New to WiFi

[Hardball]

I have a single desktop computer with wired ethernet to a Ubee docsis 3.0 modem. A family member has a Kindle Fire device that requires WiFi. What would be the simplest setup to take care of the Kindle's occasional need for WiFi? What hardware would I need to get for this?

 

[JackMDS]

You have to add a Wireless Router to the system.

The Router connects to the Modem, and all Networked computers can configured to connect via wire or Wireless to the Router.

Maybe this can Help.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/start-here-to-set-up-a-home-network-in-windows-7

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/setting-wireless-network#1TC=windows-7

 

[Hardball]

My desktop is running Windows XP. Will that be a problem as far as setting this up? Since the Kindle Fire will only need to connect to the internet occasionally, and not all the time or everyday, can the wireless router be turned off when it is not needed for the Kindle and I just go with the straight ethernet connection to the desktop until the Kindle is needed again? Is that practical? Will using the router negatively impact my download speed for my desktop computer? Also, file and printer sharing will not be needed with the Kindle.

 

[MtnMan]

The OS doesn't matter, because the protocol (IP, a.k.a. "Internet Protocol") is not vendor or OS specific.

The fact that you are still running XP and are connected directly to your cable modem screams that you need to put a router between the computer and the modem.

I would never connect a computer directly to a modem as the stateful packet inspection that is a basic function of a NAT router offers a great deal of protection from all the background noise of bad stuff on the internet.

Hopefully you are running a software firewall, AV, and anti-malware on your XP machine.

Secure your router (password) and WiFi (SSID and WPA2) when you set it up. And most routers allow you to schedule when the WiFi is turned off.

 

[Hardball]

Any suggestions for a WiFi router that will handle the limited, basic needs that I have described?

 

[Imp]

I have essentially the same requirements as you: wired computer and Kindle for occasional Wifi.

This is the cheapest (<$30) thing that I found that had everything I wanted:
http://www.linksys.com/en-eu/products/routers/E900

Range and speed aren't that great for Wifi, but it provides wireless functionality and I can disable the Wifi by logging into the router. Wired function hasn't hiccupped once in the past few months. Wireless worked when I first set it up.

This one has some security issues, IIRC, with earlier firmwares. Do check that first.

 

[mistersprinkles]

I too am in the market for a wireless router. I would steer you away from uber cheap options as I have used them in the past and they have issues such as inconsistent signal, short range, poor firmware and so forth.

I recommend spending at least $80 on a good wireless router. If you only have your desktop/laptop directly wired and have no other wired devices, the 1 port Apple Airport Express would be an excellent choice for you. Works flawlessly, never needs resetting. Fantastic. If you will need longer range, go with the Airport Extreme. They are $100 and $200 respectively. You can get them from the apple website or from Bestbuy or another authorized retailer.

 

[mpo]

I have a Netgear WNR1000 wireless router with a hard button that turns the wifi radio on or off.

Never used it, though.

 

[mistersprinkles]

You can log into any router by entering its IP address and you can turn wifi on and off there. No sense turning it off though. It's not blasting waves out when it's not being used. It's fairly passive.