Need help!!!!! Share 1 cable modem connection wirelessly

[SchnellAMG]

Hi guys.. i'm new to this type of stuff, so i really need help here. i have 1 cable modem connection at home, and we have 3 computers that wants to use that same connection, and 2 of them cannot be reached using cable wire, so need to do it wirelessly. I just got back from a local Best Buy, and I purchased a D-Link 2.4GHz Wireless Router 802.11b (DI-713P) and a D-Link PCI NIC (DWL-520). My computer works fine because I used the built-in switch and wired it to my computer. Computer#2 is running WinME, and the reception of the D-Link NIC is really bad. I cannot get more than 33% signal strength and/or link quality, and that's only if i'm lucky. 99% of the time i get 13%.

1) My friend recommded a USB version of wireless NIC because the cord will act as an antenna and I probably get better reception that way. What do you guys think? He said if I will get a USB version, go for Orinoco. He said these usb nic gets the best reception. true? or should i just go for a netgear and/or linksys usb version?

2) Computer #3 is running MacOS. What can I buy to put in that computer so that computer can join the network? I just read that the Orinoco usb one i mentioned above runs on Mac too. Orinoco at MacMall. Any advice?

thanks..
Don

 

[DnetMHZ]

I'm not sure of the capabilities of the D-link equipment but if possible I'm sure there is an after market antenna that could provide the coverage that you need.

DnetMHZ

 

[JackMDS]

>>>My friend recommded a USB version of wireless NIC because the cord will act as an antenna<<<<

This is not true! However the advice is good, get USB.

The D-Link pci probably has a fixed antenna, and it stuck behind the PC.

In case of the USB the Module with the Antenna is connected with 2-3? USB cord (it is a USB cord not an Antenna), so the Module can be put high above the computer and the Antenna is not masked by interfering objects.

 

[SchnellAMG]

thanks for the pointer.. should i get antenna for the router or for the nic card? i found this antenna and it works for my D-Link Router (but it costs a lot for an antenna). What other aftermarket antenna can i get??? thanks.

Don

 

[Tallgeese]

Wireless equipment rules of thumb:

IF notebook, get PC Card based NICs
IF desktop, get USB NIC (Orinoco's models are GREAT!)

IF Signal = BAD at ALL locations, put antenna on AP (router)
IF Signal = BAD at only single locaTION, perhaps try antenna on NIC and router, keep on best result.

 

[SchnellAMG]

thanks!!!! I'll return the pci nic and get an usb one tomorrow. i'll let you guys know the result tomorrow. thanks so much!!!

Don

 

[SchnellAMG]

by the way, can anyone let me know what can i do for computer#3 running MacOS? thanks.

Don

 

[acidvoodoo]

how much do wirelesss USB nics and hubs/routers (not sure about dfferenece) cost
do the usb nics need a seperate power supply?

 

[SchnellAMG]

i just got back from BB and exchanged the pci nic for a usb nic. the reception is much better than pci nic (still between 40~46% only though, but much better than the 13% i got from pci nic). so what should do next to get better reception? get rid of the antenna on the base station and get better antenna? can i hook up a tv antenna? will that amplify the signal?

as for the cost, the wireless router cost me around $150, and the usb nic is $70. both are D-Link branded. and the usb nic is self-powered.

thanks,
Don

 

[SchnellAMG]

hi.. can anyone help me again.. i got computer #2 running ok now.. i still need a usb wireless nic for computer #3 which is running MacOS. can i just get that Orinoco one? thanks.

Don