Setting up a wireless network

[BobDaMenkey]

I just got myself a Dell 9300 with a $750 off cupon, and I'm looking to take advantage of the wireless networking it has. I haven't dealt much with wireless before at all, and I was reading through a couple of FAQs I've found online on the subject for newbies like myself.

I'm currently running a somewhat odd network setup. Most people scoff at me for not using a dedicated hub or router, but my switch has been serving me well for the past 4 years and only cost $30 at the time

Cable modem -> First computer -> Switch -> Computers A-G(as needed).

What I'm thinking would be the cheapest and easiest solution would be to go out and grab a new wireless card and slap it onto the First computer and set up a wireless network, that will share the internet connection and the LAN at the same time.

The other and more costly option is to grab a wireless router/hub and toss it onto the uplink spot on my switch to share the connection.

Any help would be greatly appriciated. As to which denotations I want to go for, and brand suggestions. Linksys is always good, and I haven't had a problem with the 5 D-Link products I've bought. I'll be going to my local Fry's Electronics in half an hour, if I get some advice here.

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[nweaver]

actually....a wireless router is dirt cheap, and would add the H/W firewall (in most cases). This is the way I woudl go.

 

[BobDaMenkey]

Which one should I buy from www.outpost.com then? That's the Fry's Electronics's online store.

My idea of dirt cheap is <$50.

 

[nweaver]

yes...I don't shop outpost (never have, no reason) so I don't know. I know that Compusa had a craptastic B/G Microsoft for 10 bucks after a 20 doller MIR. That functions fine for most folks. The WRTG54 somethingblahblahblah is supposed to be good, but I don't know the cost. I have no experience with that one (thinking of getting one though).

 

[BobDaMenkey]

I know, I very rarely buy from Fry's myself, unless I need something that day. Which in this case, I want something today

That, and I need a new case, and buying cases through newegg hasn't worked out well in the past (usually get dents or get broken, and I don't want to deal with trying to get a non busted one through them. If anything is wrong with one I buy from Fry's it's a 10 minute drive away).

Though I think I'll suck it up and splurge on the Linksys WRT54GS, as I'm fairly certain a good friend of mine is using one himself, and it worked well last time there were 4 wireless PCs LAN gaming on it.

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: nweaver
yes...I don't shop outpost (never have, no reason) so I don't know. I know that Compusa had a craptastic B/G Microsoft for 10 bucks after a 20 doller MIR. That functions fine for most folks. The WRTG54 somethingblahblahblah is supposed to be good, but I don't know the cost. I have no experience with that one (thinking of getting one though).

i bought a linksys 802.11g wireless router for $49.99 with a $10.00 rebate about 1 week ago. they might still have that sale going.