What do i need for a wireless network in...

[xSauronx]

...my dads new home?

ive talked him into cox high speed internet and a home network. 4 pc's. two on main floor, and two on second floor. the computers on each floor are at opposite ends of the house (60-80ft away i think)

what will i need?
modem
4 port wireless router
3 wireless pci cards
1 wireless card for laptop

will i need WAP's with the distance and two stories? if so, how many, and where should they go? i was thinking one in the middle of each floor, is that totally wrong....or right?

all help appreciated, thanks

 

[Soybomb]

Its hard to say how it will penetrate your house. I'd try one access point as close to the middle of all the clients as possible and see if you get a strong enough signal. If not then maybe try one for each end of the house, probably on the upper story. Can't tell until you try but the more money you can save the better.

 

[tboneuls]

You might need 2, but place them at opposite ends of the house, not one on each floor. Remember that the starnard diople antennas have little to no coverage directly above the WAP.

 

[JackMDS]

I would recommend that you should start with a regular Router and an Access Point it will give you a better start if you need to bridge to extend the range.

You should also consider a USB Wireless Client rather than PCI Wireless Card.

Technology wise PCI card is probably slightly better then the USB.

However Wireless is depending on signal propagation.

For Desktop (or tower case) USB Wireless Client Card should be considered as the preferred solution.

PCI Wireless Client Card ends up been stuck behind the computer's case, resultant in obstructed transmission and poor performance. USB is connected to the Port with 2-3' cable allowing the Antenna to be placed above the System for better Transmission.

You can find info about these issues here:

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

Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

 

[Transition]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
I would recommend that you should start with a regular Router and an Access Point it will give you a better start if you need to bridge to extend the range.

You should also consider a USB Wireless Client rather than PCI Wireless Card.

Technology wise PCI card is probably slightly better then the USB.

However Wireless is depending on signal propagation.

For Desktop (or tower case) USB Wireless Client Card should be considered as the preferred solution.

PCI Wireless Client Card ends up been stuck behind the computer's case, resultant in obstructed transmission and poor performance. USB is connected to the Port with 2-3' cable allowing the Antenna to be placed above the System for better Transmission.

You can find info about these issues here:

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

Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

Jack has a good point.

Also, remember most WAP's have a couple additional ports available in the back to wire clients directly into. So, if you have the WAP next to a client machine, there's no need to buy a wireless card for it. Just plug it directly into the WAP.

On a side note: Make sure you enable WEP (not the best security, but better then leaving your network wide open).

 

[rw120555]

Also, remember most WAP's have a couple additional ports available in the back to wire clients directly into. So, if you have the WAP next to a client machine, there's no need to buy a wireless card for it. Just plug it directly into the WAP.

Is this true??? It isn't true of my Netgear ME102. Do you maybe mean a wireless router, rather than a wireless access point?

 

[Transition]

Originally posted by: rw120555

Also, remember most WAP's have a couple additional ports available in the back to wire clients directly into. So, if you have the WAP next to a client machine, there's no need to buy a wireless card for it. Just plug it directly into the WAP.

Is this true??? It isn't true of my Netgear ME102. Do you maybe mean a wireless router, rather than a wireless access point?

Whoops! Your right, i'm wrong! :S

 

[xSauronx]

good point about the us client, never thought about it, but ill remember it from now, thanks everyone