Advice on setting up my home wireless network

[donfm]

I am in the process of going wireless in my home. I have a ranch style home with full basement. My home is rather long and narrow in size which may make reaching some points with wireless a challenge. Is there a website where I could go to get information on the most logical way to setup a network and the hardware I will need? Perhaps a tutorial on wireless components and architecture in general. Presently all I have is a Linksys wired router connecting 3 computers and an XBox to my DSL line.

I have CAT 5e cables from a central location in the basement from my wired router to several rooms upstairs on either end of the house. I'm a bit worried putting the router in the basement will not be good for signal to the main floor.

 

[mammador]

I would advise using access points over a wireless router.

Your main router could be located in your basement, and Cat 5e/6 cables leading to access points in your home. These don't have to be too many in number, but in places that all rooms in your home will be covered.

 

[donfm]

Thanks for responding.....can most wireless routers be used for access points? It seems you can buy a wireless N router now for cheaper than you can an access point?

 

[mammador]

I think so. It may be possible to turn off the routing abilities and just have it broadcast wifi signals.

 

[NXIL]

Yes mammador--to set a router as an AP you have to do some things like turn off DHCP, give the new AP an IP address that won't conflict with the router that does do DHCP--lots of "router behind a router" setup guides out there.

 

[donfm]

Thank you both. I love this place everyone is always so helpful....

 

[JackMDS]

Using a Wireless Router as a switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

 

[donfm]

Using a Wireless Router as a switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

Thank you sir that was a very informative link. I appreciate your help.