Discussion
Great word.
I am relatively PC illiterate. In fact, I can barely spell PC....
I've got a wireless router as part of sky's broadband deal, however, I know my PC is not wireless enabled. The call desk person at Sky suggested I need a dongle to allow the wireless interface to work. Is the dongle a USB device, or do I need to plug a card into the back of the PC? If I walk into Dixons (or whatever they're called these days) at lunchtime, and ask for a wireless dongle, will the serving monkeys have any moer clue about what I want than I currently have?
Apologies if this is a blindingly obvious question!!
I am relatively PC illiterate. In fact, I can barely spell PC....
I've got a wireless router as part of sky's broadband deal, however, I know my PC is not wireless enabled. The call desk person at Sky suggested I need a dongle to allow the wireless interface to work. Is the dongle a USB device, or do I need to plug a card into the back of the PC? If I walk into Dixons (or whatever they're called these days) at lunchtime, and ask for a wireless dongle, will the serving monkeys have any moer clue about what I want than I currently have?
Apologies if this is a blindingly obvious question!!
Stefan
thanks for the info. Is this device likely to require any drivers, or specific setting up? I presume I need something enabled for 108Mbps rather than the slower 54Mbps protocol?
Another stupid question, but how do I ensure other users can't use my wireless service (i.e. pimp my bandwidth, or pimp my pipe)?
Many thanks
thanks for the info. Is this device likely to require any drivers, or specific setting up? I presume I need something enabled for 108Mbps rather than the slower 54Mbps protocol?
Another stupid question, but how do I ensure other users can't use my wireless service (i.e. pimp my bandwidth, or pimp my pipe)?
Many thanks
Plotloss said:
Your wireless network will only be as fast as the slowest link in the chain.
If you have a SuperG dongle but a G router then it will automatically only run at 54mpbs
But it should be noted that this is only for a wireless NETWORK (i.e. PC's connected to each other via a router) NOT your internet (whichi is the modem part) which will probably be 8Mbps MAX (i.e. well within the 54Mbps of the dongle). If you have a SuperG dongle but a G router then it will automatically only run at 54mpbs
When you buy a wifi USB dongle (or, you could buy an internal wifi card that's neater and may get a better signal, if you're happy with opening the PC up) it comes with all the necessary drivers on a CD normally.
Whether it is 54 or 108Mbps only matters if you're using it to transfer files between PCs on the network? If you're only using it to access the internet it won't matter, since as far as I know there is no broadband available yet in the UK that's as fast as 54. My router is a 108 Netgear but my 54Mbps Belkin laptop card is fine, since my broadband is only 2Mbps anyway. In fact I only run the card at 11Mbps as it seems to be more reliable... seems that running it at 54 makes it more prone to interference from all the other wireless stuff (cordless phones, video sender, wireless keyboard, bluetooth...)
Also if you really want it to run at 108Mbps you often have to get a dongle/card from the same manufacturer, since the extra speed is often based on the router manufacturer's own technology. So if you have a 108Mbps router and buy a 108 dongle/card from another manufacturer, it may still only work at 54.
Whether it is 54 or 108Mbps only matters if you're using it to transfer files between PCs on the network? If you're only using it to access the internet it won't matter, since as far as I know there is no broadband available yet in the UK that's as fast as 54. My router is a 108 Netgear but my 54Mbps Belkin laptop card is fine, since my broadband is only 2Mbps anyway. In fact I only run the card at 11Mbps as it seems to be more reliable... seems that running it at 54 makes it more prone to interference from all the other wireless stuff (cordless phones, video sender, wireless keyboard, bluetooth...)
Also if you really want it to run at 108Mbps you often have to get a dongle/card from the same manufacturer, since the extra speed is often based on the router manufacturer's own technology. So if you have a 108Mbps router and buy a 108 dongle/card from another manufacturer, it may still only work at 54.
annodomini2 said:
My question for you would be what sort of Router is it and does it have normal network connections?
If it does, why waste money on wireless if you don't need it!
If it does, why waste money on wireless if you don't need it!
it's a netgear router. Not sure what sort yet, as I haven't opened the packaging it arrived in! Visual immage on http://broadband.sky.com/flash.htm (click on the 'show me what else I get', then the 'home installation' tab).
I live in a tiny flat, so anything I can do to reduce clutter is welcome. Also stops the missus tripping (repeatedly) over the phone line!!
SlidingSideways said:
Podie said:
I'd avoid USB wireless dongles if you can... get a card to fit inside the PC instead...
And specifically avoid the DLink DWL-G122. The thing cannot hold a connection to save it's life!
It's not always the dongles.. it's the way in which Windows handles USB drivers...
Podie said:
SlidingSideways said:
Podie said:
I'd avoid USB wireless dongles if you can... get a card to fit inside the PC instead...
And specifically avoid the DLink DWL-G122. The thing cannot hold a connection to save it's life!
It's not always the dongles.. it's the way in which Windows handles USB drivers...
I get exactly the same problems under Linux as well
flossythepig said:
I believe the router has a 4 port ethernet switch built in. If your PC has a network port, which most PCs have these days, just get an ethernet cable to connect the PC to the router. Windows should sort it out automatically.
There should be no connection problems, plus its a lot cheaper!
Assuming your pc has a network connection already?
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