A newbie wireless networking question... let the flames begin!

[Shimmishim]

Okay...

1. If my cable service only provides 1.5 Mbps then a WAP that supports up to 11 Mbps (802.11b) should be more than enough correct?

2. Is this a correct setup for wireless networking?

Cable modem ---> WAP (lets say this WAP has a switch and cable/dsl router built in) ---> sends signal to wireless card (on my laptop)

This is the simplest setup correct?



but if the WAP didn't have a switch or router built in... then i'd have to connect the WAP to a switch or a router or both? or would it go from WAP --> router --> to switch ...

or from router --> WAP --> switch... AHH SO CONFUSED


this is the WAP i was thinking of getting this one

with this one, i don't need anything else .. i hope...



or any other suggestions would be welcomed!

 

[orion7144]

Correct with that router you would go from the Cable to the WAN port then configure your wireless. The 11mbs is fine for the internet but if you are going to be transfering huge files that maybe not.

 

[Shimmishim]

no huge files

 

[owensdj]

Shimmishim, you're correct about #1. 802.11b is more that fast enough to let your share a cable/DSL Internet connect at its full speed.

You'd need more than a WAP. A WAP lets you add wireless networking to an existing network. You'd plug the WAP into a switch/hub, and that would let the wireless computers comunicate with the wired devices.

What you want is a wireless broadband router, like the Netgear MR814 802.11b Cable/DSL Wireless Router.

 

[skyking]

If you can get a good deal on that router above, go for it. I have had good success with it in 3 installations so far. The features are good, and it is easy to configure.

 

[Shimmishim]

Originally posted by: skyking
If you can get a good deal on that router above, go for it. I have had good success with it in 3 installations so far. The features are good, and it is easy to configure.

are you referring to the netgear or the one I linked?

 

[skyking]

the netgear, sorry about that. My clarity is slipping! I remotely admin those routers I have set up, and they work fine and are feature filled. Built in dyndns client, all sorts of scheduling and filtering options for parents, remote administration from a specific IP, to name a few.

 

[Shimmishim]

is there a built in switch?

 

[skyking]

All of the wireless routers have a built in 4 port switch. I can't recall seeing any that did not.

 

[Shimmishim]

cool!

now i just need to find a good deal on one... or the netgear oneyou recommended

 

[Shimmishim]

cool!

now i just need to find a good deal on one... or the netgear oneyou recommended