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Thread: Looking to go wireless...

  1. #1
    Oh right, Ted koocha's Avatar
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    Looking to go wireless...

    ...but want to do it as cheap as possible.

    ADSL modem/router would be the easiest way to go I think. I've got 2 desktop computers, 1 laptop and a nintendo DS. I want to make sure I can use them all.

    I've never setup a wireless network, let alone touched any wireless hardware, so is this the best way to go?

    I'll need the modem/router, 4 usb dongles (is this easiest?)

    Can someone point me in the direction of some cheap hardware and setup tips?

    Thanks

    Tim

  2. #2
    hi unreal's Avatar
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    Wireless networks are really really simple to set up. It's basically click on connect, and off you go. Or if you have relaxed security settings, it will automatically connect to the nearest and most preferred wireless network available.

    Yeah you will need basically a wireless modem or access point (modem is probably easier since it has a broadband modem integrated, rather than configuring the modem via a seperate access point), along with dongles/cards. However, dongles usually have lower reception than wireless cards. I would recommend getting PCI Wireless cards for your PC's, and maybe a PCMCIA 802.11g card for your laptop if it doesn't have one built in. In fact I have a spare one that I might sell...

  3. #3
    The late but legendary peterb - Onward and Upward peterb's Avatar
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    Wireless networks are simple to set up - but you do need to spend some time considering the security aspect - particularly to stop someone hijacking your connection. There have been LOTS of threads on the forum about this, so I won't repeat any of it - do a quick search.
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  4. #4
    Oh right, Ted koocha's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by peterb
    Wireless networks are simple to set up - but you do need to spend some time considering the security aspect - particularly to stop someone hijacking your connection. There have been LOTS of threads on the forum about this, so I won't repeat any of it - do a quick search.
    Thanks for the info, I'll do a search for it.

    Just a couple of things:

    1. How far does a wireless signal reach? Could someone over the road use it for example?

    2. How does the security issue affect my Ninteno DS? Not that I've ever used it wireless yet.

    Also....prices in modem/routers vary a lot. Would I be ok with a £40 one from ebuyer?


    Thanks

    PS- Your sig made me wet myself

    EDIT: found this on scan and got one:

    http://www.scan.co.uk/products/produ...oductID=308550

    today only for £29
    Last edited by koocha; 26-11-2005 at 03:28 PM.

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    Signal distance depends on:
    a) what is in the way
    b) where the aerial is
    c) quality of the aerial
    d) quality of receiver

    e) The quality is also impacted by what else is transmitting in that band (usually 2.4GB)

    a) Walls don't help
    - but remember going directly through a wall (ie perpindicular too it) is better c. 9 inches than going through at an angle
    - My set up didn't work with the receiver in one position but was fine 1 foot away - Ithen realised that the signal was trying to go through 2m of brick work - doh!

    b) - recommendations are for 1.7m or higher, it is worth experimenting with good locations
    c) - I made a remarkable improvement with a cheap scan aerial at +6db - Remember db is a logarithmic power scale so 10db is twice as powerful - 6db is more than 50% extra power - cheap upgrade!
    d) - even different devices from same manufacturer - it is worth comparing the claimed distances - it may not be absolutely right, but a relatively good indicator

    e) Lots of other consumer devices yours and your neighbours function at this frequency - either try getting rid of the offending device - if you can identify it - or changing the precise band on your transmitter band 6 is the default, but there a doxen others

  6. #6
    Oh right, Ted koocha's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by speardane
    Signal distance depends on:
    a) what is in the way
    b) where the aerial is
    c) quality of the aerial
    d) quality of receiver

    e) The quality is also impacted by what else is transmitting in that band (usually 2.4GB)

    a) Walls don't help
    - but remember going directly through a wall (ie perpindicular too it) is better c. 9 inches than going through at an angle
    - My set up didn't work with the receiver in one position but was fine 1 foot away - Ithen realised that the signal was trying to go through 2m of brick work - doh!

    b) - recommendations are for 1.7m or higher, it is worth experimenting with good locations
    c) - I made a remarkable improvement with a cheap scan aerial at +6db - Remember db is a logarithmic power scale so 10db is twice as powerful - 6db is more than 50% extra power - cheap upgrade!
    d) - even different devices from same manufacturer - it is worth comparing the claimed distances - it may not be absolutely right, but a relatively good indicator

    e) Lots of other consumer devices yours and your neighbours function at this frequency - either try getting rid of the offending device - if you can identify it - or changing the precise band on your transmitter band 6 is the default, but there a doxen others
    Thanks for all that. With not knowing anything about wireless networks everything is a help.

    How do I go about setting up WEP?

  7. #7
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    I went the WPA route. I can't remember exactly why, but I think it was more secure.

    it also helps that it is alphanumeric so you can combine words & numbers to make it more rememberable

    Pick a password on the router / switch. type it in when promted. Need to make sure the settings are just the same on switch & laptop

  8. #8
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    You can use MAC address filtering on most kit these days as well... Just don't forget to add your own MAC!!!

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