Wireless network setup

[kubik8]

Hi all.

We returned to the UK from Australia last year and all our belongings are due to arrive in a few weeks, including three PCs.

I've just ordered broadband which will go live next week, and the package came with a broadband modem (ethernet).

So, I want to set up a wireless network for all four PCs (three arriving plus the laptop I'm writing this on) and was wondering how best to do it?

Two already have wireless connectivity, so is the best bet to get a wireless router and plug the ADSL modem into that, or a complete wireless solution (ie modem/router and a couple of USB sticks to connect the others).

It's a bit tricky 'cos I really want to get it all sorted in a single day, as I'm back to work the next.

Any advice gratefully received.

[nike]

The best connection is via a wireless router with as many PC's connected via ethernet cable (CAT5)as possible. Naturally, the lappy will connect up wirelessly and by ethernet, that is your choice. Most wireless routers have at least 4 ethernet ports, so it's just a matter of running the CAT5 cables to the various computers. Plus, the router provides you with a hardware firewall.

If there are other computers (PC's) that need to connect, and it's impracticable (impossible) to run CAT5 cable to them, then a Wireless Network card for those computers is the best option. The USB dongles are Ok, but not very fast in comparison to a dedicated card, and their range is limited.

[computing50yrs]

Are you sure that the ISP package for broadband is already an ADSL Wireless router, most ISPs supply these as standard. If not you just need to get a ADSL Wireless Router at around £30 say Netgear or Linksys these both have 4 wired ports
Graham

[mikkh]

If you're planning to use a router (and obviously you need to, to use one for sharing the connection), whether it's supplied already or you have to buy it yourself - One must be connected by wire to configure the router. An all wireless setup is not very practical, or even possible without having at least one wired at the start.

And if if you plan to network them (to access common files or a shared printer) as well as share the connection - a wired network is much more robust and easier to configure.

I agree with Kev (Nike) have as many wired as possible

[kubik8]

Thanks all, good advice.

The modem supplied is a Thomson Speedtouch. It has no wireless functionality, just a single ethernet port to connect to a router/switch or direct to a PC.

Good point about wired. I hate cables (bit unfortunate when you have a small network!) but one machine will be directly adjacent to the modem and router so that may as well have a wired connection.

The rest... Well it's a rented house so I'm not about to install ducting, those machines will have to be wireless.

Thanks again, I have a clearer picture of how to set it up now.

[nike]

I had a Thompson Speedtouch for my ADSL1 connection, now I have ADSL2+, the Thompson just doesn't do the job, so I purchased a Netgear 108mbps Rangemax wireless modem/router which cuts down on cables and power adapters and gives me very good speed, and it's all in the one unit.....

So, before you decide to buy a wireless router, you may want to look at upgrading the modem to a higher speed model in case you wish to upgrade your internet connection at a later date. There are many of these type/brands of wireless modem/routers about. I chose Netgear on recommendation from a good friend who has had one for some time. I must say, i'm not disappointed with it. I've always been a Belkin fan before now.

[kubik8]

Ah, see, that's why I asked the question originally about whether to plug the modem into a router or get a combined modem/router, and ditch the modem (sorry, I didn't phrase the question very well at all).

Hmm, performance won't be an issue as we're not on a fast connection (can't get ADSL2 speeds here), but it would be, as you say, a neater solution to have a single unit. And more future-proof.

Always been a Belkin fan too, but I'm really not fussed. Anthing that does the job will do.

Cheers.

[nike]

The main reason I purchased a Netgear unit was because it was such a pain to deal with the Belkin agents in Brisbane. They never had much stock, and when I wanted something specific, they had to order it in.

When a customer want's something set up, like a wireless network, I can't be stuffing around waiting for component parts to arrive, so I have gone with what is classed as "next best", and decided to use Netgear as all the models depicted in the catalogue are readily available from another supplier.

If you can get a Belkin wireless modem/router, I would go for it, as I still feel they are the best available, mainly because of their lifetime warranty.

Just a little aside, stay away from D-Link. They are the "bottom of the line" of networking and are not very reliable.

[kubik8]

Yeah, I've never used D-Link myself but had some troubles resolving other people's difficulties with them. Not enough to really form an opinion mind. They can't be worse than the Edimax equipment which comprised my first foray into wireless networking about a decade ago. Cripes that was awful!

[ken]

Belkin are not only excellent pieces of kit, they couldnt be easier to set up. Connect the cable and run the software; tick a few boxes, job done.

KC