Newbie - If I tell you what I have, please tell me what I need

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alisam

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#29221 29-Dec-2008 16:33

Upstairs, I have a desktop PC attached to a Speedtouch 510 ADSL Modem.

I have purchased a MSI Wind U100 Netbook which has 802.11b/g/n WLAN Card and I can connect OK to the Internet if I plug directly into the modem.

What I want to do is, use the Netbook downstairs in the kitchen, where I have another telecom jack.

What do I need to buy to get both PC's using the single ADSL Modem.

I have tried to understand the terminolgy. My best guess is that I need a wireless router with a gigabit port.

PS I cannot get ADSL 2 yet, so I don't think I need a built in modem.

Thanks

PC: Dell Inspiron 16 5640 (Windows 11 Home), Dell Inspiron 7591 2n1 (Windows 11 Pro), HP ProBook 470G1 (Windows 10 Pro), Intel NUC7I5BNH (Zorin)
Net: Grandstream 1 x GWN7062 Router, 1 x GWN7665 Access Point
Storage: Synology DS216play NAS, 2 x 6TB
Media: 3 x Amazon FireTV. Echo, Dot, Spot
TV: 2 x Samsung H6400 55" LED TV, Panasonic TH-P50G10Z 50" Plasma TV
Mobile: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
Wearable: Gear S3 Frontier

nate

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#186545 29-Dec-2008 17:30

You could run a longer network cable from upstairs to your downstairs kitchen, or the better solution is to buy either a wireless access point or a router with wireless built in. You don't need a gigabit ethernet port.

Make sure you enable all of the security features otherwise you'll be providing free wireless to all your neighbours as well.

alisam

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#186557 29-Dec-2008 19:06

Bearing in mind I would like to go and buy a product tomorrow (Tuesday 30th Dec).

Could anyone recommend a wireless access point and a router with wireless built in.
So far I have only looked at the Linksys; Belkin and D-Link NZ Sites.

I am really wanting a low end to mid range product. I don't really want to spend over $200.00.

If the specs in the netbook are 802.11b/g/n WLAN Card, should I go for 11n (I have read that it is 'Draft' at present).

I assume, If I go for one of the above then I have nothing else to buy. Correct assumption?

Thanks

nate

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#186570 29-Dec-2008 20:40

My recommendation would be with one of the Linksys wireless routers, good price point and they work well. 802.11g is fine, you are only browsing the internet over the wireless so n is overkill.

cyril7

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#186571 29-Dec-2008 20:48

Hi, personally to reduce complexity I would go for a all in one solution, ie a ADSL modem/router/wirelessAP rather than seperate components. Also be aware that sometimes wifi connections between floors is not ideal, as there is little RF radiation above and below a antenna, so unless you deliberately orientate the antenna to benifit interfloor communications things may not be as they should. If you can cable between router and PC all the better.

If you are going out to purchase a modem/router/wifi gateway then of the brands you have mentioned there are many issues. Personally I would go for a router that has a Broadcom ADSL chipset which matches Telecoms lattest DSLAMs, most of the brands you have mentioned dont use those modems, and from personal experience most of the brands you mention have various performance issues. I would go with the humble DSE XH9950 I have found these to be very reliable, have Broadcom chipsets, resonable wireless performance and 4 ethernet ports for wired connections, and currently only $119.

I must re state that Wifi from floor to floor is not always good no matter what product you use, if you lay the antennas to assist interfloor radiation then things get better, if you can run a ethernet cable from the router to the upstairs PC all the better. Also whilst 802.11n is the lattest and greatest, unless you want to stream massive video files between PCs its not much use, although the mimo based multiple antenna system is a good feature for more solid connections (which does not apply to wired connections).

Cyril

alisam

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#186670 30-Dec-2008 13:35

I purchased the DSE Modem/Router you sugested and I am up and running.

It couldn't have been easier.

Thanks cyril7 for the info.

tonyhughes

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#186678 30-Dec-2008 14:16

Please ensure you have enabled WPA security to protect against people (neighbours, passers by) being able to steal your internet and/or do illegal things over your connection.

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cyril7

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#186699 30-Dec-2008 17:15

No worries, and +1 on turning on WPA or WPA2 wireless security, dont use WEP its easily hacked.

Cyril