By-pass the Network Access Point?

[jamesj52]

Question:

I have one PC and I am intending on buying a Toshiba 2805-S503. I would like to setup the Toshiba on a wireless network. My question is, is the network acess point needed? Couldn't I just get two wireless network cards (one for the PC and one for the laptop) and share the internet connection?

If so, two other questions arise:

1. Would the wireless networking distance be cut down drastically? If so how much?
2. My cable provider issues a dynamic IP address through DHCP. Would the laptop be issued an IP address without charge? Couldn't I do something about sub-net masking or something?

Suggestions on what brand of network I should setup would be great. Any suggestions on brand of firewire cards?

Answers are greatly appreciated. I am very confused.

Thanks,

James

 

[JackMDS]

When people want to share cable without Router, they put two NIC in the main computer; one NIC is connected to the Cable Modem, and the other to a second computer. In order to make it work with one IP they use NAT software (most known ICS, comes with Win98SE).

In your case, instead of second regular NIC you can install a Wireless Desktop Card, and a second Wireless Card in the laptop. You configure the two wireless card to work in AD-Hoc mode (configuration instructions comes with the cards).

I never tried wireless cards this way (with ICS), but in theory it should work.

The best way to go is to buy a Cable/DSL Wireless Router, and one Wireless Card.

Two Wireless Card (Desktop card $140, Laptop $90) cost about $230. Wireless Router, and Wireless Card is little less then $300.

For less then $100 difference it does not pay to limit the system.

Some useful Links:


The Basic Options to Share Internet Connection (Internet Sharing 101).

Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

PracticallyNetworked ICS HowTo Center.