Wireless Networking

[crazylegs]

I currently have my broadband shared through a Netgear router, all with Cat5 cabling. I am wanting to use my laptop anywhere in the house through a wireless network, but am not entirely sure what to buy and what will work together.

My understanding is this...

I need a Wireless bridge that will plug into an RJ-45 point on my existing router (I want to continue using this router, don't want a totally separate wireless one).

This wireless bridge will give access from computers using wireless cards, so I will need a USB/PCMCIA card for my laptop?

I want to do this as cheap as possible, 11 m/bit will be fine (eclipses the speed of my internet anyway). Does anybody know any places that sell them at good prices? I had a quick scout round Ebay and they seem to offer good prices, would it be worth buying there?

Any advice anybody could give would be welcomed.

[stevieb]

If you do a search for Wireless in the computer forum there are many suggestions and configuration issues

[fatsteve]

You just need a wireless access point. Something like this will do the job nicely www.dabs.com/uk/channels/hardware/networking/productView.htm?quicklinx=2THP

Plug it into your BB router and you're away.

>> Edited by fatsteve on Saturday 21st February 13:49

[agent006]

yes, you need an access point to start off with. you can use a bridge, but it's not as good and costs just as much.

[arcturus]

As stated above, you need a Wireless Acees Point (not a bridge) that simply plugs into a spare port on your existing router/switch.

You also need a card (either PCMCIA or USB, your choice) for your laptop.

Personally, I like the Netgear stuff and can recommend the WG602 WAP and the WG511 PCMCIA card.
The price differential between B and G is minimal, so go for G standard equipment.

Willing to be contradicted here, but personally I would stay away from the Belkin equipment. I have found that their equipment doesn't hold on to the network as well as other makes and that their software is not the most intuitive to use.

Ensure that you take the security precautions that have been discussed in previous threads on this topic.

[agent006]

Yes stay well away from belkin. i'd second teh netgear access point too. Go for a 3com pcmcia card with the clever retractable antenna.

[crazylegs]

Thanks for your help guys.

I definitely like the look of the Netgear stuff, and should be buying shortly!

[chrisgr31]

[quote=arcturusWilling to be contradicted here, but personally I would stay away from the Belkin equipment. I have found that their equipment doesn't hold on to the network as well as other makes and that their software is not the most intuitive to use.
[/quote]

Shame I didn't read this thread before I bought the Belkin wireless USB receiver for my wifes PC. It's reception seems pants, the PCMIA card in my laptop on a D-Link card is far superior.

Apart from that does anyone know how to get the Thompson Speedtouch 570 router to allow access to sites its firewall blocks? I can't access the Windows Update site through it which is a pain!

[whatever]

I know this is slightly o/t, but for anyone reading this who's starting from scratch, I've recently set up with a US Robotics 9106, which is a 4-port hub, wireless access point (G) and an adsl modem, all in one box.

I'm told it works ok with emule, etc...

Anyway, I'm happy with it