Newbie networking questions

[Mloot]

I have cable internet with my Dell desktop, and I would like to set up wireless internet for it and my wife's laptop. I know almost nothing about networking, so if some of my assumptions are off, please LMK.

1. Needed equipment: Is the only equipment that I should need a wireless router, a PCI or USB wireless adapter for the desktop, and some kind of PMCIAA (or somesuch) wireless card for the laptop? Is 802.1b or 802.1g some kind of industry standard for the wireless laptop adapter? Any recommendations for the brand of router and adapters, and are most brands cross-compatible with others?

2. Security: What should I do to keep my network secure from outside users and such?

3. Is there a good website to go to that would answer all of my basic questions about how to set up a network?


TIA.

 

[JackMDS]

One organize easy to follow Website for Network.

Nah! Just a dream of many people.

However if you spent some time reading the content of the following links, you will be able to swing it.

On Wireless:

802.11b vs. 802.11g.

For Internet surfing it does mot matter since Internet broadband connection is slower than 802.11b

For traffic across Internal LAN, 802.11g is significantly faster.

General Wireless info.

802.11b = 11Mb/sec. Network "Speed" (Carrier transmission 2.4GHz)
802.11g = 54Mb/sec. Network "Speed" (Carrier transmission 2.4GHz)

Wireless Ethernet needs additional protocol over head for the transfer. In addition, it is not as stable as Wired so it needs extra processing procedures.

As a result the 11Mb/sec. of the Network chipset is translated to a much lower actual performance. Usually 4-6Mb/sec.

Few 802.11b hardware units are also capable to work at 22Mb/sec.(usually referred to as b+) it is nice if it works, in real term will yield 20%-40% more than 11Mb/sec. systems.

The 802.11g line that is rated 54Mb/sec. in the real world it yields 18-22Mb/sec.

The differences between the first set of graphs to the second represent the performance differences between 802.11b to 802.11g. It might give you a good idea about indoor's distance coverage. Your actual distance might be different. Indoor coverage depends heavily on the envioroment; graphs like this should be used to understand the relation in performance between Wireless hardware. .

Link: 802.11a/b/g SOHO Routers & Access Points: Performance

The following collection of links might help.

Ignore the prices in the links bellow. The same or similar hardware can be found for 60%-90% less.

Link: AnandTech - FAQ. What do I need for wireless Networking?

Link: Wireless Cable/DSL Router or Access Point - What should I get?

Link: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

Link: Wireless Security for the Home User.

Link: Wireless Network Troubleshooting,

Link: How do I use a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point?

What should I get.

Networking in General is no CPU OverClocking or "squeezing" few frames from a "puny" Video card, it is more complicated.

The number of variables that goes into the equation of each situation is so variant that it is impossible to give one rule of thumb.

If the Wireless Computer is going to be used in the vicinity of the Wireless Gateway, and you are going for 802.11b buy the cheapest you can find. You can get a Wireless Cable/DSL Router for about $29.99 + PCMCIA card for $19.99 (both after rebate).

To achieve the top of Entry Level Wireless performance (as of Sep; 2003) I would use a cheap Wired Router, and combine it with a 802.11g set of Access Point and Client Cards by either D-Link or Linksys.

 

[Mloot]

Thanks for the links! That was a big help.