Wireless network PC & MAC

[maggieb]

I want to set up a wireless network so that I can use a PC and a MAC laptop with an airport card already installed. Mostly for sharing internet and printing rather than files. Internet access is via cable modem (Roadrunner). I would appreciate any thoughts before I venture into this. I work with computers, but mostly software not hardware so am clueless!

 

[bcastner]

You need a broadband router. The Apple AirStation works fine, I have had no issues personally using Linksys products.

You configure your router/AP for traditional wireless access and ignore the Apple/Windows hardware differences.

You define an infrastructure setup, with SSID, channel settings and others just as you would in any circumstance.

You setup your Windows PC clients just as you would for any network. For example, here is a good guide to Winxp Pro clients:

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm

Do not enable WEP or other encryptions schemes to start. Sort that issue after you have basic connectivity solidly established on all clients.

You then point the MAC clients to the right SSID, Channel, and the Workgroup name you created for your Windows clients.

 

[shocker1]

For internet access you could use an access point router for wired and wireless connection. Bcastner is correct in saying regarding WinXp and the link he has provided is very helpful for young techies. Regarding MAC file and printsharing for MAC to PC and vice-versa, you would be needing a software to translate TCP/IP to Appletalk and vice-versa. Both TCP/IP and Appletalk are major Protocol used by your operating system. Appletalk is a proprietary protocol used by MAC in which it acts similar with TCP/IP.

 

[bcastner]

shocker1,

There is no need for Appletalk (unless we are talking very old MAC laptop). OS X can do TCP/IP without issue.

 

[shocker1]

Bcastner,

You are correct in saying that newer MAC do support TCP/IP. I have researched some sites regarding this and haven't find any information for a direct Appletalk and TCP/IP handshake. I've also asked some MAC certified people and tried testing it using a switch in our LAB and still haven't made it work. Same as assigning IP Address and DNS. Both of us agreed that we needed a device or a software that would be able to handshake MAC's TCP/IP (Appletalk) to Window's TCP/IP.

If you would be able to guide me to the appropriate site that would allow to configure both MAC and PC to run file and printsharing directly I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

[bcastner]

OS X has direct support for any SMB Network: Microsoft Windows, (including server products), Microsoft Workgroup Client for Windows Networking, MS VPN and other VPN connections, etc..

Do a Google search "windows to mac networking" and see thousands of site that will directly answer your question.

You should note that Appletalk is such an old protocol, it is not even supplied with Windows XP. There is no need for it.