Expert help needed! Wireless questions!

[michaelsaxon]

OK-- I've done some research, but BEFORE I buy, I need you guys to check this out for me...

I'm looking to share my desktop's cable modem connection wirelessly with my notebook (and eventually my IPAQ) throughout the house.

Here is my current setup (the stuff that matters):

Toshiba PCX-1100U Cable Modem (with RJ45 port on back)
Windows XP Pro
@Home ISP

My laptop has Windows XP Home.

Now, research seems to show that this would be a good choice for me:

D-Link Wireless Access Point DWL-1000AP
Orinoco Silver PC Card (for laptop)

Am I thinking right here? Is this all that I will need for my laptop and my desktop? I'll worry about the IPAQ later. I read the reviews at practicallynetworked.com and this seemed to be the best combo.

Any special considerations for WinXP or for @home. I'm a networking NEWBIE, so consider that in your replies. Thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

Wireless LAN consists on two main components.

1. Access Point (A/P).

Access Point is the Main Transmitter/Receiver that mediate between your LAN, or main computer, to the rest of the Network.

2. Wireless Client Card.

Wireless network Card is the LAN card that is installed on all the Computers that want to join the Network.

================================================

Most of A/P can control more then 200 computers equipped with Wireless Cards.

The basis of operation and setting on the computers is like regular LAN. The specific setting of the Wireless hardware is included with the Hardware manuals.


Now comes the Twist:
A/P usually cost the same as Cable/DSL Wireless Router (on sale or with rebate).

So, you are better off Buying Cable/DSL Wirless Router.

General Info about the issues:

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

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

The Wireless Solution, or my Wife, Mother in low, Mom, Don't Allow Wires.