Networking Beginner

jonhwaters84

Junior Member
Jun 9, 2005
6
0
0
Hi, I'm trying to set up a network for the first time and I want to make sure I have everything I need before I go and waste my money.

I want to set up an 802.11b network between Two Desktop PC's and a Laptop. My main PC is connected to an Earthlink broadband connection. This is my newegg shopping list:

1 802.11b Access Point:
LINKSYS WAP11 11Mbps Wireless Access Point - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124105

1 802.11b USB Wireless Adapter
LINKSYS WMP54G PCI Wireless Adapter - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124115

1 802.11b Notebook Wireless Adapter
LINKSYS WPC11 11Mbps Instant Wireless PCMCIA Ethernet Adapter - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124106

If anyone can help me or confirm that I have what I need, I'd really appreciate it! Any easy-to-follow online guides would be great as well as any software recommendations. Thanks a lot!
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,493
395
126
Welcome to AT Network Forum.

I do not know the reason but it seems that you choose an unusual way to connect a Broadband Sharing Network.

I would suggest to Wireless Cable DSL Router and connect the system around it (If you have a USB Modem you are better off getting an external Ethernet Modem).

The price difference between 802.11b and 802.11g Wireless is so small that it does not make sense to go two generation back.

Get an 802.11g Wireless Cable/DSL Router and t802.11g PCMCIA and USB Card.

The whole thing should look like this: http://www.ezlan.net/network/router.jpg

About Wireless Hardware: http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Hardware.html

Log to this page it has a lot of links to instructions to Windows Network Setting and Sharing.

Link to: Installing & Sharing

Link to: Wireless - Basic Configuration.

Link to: Wireless Security.

:sun:
 

jonhwaters84

Junior Member
Jun 9, 2005
6
0
0
thanks a lot... it would seem the guide i read was a little out of date then. i was looking for secure wireless networks on google and read one on 11b.

i'm not up-to-date on networks, i'll have to check on 11g. thanks again, i'll check those links you sent me when i get a chance and reply with my new shopping/equipment list.
 

jonhwaters84

Junior Member
Jun 9, 2005
6
0
0
okay, i've read a little about 802.11g and wireless networks in general. here's the new list that i'll be needing:

One Router:
LINKSYS WRT54G Wireless Router - Retail - $48.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124010

Two Desktop Adapters:
LINKSYS WMP54G PCI Wireless Adapter - Retail - $49.99 and $20 in combined rebates... provided they're not one per customer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124115

and an 802.11g compatible adapter for the notebook that i have yet to find. any suggestions for an affordable one from linksys would be great (i'd like to keep all of the components from linksys... just seems like it'd be a good idea).

and to install it i'm assuming it'll come with a manual. i'm guessing that i'll have to install the adapters in every client connecting to the router, then set the router up. the router connects directly with the broadband modem, right?
 

skyking

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
22,440
5,452
146
Do what you can to locate the modem and router by one of those computers, so you can use ethernet.
It really helps to have one computer connected with a wire, so changes that you make in the wireless part of the router don't knock you offline without a way back in.
 

jonhwaters84

Junior Member
Jun 9, 2005
6
0
0
what do you mean knock me offline without a way back in? could i screw up my internet connection without being able to fix it without their help?

i'm sure they wouldn't be too happy to help me since they offer their own monthly paid networking service, which i'm not going to be using.
 

jonhwaters84

Junior Member
Jun 9, 2005
6
0
0
ah, thanks. i think i've made sense of it... how about the things i listed and my expectations of how the installation should go, is that correct?