Wireless network

[Salty]

Just a quick question -

Can you network two computers directly using two wireless cards? or do you need a wireless router?

[iSon]

Yep you can set up an ad-hoc network and share an internet connection and files etc etc.

Thanks to advances in wireless technology - it's pretty painless to do too.

[Neil Jones]

Just a quick question -

Can you network two computers directly using two wireless cards? or do you need a wireless router?

Yes.

But having a router makes life easier.

[James Martin]

What's the easiest way to get two PCs to see the Internet with one modem?

[shaun]

Router, router, router, router.

I do advise against putting a wireless/ethernet card in your PC, and using ICS with your current modem.

Routers are coming down in price a lot now (but if you want a lot of features, be prepared to pay more). I have a Draytek Vigor2600G but wouldn't recommend it to you since it is not the easiest thing to set up, and costs £150. Buy ANYTHING that specifically says it includes an ADSL modem, if you've got ADSL - not a "cable/dsl" router since it assumes you already have an existing modem (and a USB DSL modem does not work with those - they are only good if you have NTL/telewest).

I hear the Netgear DG834G router is pretty good and isn't terribly expensive (ADSL):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASI ... 29-6380643

And perhaps the Netgear WGR614UK router if you have a cable modem
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASI ... 29-6380643

I believe they are quite easy to set up, and are generally reliable. Anything on amazon.co.uk for "adsl router" (obviously for adsl) or "cable/dsl router" (obvious) seems to be pretty good.


(yes, perhaps my only post of this year!)

[cwathen]

What's the easiest way to get two PCs to see the Internet with one modem?

By 'easiest' do you actually mean 'easiest' or do you mean 'cheapest'?

As was said above, the easiest way to do it is a router with a built in modem.

The cheapest way is to use the el-cheapo modem which came with your internet connection, and use two cheap network cards in conjunction with a crossover cable to share the connection. That does mean that the computer with the internet connection can't be turned off without disconnecting the other user, but it works for me.

[Pete]

I would expect you to be making more posts orchard now that your part of the region has been ripped from the dark ages and brought into the 21st century.

[Neil Jones]

Using a wireless router means one has to consider methods of security.

Most routers in their default state will let any Tom, Dick or Harry connect to them. They'll also broadcast their availability to every computer capable of wireless networking in the street. My current router is capable of transmitting up to 900ft (atmospheric conditions pending).

If you have a data transfer cap on your broadband package and you have every knowledgeable bugger in the street using your unsecured connection, you'll soon run out (and possibly kicked off for "abuse").

Therefore set up wireless security on the router after you've configured it.

[babyben]

Using a wireless router means one has to consider methods of security.

Most routers in their default state will let any Tom, Dick or Harry connect to them. They'll also broadcast their availability to every computer capable of wireless networking in the street. My current router is capable of transmitting up to 900ft (atmospheric conditions pending).

If you have a data transfer cap on your broadband package and you have every knowledgeable bugger in the street using your unsecured connection, you'll soon run out (and possibly kicked off for "abuse").

Therefore set up wireless security on the router after you've configured it.

Yup, my router isn't that powerful, from downstairs I can just get a over 50% signal upstairs, so I'm doubting that other than the next door neighbour can get a signal.

[Neil Jones]

Yup, my router isn't that powerful, from downstairs I can just get a over 50% signal upstairs, so I'm doubting that other than the next door neighbour can get a signal.

It will depend on what materials the signal has to go through.

So if it's mainly wood and floorboards and stuff, it'll pass through easier than it would if it was, say, metal.

Plus you're downstairs as well. If the router's higher up it transmits further (by natural design). May be able to turn the power down in the router setup though.

[Sput]

You can also get directional antennae to essentially "focus" the signal into one area.