Need help choosing wireless router set-up

[SkyBum]

I'm in temporary living arrangements and since COX wont allow me to set up a second account at the same address, I'm left with the choice of paying $40/mo for an extra IP or buying a wireless set-up and paying nothing for internet service (not a real tough choice.....)

I need to be able to hook up the main PC to the cable modem/wireless router via cable and then I'm not real clear on what I need at my own PC to receive the signal (system specs below). I have all my expansion slots filled or blocked already (though I could easily lose the sata port or USB port if it comes to that) so the PCI reciever is not my first choice.

Also, is a PCI wireless reciever a performance hit over my onboard gigabit? I also see an external ethernet bridge available but they are over $100 for the ones I see at Linksys site. Was hoping to keep the total price at or below that.

Just wondering if I may be missing a cheaper solution or other options here.

Thanks.

 

[SkyBum]

^

 

[networkman]

I have a Linksys WAP55AG at home that I use with a DSL modem, but it could be used with a Cable modem just as easily. Most PCs plug into the Ethernet ports on the back(wired), and the notebook goes wireless. Wireless adapters can be found in PCI, PCMCIA(for notebooks) and in USB versions, so you need not give up anything.

Edit: Chances are, unless you've got REALLY good wiring and equipment in place, you're not really getting true Gigabit speeds anyway. Most of my own PCs with Gigabit adapters are relatively inexpensive 32bit PCI cards, but even with the three decent 64bit Intel cards I have I still only see about 400 megabit speed transfers, even though the link says "1 Gigabit connection".

 

[lartmander]

There's a few solutions you can use. First off a PCI Wireless should not be a hit over your onboard gigabit. 2nd.... you can use two possible solutions.... use a USB wireless nic (which doesn't have great range) or buy a WRT54G and use Sveasoft FW to make it into a wireless bridge. Those go for about 50 bucks.

 

[SkyBum]

I'm a bit confused about the differences between access points and routers (and wireless bridges). Which is more applicable to my situation?

 

[lartmander]

Access points are the base stations which is connected via hardwire that provides wireless access. Routers does the NAT'ing which allows you to share one internet connection with many instead of paying for an additional IP address. Wireless bridges are basically wireless stations (the reverse of an access point), recieving the wireless signal which then goes to the hardwire from bridge to PC.

 

[SkyBum]

Originally posted by: lartmander
Access points are the base stations which is connected via hardwire that provides wireless access. Routers does the NAT'ing which allows you to share one internet connection with many instead of paying for an additional IP address. Wireless bridges are basically wireless stations (the reverse of an access point), recieving the wireless signal which then goes to the hardwire from bridge to PC.

Very helpful explanation.......

Decided to go with the Linksys WRT54GS router and the WMP54GS PCI adapter (about $140 after rebates). These are rated at 54 Mbps.

D-Link has models touting 108 Mbps though. Are they fudging those numbers? I find that a bit hard to swallow considering the units are priced comparibly. Any opinions on the Linksys vs. D-link before I pull the trigger?

And thanks for all the help everyone....

 

[JackMDS]

Linksys usually does not offer deep discounts as other do. That does not mean any thing about the Hardware it is a marketing approach.

Link to: Wireless What Should I Get?

:sun: