!!!!Quick Question: Wireless routers on PC's VS. Laptops.

[Coldkilla]

One of my friends called me on the way home from work and asked if I knew anything about wireless routers. I told him that I've spent probably 20 hours on the phone with Linksys over my lifetime and have my fair share of knowledge on the subject. I hang up, thinking alright no biggy, its just a laptop and a wireless router.

I call back, and apparently its a wireless router (Buffalo Router) to 3 PC's, and NO laptop. If he only has the wireless router and 3 PC's... Will his wireless work? Or does he need PC components.

I just need a quick answer, nothing elaborate with links giving 100 pages of detail on the subject. I am heading over to his house to "fix" this problem in about 30 minutes. If its similar to laptops where as PC's have wireless access to hotspots or w/e, then its no problem. However, if he needs receivers or something on his PC's I need to be able to tell him that... and perhaps a cost estimate per pc.

 

[nismotigerwvu]

well as long as the pc's have wireless nics installed its cool...the possible hitch here....the majority of desktops sold don't have them.....the solution...usb g-band nics a re only 20 bucks at most places

 

[Coldkilla]

Alright. How do I find out wether or not his PC has these "Nics". He's sorta low budget, non-pc building person... so I doubt he has any but I'd like to look like I know what I'm doing when I'm talking to him about his PC's

USB g-band nics? Any links? I can print some price estimates for him out.

 

[Doomr0k]

If they have an antenna coming out the back, they have them. He likely does not and will need to purchase wireless cards. You can get them all over if you don't want to order online and want to grab something cheap and fast, even Walmart.

Look for Desktop PCI Wireless Cards.

 

[Coldkilla]

Alright. Thanks guys. I'm leavin now. Problem solved. I'll tell him. Thanks. Later!

 

[Slick5150]

Originally posted by: Coldkilla
Alright. Thanks guys. I'm leavin now. Problem solved. I'll tell him. Thanks. Later!

They also sell USB wireless adapters if you don't feel like having to open the PC to install a PCI card

 

[jackschmittusa]

At least one PC needs to be wired to the router for setup purposes.

 

[Coldkilla]

k

 

[John]

Originally posted by: jackschmittusa
At least one PC needs to be wired to the router for setup purposes.

Actually you can configure the router wirelessly in most cases since they typically come unsecured with the wifi radio on.