3 Machine Network question, Wireless, Router 2

[DavePeters]

Heres my setup:

Currently I have a Windows XP Home system and a Windows 98 system networked using a crossover cable.
The machines connect to the internet via a usb cable modem (attached to XP system).


I now have a laptop that I want to add to the network and would be grateful for some advice heres the options i'm considering:


Switch - cheap and easy to install, but the XP system with the internet connection will need to be on all the time.


Another option would be wireless, but i'm not sure exactly about this, i will be upgrading my internet connection to 1MB so all 3 can have a fairly good connection. What speeds will the Wireless networked machine obtain. I read around 11MBPS, considering my connection to the internet will only be 1MB (downloads around 124kb/s), this is is ok i thought. Also the laptop will be upstairs, I take it the signal would still be recieved (the room is directly above).
Also could i buy a hub that will attach the wireless network machine and the standard cat 5 connection of the windows 98 system. I also read that security would be a big issue with wireless.


My last option is to buy a cable modem router (to act as a DHCP server and firewall), i read online that I would have to contact my ISP ("NTL" by the way) to set this up, is this true?


I would be gratefull for any advice, my ideal option would be the wireless network, if the win 98 machine could still be apart of the network (using cat 5 cable) and the signal could reach directly upstairs.



Thank you


Dave

 

[bcastner]

Buy a wireless router with a four port switch. This is a very common feature.

 

[DavePeters]

Thanks bcastner, could anyone reconmend a laptop network card and router if not will most if not all laptop wireless network cards be compatible with the wireless router?


thank you


Dave

 

[DavePeters]

I've found these products

http://www.pchardware.co.uk/benqwireless.htm

will these be ok? the router and a "usb stick"/ (for the laptop). I've also notice it has ports so the win 98 system will be ok as well.


thank you

 

[skiflyer]

I'd go with the card for the laptop, and reserve the sticks for desktops which can't handle PCMCIA cards... but that's just my preference (and the fact that on pricewatch.com you can get a card for dirt cheap)

as far as being ok... just make sure you find 802.11b stuff, and you'll almost certainlly be good to go. Wouldn't hurt to use a store with a realistic return policy if you're not 100% sure (customer service beats a 5% discount!).

And be aware of security when setting up a 802.11 device... that 1mbs won't mean a thing if your neighbors are hijacking your bandwidth to run Kazaa!

-Rob

 

[DavePeters]

Thanks Rob, will the router come with software to help secure the network, how could i prevent my neighbours hijacking the bandwidth, would it help if i upgraded to Windows XP professional.

Also with the 1MB service, could i get the maximum bandwidth outta wireless networking.


thanks a lot


Dave

 

[bcastner]

The router likely will have WEP encryption, a settable SSID, and MAC filtering. In all likeliehood there will be firmware upgrades to WPA before the end of the year.

1 mb service is no real challenge to wireless. Your connection will run several times faster than your internet connection.

 

[DavePeters]

Ok thanks, I will just speify what MAC addresses are allowed then.


Dave