Wireless Networking for laptop

[teknodude]

I would like to add a wireless part to our home network so that a laptop can be a part of the network i.e. to share files, access the net etc.

The current setup is a 4-port Linksys hub, which currently has 2 computers with NICs connected to it. The LAN is using fixed IPs.

Basically I want to know if there is some (preferably cheap) wireless add-on that I can link in to the network so the laptop can join the network.

Any suggestions folks?

TIA for any help 🙂

teknodude

 

[wjsulliv]

Option one:
Basically, add an accesspoint to your hub and then get a wireless card for your laptop is the easiest way for what it appears that you have. That will provide the strongest signal for the wireless network. Check the hot deals forum for deals on 802.11b accesspoints and wirless cards. Lately OfficeMax has been selling things like the D-Link DWL-1000AP accesspoint for about $60 and the D-Link DWL-650 or DWL-500 wireless card for about $40.

If you are sharing a dialup connection or a broadband connection this will work fine. Even if at somepoint you upgrade your hub to a router, the accesspoint will just plug directly in to the the router without issues.

This will also allow you to access any computer that is turned on on the network, where as option 2 (listed below) requires a specific machine to be on.

Option two:
But a wireless card and a desktop wireless adapter. Plug one into your laptop and one into one of the desktops (or get two for both of desktops). the signal will be weaker and it really isn't any cheaper.


I would opt (and have opted) for option one. I am currently sharing a dialup connection on one desktop via a hub connected to an accesspoint with a Laptop and an IPAQ. When I move I will have broadband and I will be changing the hub for a router, but everything should continue to work just the same.

 

[JackMDS]

Getting an A/P depends on the environment. I.e. The distance of the Laptop from the A/P, and the nature of the obstructions surrounding the installation.

One or two walls, and 20-50? all of them should work OK. More walls and longer distance you will need the ?Upper End? of the Entry level Wireless Hardware.

Entry level AP prices start at $60 and go up to $150. One of the tricks is to buy an inexpensive set of A/P and Wireless Client Card at a Mega store (on Sale Rebate etc.). Install, and try if it covers your environment.

Does not work return. The Wireless manufactures are not stating distance in terms of real life, thus buying a set, and returning due to lack of coverage, makes sense.

In case El Cheappo does not work for you.

For the Laptop I would get the Orinoco Gold Client Card.

Example: ORINOCO GOLD PCCARD PCMCIA 802.11B CLIENT W/128 BIT ENCRYPTION

For a moderate price the Linksys WAP11 is good choice.

Linksys WAP11

For real Entry level Power: ORINOCO AP-200 LOW COST ACCESS POINT FOR HOME OR SOHO OFFICE

 

[lobadobadingdong]

Or use my 3rd option, I do this for a lot of people with broadband in the Texoma area, and all my customers seem to love it.

Pick up a Linksys etherfast Wireless AP+ cable/dsl router ($99US), and a wirless PCMCIA adapter ($40-45US), this way you increase your available bandwidth on your wired network and get wireless connectivity for your laptop and any other pc's you decide to add while sharing your broadband connection to the entire network. It offers a dchp server to simplify your network as well, it really is a 1st class networking device for home/office situations. It comes with very thourogh instructions that even a newbie can set-up. I find it's range in most situations(buildings without metal frames) to fall between 175-250 feet, more than enough distance for anybody's house, except maybe the White House. In metal buildings i've seen distances from 75-150 feet, sometimes more if the rooms are large.