wifi newbie been lead astray?

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Jazsaxman

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Master Geek

#7789 9-May-2006 21:38

Hi all,

I have a desktop computer with an internal PCI Nokia Ni200 adsl modem. I've just got a H/P laptop with wifi and want to make a wireless network connection between the two.

The guy at the computer shop said that I needed a wireless network card for the desktop and I would be able to connect to the laptop, but I cant seem to get this happening with the Belkin Wireless G Desktop Network Card he sold me.

Looking in to it online tonight I suspect that i actually needed some sort of wireless access point or router to create the network on the desktop? Was I lead astray? lol

Please guide me oh great ones....

Cheers

Steve

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#35324 9-May-2006 21:47

This is correct, you DO need a wireless access point or router to route the traffic between the two devices. SO while you haven't totally been led astray, you will need to purchase the wireless access point to connect the two devices wirelessly.

Of course, you could simply connect the access point (assuming it also has Ethernet ports) directly to the desktop PC which would in turn be able to route traffic from the desktop (via Ethernet) to the wireless router and then on to the laptop (via Wireless).

tonyhughes

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#35325 9-May-2006 21:50

you could set up 'ad-hoc' networking, but i have never done this.
Also, your PCI ADSL + wifi adhoc would probably be classed as 'not usual' (but not undoable).

My advice is to obtain an ADSL modem + wifi router combo, then both pcs can access the internet independantly of each other.

This is what many people do for small (1 - 5 PCs) setups at home.

Let me know if you need me to elaborate.

NokiaRocks

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#35328 9-May-2006 22:03

Ad-Hoc's are nasty and a huge security risk as the only use WEP encryption

Jazsaxman

51 posts

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#35337 9-May-2006 22:40

Ok, so let me just sort this out in my mind.

If I want both the desktop and laptop to be able to be moved around the house then I am better off to purchase a wireless router and set it up in one place. Then i keep the wireless network card in the PC and the laptop is covered with built-in wifi.

OR...

I purchase a wireless access point, connect it to the PC via a network card(?) That creates a network that the laptop can connect to. The desktop wireless network card isnt needed and can be returned to the shop.

My feeling is that my desktop doesnt need to be portable and can stay where it is. Its only the laptop that needs to be mobile around the house and garden. So option 2 would be sufficient?

Cheers Steve

freitasm

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#35340 9-May-2006 22:53

Jazsaxman: I purchase a wireless access point, connect it to the PC via a network card(?) That creates a network that the laptop can connect to. The desktop wireless network card isnt needed and can be returned to the shop.

That's the way to go. I have a similar setup at home: Belkin Access Point, with three PCs connected via Ethernet (cable), a tablet PC and a couple of Pocket PC connecting via Wi-Fi.

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Jazsaxman

51 posts

Master Geek

#35344 9-May-2006 23:07

Is it too premature to worry about ADSL2+? Like the PCI Nokia adsl modem will last me till that all happens in a cpl of years? Any money spent upgrading to a ADSL2+/router wouldnt be worth it yet?

Cheers

Steve

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tonyhughes

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#35364 10-May-2006 08:09

It would at least pay to check possible purchases for either ADSL2+ capability, or firmware upgradeability for the same.

I have a DLINK DSL G604T Wireless ADSL modem router combo which is adsl2+ and is everything you need (including ethernet cable to plug your PC into it), and you can ring xtra and have that charged to your telecom account, if you are an xtra customer. (though there may be cheaper better options out there.)

SNicolle

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#35369 10-May-2006 08:28

tonyhughes: It would at least pay to check possible purchases for either ADSL2+ capability, or firmware upgradeability for the same.

I have a DLINK DSL G604T Wireless ADSL modem router combo which is adsl2+ and is everything you need (including ethernet cable to plug your PC into it), and you can ring xtra and have that charged to your telecom account, if you are an xtra customer. (though there may be cheaper better options out there.)

any comments on range/reliability

tonyhughes

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#35372 10-May-2006 09:07

Range okay.

about 34Mbps LAN access about 12 meters with 1 internal wall, one wooden external wall, 1 metal + wooden internal wall (garage).

reliability is probably 'slightly sub-par' it locks up randomly and requires rebooting. sometimes twice a week, sometimes not at all in a week. I have had several of the same model, all have same problem.

sbiddle

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#35374 10-May-2006 09:11

I would stay away from any D-Link branded stuff unless it's a matter of price. They seem to have a lot of products that tend to have firmware problems they never get solved.

freitasm

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#35375 10-May-2006 09:13

True about DLink stuff. I had bad experience with their products and people.

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SNicolle

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#35389 10-May-2006 13:31

interesting, so the other side of the coin - what would you recommend?

d-link doesnt equal dyna link does it?

bcourtney

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#35397 10-May-2006 15:16

No, D-Link and Dynalink are two separate companies (Dynalink being a Kiwi company too)

Personally, we put in a lot of Linksys and Netgear wireless stuff around the place and they seem to do the trick pretty well. For my personal home setup i am using a Level One wireless router and it hasn't had a single problem in the 18 months or so that i have had it up and running

NokiaRocks

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#35430 10-May-2006 22:13

D-link DSL-302G adsl Modem connected to D-Link DI524 wireless router and 4 port switch. Rock solid, hasnt locked up once in the 3 1/2 months its been running 24/7

freitasm

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#35433 10-May-2006 22:20

I had a Belkin Ethernet router (four ports) for four years, 24/7 and never had a problem. Deciced to go for a wireless router (Wi-Fi + 4 ethernet ports) and bought d-link. Had it replaced three times, each time the router would lock up after exact 20 minutes of use. Returned the last one and replaced with a Belkin Wi-Fi and has been in use 24/7for the last two years.

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