Wireless Connections ? 1

[kwunder]

Hi there

I have a desktop PC and a laptop that I want to connect to my broadband using wireless technology.
I am with BT 2MB ADSL now, and they are offering this wireless package :-

http://www.shop.bt.com/invt/car112

This includes a wireless PCMCIA card for the laptop, but would require the desktop PC to connect to the modem router via an Ethernet cable.

My question is, how do I know if I have the correct socket on my desktop to plug an ethernet cable into ?

If I go to Start/Accessories/Communications/network connections, I can see that I have, under the following heading,

LAN or HIGH SPEED INTERNET

Local Area Connection
(Disabled)
nvidia nforce Networking Controler

&

1394 Connection
(Disabled)
1394 Adapter

On the back of the PC, all I can see is a socket which resembles a modem socket ??

If I go this route, with the desktop being "wired" and the laptop being wireless, does that mean that to access the internet on the laptop, the desktop PC must be switched on, or will the laptop connect even with the desktop switched OFF ?

OR, would it be better to get the PCMCIA wireless card for the laptop, and get a PCI wireless card for the desktop too, for a totally "wireless" system ?

Many thanks and appologies if the answers should be obvious !

 

[schtek]

Ok t is fairly simple your solution you have 3 ways to go my way i would go is number 1..

first this

LAN or HIGH SPEED INTERNET

Local Area Connection
(Disabled)

is a built on network card to your motherboard so you do have all the bits required if you use method 2.

1. i would also take time and buy a new network card and fit it to your machine at the back very easy to do!
then working back to the telephone line, fit the rj45 cable to the new (nic)networkcard,cable then connects to one of the 4 ports on the router,telephone cable also connected to the router and then connected to the white micro filter..then all you have to do is tune the router in.. fit the pcmcia wireless card to the laptop!!

2.do above except do not buy a new net work card fit it to the onboard nic!! (why i would not use the onboard because it puts strain on your motherboard to do more things and a nic is designed to do this feature in networks) other peaple might have different says on that ,but as i run 6 school networks i have seen the results of a new less than £10.00 card

3. fit a wirless nic into the back of your machine and remove the rj45 cable this is a good option but the only reason i would not put this as the prefered method is that u say u already have adsl so the wires are already at the machine waste od money until u move the machine to another room and wish to have maybe inter*** in bed lol!!

good luck hope it helps

ps. the blue little modem box i hear u say throw it in the bin or keep if for the day the wireless breaks down

"Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing."

 

[schtek]

pps the desktop computer does not have to be on to use your laptop through the wireless it can be switched off


"Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing."

 

[kwunder]

Schtek

Thanks for that. It has cleared the situation in my mind. I think I'll go for the wired main PC and wireless laptop option for now.

Inter**** indeed !!!
Yep. I can see the wife agreeing to that

Thanks for the advice
Much appreciated

Bryn

 

[piskapo]

New to this so please bear with me!

I am in the process of upgrading my home network.So far I have a new Juniper wireless router and wish
to purchase wireless pci lan cards to match the router.
Any suggestions would help.
Thanks.
Piskapo

 

[schtek]

depending on money availiable , most makes will support that wirless router, i have a few D link & Belkin cards..

good luck

Stand up wherever you are, go to the nearest window and yell as loud as you can, 'I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore.'