Wireless Routing
@enchantedleppard (1540)
United States
February 23, 2008 8:53am CST
I am contemplating buying a new laptop, so that would make 2 computers for our household. A desktop and then the laptop. I know nothing about connecting these to our internet and a couple possibilities have been given to me.
Also we are looking at hooking our old desktop back up downstairs, giving us 3 computers.
If we were to use a wireless router, In non-tech speak, how do these work?
If I get a laptop with a wireless card, does that detect my internet connection from my desk top and connect to the 'net?
Can I get a wireless card to "plug" into the second computer downstairs or would a wireless router be a better option for 2 desk tops?As you can see, I know nothing about connecting these computers and would like to avoid calling someone for help if I can.
What are your suggestions? Likes and dislikes?
What do you use or what would you prefer?
Please, put it in easy to understand terms!
3 responses
@quetzalcoatl2435 (222)
• Indonesia
23 Feb 08
Basically, routers split a single internet connection for use by multiple computers. So, yes, you can use a wireless router to connect all 3 computers to a single internet connection. All you need is an internet connection, wireless cards for the computers, a router, and you're set. Just connect the router to the internet connection, and connect your computers to the router.
Setting the router to dial your internet connection is another story, though. It heavily depends of the type and brand of router you get. You should ask the place where you get the router or your internet service provider if you need assistance in this matter.
1 person likes this
@Mainframeguy (200)
•
2 Jul 08
You laptop will have wireless built in. Your desktops will not. You will need to replace your current modem with a router or add a wap (probably the former and your ISP may offer one as part of the contract as an option, or you may want to consider switching ISP to get one as part of their contract, it is more or less the norm for new services these days).
You will have a nework port on your current desktop and should use that to connect to your new router - you need a CAT5 cable for this (often get a short one supplied with a router, so that may do the trick).
You will have a network port on your older and I would suggest runninga longer cat5 cable to that, they can safely be up to 25 metres and still work. Making either wireless is possible, but costs a little more and works less well.
Different operating systems should not matter. Just means you'll have to use different ways to network them.
For your tech needs I commend other sites. Try osnn.net and tell them Mainframeguy sent you for a warm welcome.
GL and enjoy your networking expansion and the wifi world!
@swanny686 (150)
• United States
8 May 08
well, i would try to get all of the computers of the same operating system (mac, linux, windows etc.) so that they can share media like movies and music as well as other files. now to the point. most laptops today have a wireless card built into them so you shouldnt need to buy one. unless you want one for the old computer. or you could just hard wire it if theres already a cable line near the spot where you want it. routers basicly send a wireless internet signal a certain distance from the router
