Help me build my wifi network

27 · November 2nd, 2004, 05:16 AM

I'm in the UK.
I currently have Telewest (cable) Broadband through a Motorola Surfboard modem.
Someone's just moved into my house and so we need to set up a network to

1. Share files
2. Share Internet.

We've decided to go wireless for a few god reasons and this is the router I'm thinking of:
http://www.dabs.com/uk/Search2/Produ...phrase=linksys

'cos the router will be in my room, I think I'll get a regular network card and connect to the router that way.

For my flatmate, We'll get a wireless network card (PCI or USB).

First set of Questions:

1. Is there anything else I need to be aware of?
2. Are there any issues with that router?
3. Will any 802.11B network card be fine?

27 · November 2nd, 2004, 07:39 AM

Anybody?

excuzzzeme · November 2nd, 2004, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 27

First set of Questions:

1. Is there anything else I need to be aware of?
2. Are there any issues with that router?
3. Will any 802.11B network card be fine?

A. Enable encryption so that others are not sharing your connection
B. Signal strength on the remote PC will be decrease by the number of walls and/or floors between it and the router.
C. Most network cards will work with most routers, however it is better to match them by manufacturer.

27 · November 2nd, 2004, 08:33 AM

Well excuzzzeme,
Thanks.
They're just 2 walls between the computers so I hope that'll be fine.

I'll also try to match the cards with the router.

27 · November 2nd, 2004, 11:50 AM

Right.
So, If I get this router, will I still need my Motorola modem?

Also, what's the difference 'tween a router and an access point?

Kuasimodem · November 2nd, 2004, 02:26 PM

Yep, you'll need the modem for the connection to the internet. The WAN port of the router will connect to the PC port of the modem.

The ad for the router that you are looking at is a bit misleading in its title. The BEFW11S4-UK is a router with a WAP (wireless access point) built in.

Normally you would only get a WAP if you already had a wired router and wanted to add wireless capability.

You should get the router that you linked to, and I would recommend this USB network adapter for the new housemates computer. With the USB connection and a 6 foot USB cable, you can move it around to maximize signal for the best reception.

BTW - You have probably the best modem on the market, good choice

**GroundZero3** · November 2nd, 2004, 02:29 PM

make sure what ever wireless product you get it says wifi compatible. that means that it has been tested and will work with other wireless manf.

a access point is just a box that you plug into a wired network to give it the ability to have wireless capabilities. (alot of times it is cheaper just to buy a router with wireless built on than just getting an AP)

here is a thread on some wireless stuff
http://www.techimo.com/forum/t76209.html

27 · November 2nd, 2004, 03:34 PM

Well this is where things currently stand:

My computer (the one closest to the cable) has no network card.

I went and bought a

Router
Network card to connect my computer to the router
Wireless card for my flatmate.

Then I realised that I'd still need my modem anyway. I thought this was too stupid as I'd have a modem, router and PCI network card in my room.

Took the router and network card back and got the sae wireless card.

I'll do it the old way. Just two cards and leave my computer on.

I also saw this other 802.11g card that's faster than normal and is wifi compatible with 802.11b and g.
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...%2Etworking%2F
Should I get it.

Kuasimodem · November 3rd, 2004, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Then I realised that I'd still need my modem anyway. I thought this was too stupid as I'd have a modem, router and PCI network card in my room.

In one room in my house, there is a Motorola SB-5100 modem connected to a Microsoft MN-700 wireless router, which has 4 PC's connected to it with PCI network cards. I'm in my bedroom right now posting on my laptop through the wireless connection, watching election coverage on Fox News while my TIVO-type computer is recording Monster House (it's also connected to my network wireless, by way of a wireless PCI card).

Nothing out of the ordinary to me

Another good thing about having the router (along with not having to have your PC on all the time) is that the router provides a NAT firewall to help keep the bad stuff out. That in itself makes the router well worth the investment.

27 · November 3rd, 2004, 04:50 AM

Nah,
Got reliable firewalls on both computers anyway.

The network is up and running with a few issues:

It's a 802.11g network so it shoul do 56Mbps theoretically.

Initialy, it reported speeds of 54M on my flatmate's computer and 11M on mine.
When I left home this morning, both computers were down to 1M.
Is there any reason for this?