Question from a networking newbee

[Sandan]

Hi all, I am not new to computers...have been building my own since 1997. But, networking is not my gig. I do have a wired network set up which is working fine...but I just bought a notebook that is capable of wireless. Question is, Is there an out of the box router solution that I can buy to work with the following home network: 3 wired computers, 1 wired PS3, and one wireless notebook. I have been searching this and am totally confused if I need 2 routers 1 wired router and one wireless access point, or hopefully 1 router that will do it all. Again in reading how to set up this stuff I get lost quickly. I am not looking for a how to but just simply can I get and out of the box solution as stated above. Thanks.
PS. almost forgot I use Vista Ultimate if that makes a difference.

 

[CalvinHobbes]

All you need is a wireless router with 4 wired ports. Pretty much all routers have 4 ports.

 

[JackMDS]

The content of the following links will provide you with a basic tutorial about Sharing Internet connection; it is short and to the point. T

The pages were written by me ages ago. Ignore the prices, and the specific choice of hardware, stick with the principles they are still the same.

Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.aspx?i=105

Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...? - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.aspx?i=48

What do I need for wireless networking? - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.aspx?i=122

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

Whats on the market?

Inexpensive Flashable with DD-WRT*.

Asus WL-520GU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833320023

Very Solid with DD-WRT (Mediocre Wireless).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833124190

Not compatible with DD-WRT but as is features rich and Good Wireless.

Zyxel 550 -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...181218&Tpk=zyxel%2b550

*What is DD-WRT?

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/ind...hat_is_%22DD-WRT%22%3F

 

[Sandan]

This question may seem elementary to you guys but to me it is another story. Any way, I just bought the D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router DIR-655. As said earlier I want to hook up 3 wired computers and a ps3 through the 4 lan ports and one new laptop as a wireless connection. This router talks about hooking up gigabit devices which confused me. Should it be backwards compatable with my 4 RJ45 ethernet cables? Thanks.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Originally posted by: Sandan
This question may seem elementary to you guys but to me it is another story. Any way, I just bought the D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router DIR-655. As said earlier I want to hook up 3 wired computers and a ps3 through the 4 lan ports and one new laptop as a wireless connection. This router talks about hooking up gigabit devices which confused me. Should it be backwards compatable with my 4 RJ45 ethernet cables? Thanks.

Yes.

 

[Sandan]

thanks ch33w1z I appreciate your response....by the way, cute kid...I have a son I always called little guy...But he is now 19 and bigger than me... now I call him big guy...Have fun raising him and like a song from the 60's said "Teach your children well"