WIFI network?

[SEM]

Looking for some guidance from any network experts. Basically i have an existing Wired network, 2 pc's going through a Speedtouch 510 ADSL router. Question is i want connect my laptop and use it's WIFI capabilty, do i buy a new router? (have no probs with this one at all) or can i plug something into it ie: a wireless access point.

Ta
SEM

 

[Steve_Perry]

Well as you mention you have two options:

Replace the router with a wireless version, or,
buy a wireless access point and plug that into your existing router.

I'd be tempted by the second option as you already have a perfectly good and working wired network why bother messing with it if you want to keep it as is?

As for recommending a wireless access point, I'm afraid I have no idea as I've never bought one myself. I just recently bought myself a 802.11g 125Mbps wi-fi Router from Buffalo and it was a breeze to set up but then I also bought the same brand wi-fi USB adapter for my laptop which doesn't have built in wireless capability.

Have a look at Buffalo kit, it's really good, or failing that I would stick with the usual suspects, Dlink, Linksys or 3Comm. I'm not really a fan of Belkin wireless products.

S.

 

[SEM]

Thank you for your help. I presume the access point will need another mains power supply? Running out of plug spaces...!

 

[Steve_Perry]

Thank you for your help. I presume the access point will need another mains power supply? Running out of plug spaces...!

I imagine it would do. Maybe the combined wifi router and 4 port swtich is more attractive then... saves on a power point.

S.

 

[McGreggor]

There is also a cheaper option, you can buy a wireless adapter for one of the exisiting PC's. You can then wirelessly link the laptop to that computer, and share the PC's network/internet connection with the laptop. This option is a little more fiddly to setup but considerably cheaper! However you can only connect one laptop to each computer, if you plan to get another wireless computer in the future, it may be worth going for a wireless access point.

Oh and if you do go for an access point, or new router/access point, I'd recommend Lynksys or Vigor. Lynksys are a division of Cisco, who are very reputable in all things network. Vigors are secure and stable imho, available from draytek.co.uk

 

[SEM]

There is also a cheaper option, you can buy a wireless adapter for one of the exisiting PC's. You can then wirelessly link the laptop

Never thought of that.. what about speed. would it drop? not that i'm bothered about that, just want internet access. and the luck i have with pc's intermittant ly speaking to each other.

 

[Steve_Perry]

The other issue to think about with ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) is that the host PC has to be powered up before the other PC (wifi laptop) can link out to the internet. This may, or may not, be an issue for you. Certainly is a cost effective solution though.

S.

 

[SEM]

Not a prob main base machine is on 24/7. Thanks for all your help. Now i know what i need.... time to do some shopping!!!

 

[McGreggor]

Never thought of that.. what about speed. would it drop? not that i'm bothered about that, just want internet access. and the luck i have with pc's intermittant ly speaking to each other.

Nah, speed will be more than enough for your internet access, and no slower than with an access point. Have a look at what your laptop supports, it may be 24Mbps or 54Mbps if its newer, either should be enough to stream video/sound which is likely to be the most bandwidth intensive task you'll ask it to do...

 

[SEM]

Well bought a mentor cheap nasty wireless access point. manual told me nothing.. took me 3-4 hours to configure around zone alarm pro, but i'm happy to say so far all is sweet, as i sit n work in whay i can remember is my living room with the missus sleepin on the sofa as i flick through sky... surfin.... watchin Jools Holland... Brilliant!!!!!!!!
can do some work now.