some 802.11G routers can even handle up to 108Mbps now.

Post 9 of 24

Wirless vs. Hardline

by edmister - 3/11/06 11:56 AM In reply to: I'll write no. by R. Proffitt Moderator

I'm sorry but I have to disagree. Yes, I have had more NIC cards self install drivers than wireless cards, but it isn't any more difficult than installing a phone modem or graphics card. I find Airnet, and US Robotics very easy to set up on g(54) or turbo g(108), Linksys is slightly more involved at times and I don't care for D-Link. Upload/Download speed tests are close enough to hardline speeds that no appreciable loss of time is noticed. Plus, I can set up a terminal anywhere in the house I want to.

Post 10 of 24

for what you need, go to their website, such as:

by Gakada - 3/4/06 10:58 AM In reply to: new to networking, what will I need for each computer? by aknight53

linksys, d-link, belkin, netgear etc...

they have USB wireless adaptor, as far as I know (I used linksys WUSB54G), you just need to install the usb driver/firmware...

Post 11 of 24

linksys

by ncfarthing - 3/10/06 8:36 AM In reply to: for what you need, go to their website, such as: by Gakada

My daughter & I recently installed Linksys setup for wireless to share Roadrunner and I have found that the only problem has been is 2 newbies trying to set it up. Well, we are up and running and have been for 5 mos. and I am truly happy with it. We are linking at 54mbps on the secondary machines. If that is not fast enough, try the newest which I know nothing about. The best way is to research all the avenues and then get one system for all your equipment.

Post 12 of 24

You are ok

by cm2gj - 3/4/06 5:11 PM In reply to: new to networking, what will I need for each computer? by aknight53

I believe i need more info and data in order to clarify this. Anyway, you need the follwing:

Your dsl modem will be connected to your router.

Your router must be configured with your username and password (if you have PPPOE accounts).

Your router will provide internet to your computers (laptops or workstations) via wired o wireless (the way you prefer).

I recommend to test first wired, later you can test wireless encryption (for security) and coverage issues.

All your computers must have a network adapter and must be setup to connect automatically.

test first with cables. Your pc and laptop must receive the IP and config from your router. You must be able to connect to the internet.

later, you can try via wireless. Setup your wireless router access point to use a WEP encryption mode (i.e: 64bits and a key). You can now setup your laptop and pc to use the same wep setup.

You can use of course a USB network addapter. Works ok! i see several users with this kind of adaptors without any problem and working at good speed from months. and are cheap!

Post 13 of 24

great info starting to get it, what about desktop?

by aknight53 - 3/4/06 5:33 PM In reply to: You are ok by cm2gj

thanks, I'm beginning to understand this more. Right now I have my desktop wired to my DSL modem. When my laptop and router arrive, first I test the laptop to make sure it is configured to connect to the internet with my DSL modem, then, try the wireless route. I'm still not sure how my desktop connects,I DO need a wireless usb adapter for that, Correct?. This is what is confusing me right now. Thanks for the help.

Post 14 of 24

If you go their website, you won't be confused..

by Gakada - 3/5/06 2:48 AM In reply to: great info starting to get it, what about desktop? by aknight53

as for the answer to your question, YES, you need wireless adaptor for the desktop. it can be a PCI or USB or other ..

Post 15 of 24

thanks

by aknight53 - 3/5/06 4:44 AM In reply to: If you go their website, you won't be confused.. by Gakada

thank you,I think I can do this now!

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