I Have Questions About Wireless Networking...

[Vinny]

I'm about to get my old laptop computer from work and want to network it to my computer for it's printer anf the internet. I thought ity would be great to be able to travel around the house and deck next to my [glb]hot tub[/glb] and use the computer.

I use DSL and I know wireless g is the standard right now so it's probably what I'll be getting.

Is there a manufacturer thats just plain crap out there or are they pretty much the same?

I'm not looking for a print server just a wired and wireless broadband router. My plans are to have my desktop wired to it and just have the laptop wireless.

In a typical 1800 s/f house - how far can I reasonably expect the range to be? My computer is pretty much underneath the beadrooms and the furthest on my deck is probably about  60 feet max.

Since it's just for goofing around, I'm not looking to spend a lot of money - I've seen Belkin, Netgear and Linksys routers for about $40. add another $40 for the laptop's wireless device.

I'm seeing some USB2 routers - I thought you don't want to use USB since it's slower than ethernet wiring?

Any and all info is appreciated!

[Alex1]

Hey Vinny,
        I have a Linksys wireless g router. I have 3 desktops hard wired to it, my son's xbox360 hard wired and 2 laptops with wireless. My deck is about 60 feet away from the end of the house with the router and I don't have any problems at all. If you "share" your desktop pc and it has music on it you can play it thru your laptop also. And you can also share your printer.  The only thing I would recommend is to "secure" your network, especially if you live in a populated neighborhood. you don't want your neighbors sharing anything with you.  -Al

[Vinny]

Thanks Al!

I have read a couple articles on how to secure the network and plan on making it as secure as possible. I work with a person who actually gets someone's wireless signal and has free internet access - hopefully he doesn't go to questionable wabsites!

[wmccall]

The Linksys routers know have an installation program that is pretty easy, especially for DSL users.  Lately I have been paying around $50 for them.

[Razzman]

The Linksys and NetGear are both quality products and you won't go wrong with either. I've used both with great success. However, I know use a 2Wire HS DSL Modem/Router combination that works better than the previous I've had.

[Vinny]

I picked up both a Linksys router and notebook adapter. The "kid" (He must have been 18 YO, if that) at Circuit City (don't know if it's nationwide but it's a big chain here in NY,NJ,PA) advised me to purchase the same adapter as the router otherwise it'll have problems. I figured I really don't want my son to start complaining about this or that don't work so I listened.

Networking has always been one area that has been foggy for me in terms of computers. Usually when IT people start talking about this stuff I wake up after my head hits the desk! Maybe things will change.

Thanks for your help!