Need help: Wireless

[ozballer23]

If I was setting up a network at home, what hardware do I need for multiple pc access? Thanks in advance guys!

 

[Dr. Curlytek]

For a wireless network, you just need a wireless router (router modem combo is easiest, but a router is fine if you already have a wired modem) and wireless adapters on all the PC's you want hooked onto the network. Is it going to be wireless for convenience (ie, so you can use laptops from anywhere); if you have mostly desktops then wired is more reliable and faster in most situations than wireless.

 

[ozballer23]

For a wireless network, you just need a wireless router (router modem combo is easiest, but a router is fine if you already have a wired modem) and wireless adapters on all the PC's you want hooked onto the network. Is it going to be wireless for convenience (ie, so you can use laptops from anywhere); if you have mostly desktops then wired is more reliable and faster in most situations than wireless.

laptops will be used throughout the household.

 

[ozballer23]

And can you use an existing ADSL modem?

 

[adhunt99]

yes but as said above you'd then have to use a wireless router in addition to your adsl modem if it is not wireless. wireless is great but i have to use it for my desktop unfortunately and it's not good for it to drop out in the middle of a game

 

[ozballer23]

Thanks heaps guys, you've been a huge help!

 

[WoobieZarz]

We've got wireless in our home Norm.

I have the Desktop wired straight to the Modem (have Wireless 4-Port ADSL Modem), and the Notebook on wireless.

You don't need a Network, but a Workgroup will do (Control Panel, System, Computer Name, Change).

Call them both the same, and set up shares on your directories.

For security with your wireless, I use:
MAC Addressing - Basically, every device has a MAC Address. You use the one from your Wireless Adapter on your Notebook, and tell your Wireless Modem/Router that THAT MAC Address can talk to it. That's the best step.

Then I use a passkey, which lets your Notebook pass it to the Wireless Modem/Router and be confirmed, then access granted.

I've not found a way around this yet (hack) but I'm sure it's possible, everything is these days. But it'll get you started.

We buy our Modems (Wireless 4 Port) from our ISP, which are about $187.

I chose a 4 port as it allows me to connect the Xbox and the 360 with the Desktop.

EDIT:

No matter your connection (from the Wireless Modem/Router), say it's a 300MB connection, your Notebook will only achieve maximum of 54K as that's the maximum of the Wireless Adapter in them. Unless you get specific brand-matching USB keys.

Wired will always be faster, so for online gaming, stick to the wired.