Completely confused...wired to wireless with 1 PC?

I've read so much about this topic my head is spinning. Please shed some light on this for me.

Right now I have a regular DSL internet connection but want to use the wireless capability of my laptop. I can't say I want a network because there is only one PC. I'm not sure what I need to get or even if this is feasible. I may add more computers later, but my main question is whether or not there needs to be a computer dedicated to the wireless router/access point/ethernet adapter (I don't know which) through which other PCs will then connect wirelessly. Or, is it that I can connect a router/access point/ethernet adapter to my DSL modem (ethernet cable) and then connect wirelessly from my laptop.

Also, if anyone can explain or evaluate the use of the Asus WL-330 Pocket Wireless Access Point reviewed here: http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1689 and the
D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G730AP Wireless Pocket Router/AP http://www.jiwire.com/dlink-pocket-...age-gallery.htm I'd really appreciate it.

I really just want to be able to roam about my house with my one laptop (dv1000).

Thanks a bunch.

 

Basically the dsl cable will go into the router, then the router should have four other ports to hook up with wires to, and in the case of a wireless router, there will be an antenna with which you can then set the wireless up (usually already on, but should tweak it for personnal use and security and it will still have the 4 wired ports available). Then pretty much any computer with a wireless card could then log on to the wireless router (with up to 4 wired computers). Because the internet cable goes straight into the router, you don't need a dedicated computer to act as a server. Your second link doesn't work, and the first one seems to basically say that it is a portable wireless router that is really small and portable. It would let you take a normally wired connection and turn it into a wireless connection if you wanted or needed to (just plug the cable into it). And it could also be a wireless connector to recieve signals for a computer without a wireless card. I hope this clears up your understanding.

 

Thanks very much for your explanation.
This is a link to the D-Link wireless router - I hope it works. http://www.pcmall.com/pcmall/shop/detail~dpno~495394.asp
Just to be clear, I can get either this or the Asus wireless router and all I have to do is connect them to the DSL modem and I can surf wirelessly?
If this is the case, can someone who perhaps has experience with either of these wireless routers recommend one? Or just someone who knows about routers, which would you choose?

Thanks so much.

 

brafit,

I'm not sure why you think you need a portable, small Access Point. What I would recommend to you is a "Wireless Router" or a "Wireless Access Point" (Wireless Routers tend to be less expensive plus you get a 4 port switch included with it as well)

Personally, I use the Linksys WRT54G which is a 802.11b/g wireless Router. I have also used the D-Link's DI-524 and DI-624. They both will get the job done, but the Linksys is much easier to setup and has more advanced features (which I'm guessing you probably wouldn't really need/use anyway)...but for the sheer fact of the ease of setup of the Linksys, I would highly recommend it over the D-Link. Here is a text-based representation of how it will eventually be setup:

*DSL/Cable Modem* --> *Wireless Router* ---> *your computers* (whether they are wired or wireless)

oh, and don't waste your money on any "speedbooster" (or whatever else they want to call it) technology

I am pretty impressed by Linksys' "Educate Me" section of their website: http://www.linksys.com/edu/ one thing about it to remember though is when they start talking about wireless in the "Step-by-Step" section, they say you need a Linksys Wireless Adapter...that is not true if you have a built-in wireless adapter in your notebook (which most do these days)

-----------------------------------
Scott

Network Guru Extraordinaire

 

Thanks phroenips. I got the portable D-Link one but you're right, I should probably keep it simple. I'm planning to return it and wondering if I should even bother with the whole wireless deal. It seemed really slow compared to the normal wired connection. But I'll take a look at the Linksys. Thanks again.

 

Slow in what way? slow in transfer between computers or did the internet seem slower? I would maybe assume that the slowness might have been due to the fact that it was a portable router. The speeds may not be up to par with normal 'stationary' routers. I use the DI-624 myself and find it quite nice and speeds seem good, i always am at the full 54 mbps transfer rate.

 

Well, there is a reason why someone might want a small portable access point - for travelling. If you typically visit hotels that have high speed wired connections but you prefer a wireless connection so that you can surf in bed or anywhere else around your room, then the portable access point is the perfect solution. Plug it in at home or on the road and you extend the wired network into a wireless network. The other option (much less common) reason might be you have an office in the corner of the house where you have your cable/DSL connection and an office PC so you want you router there, but you want a separate access point that you can locate in a more central room in the house for better coverage.

Lacking those two reason, then someone is likely better going with the simplicity of a single combined wireless router.

And Radcom is right, the wireless connection is much slower than wired for transfers between machines. But since you seemed to indicate there isn't another machine, then it should be fine for surfing the net. The slowest "common" standard is Wifi (802.11b) which supports up to 5.5 megabit each direction. That is faster than any dsl/cable modem connection you might have. So if the web is going slow, then you have a problem. Two possibilities come immediately to mind - drivers and distance. If you are trying to use it from across the house, then you might have a distance issue. Try it in the same room as your access point just to see what kinds of speeds you are getting. I somehow though suspect you are staying fairly close in which case you should download the newest wireless drivers for your laptop and see if that helps.

As for whether it is worth it, most people use their wireless connections with no problems at all. This technology does work. So with a little persistence and perhaps another several messages here or the help of a friendly techie in your neighborhood, you can get it going. Whether or not you will take advantage of the benefits of wireless though is comeply up to you.

 

My reasons are pretty much as you outlined but I think I should really just get the Linksys or something with simple setup until I understand exactly how it works. I'm not travelling any time soon.
I was referring to the speed of the internet but since I never actually got online (I don't think), just the setup screens I'll have to have another go and see what happens. I returned the D-Link though. There is a special on the Netgear (non-portable) wireless router. Can anyone comment on ease of setup with this one? I starts at $70 and after rebates is around $25 so I'd like to experiment with it if someone can relate their experience.

Thanks again.

 

9 times out of 10, you plug it in and it works. The danger though is you are more likely than average to be the exception because you already had a problem and we don't really know if the real culprit was your old access point or your laptop.

I'd maximize your odds of a hassle free install by checking to see if there are updated drivers for the wireless device in your laptop.

And assuming you plug it is and it works, you still might want to dig into the configuration to turn on encryption to secure your connection (though honestly the majority of people don't do so and it reallt is optional so long as you understand the risks). If you are in a high density location and experience slow speeds again, I'd definitely recommend going into the setup to change the channel.

 

I did it! I am now lying on my bed, surfing the web, no cables in sight! Thank you all so much. The Netgear router was fairly easy to set up. It didn't seem like it was going to work at first because I ended up not needing all the IP info I had collected so I don't understand HOW it's working but the important thing is it IS working. Let's hope it lasts. (And it's FAST!!)

I forgot to set up encryption in my haste to see how the connection worked out and now I can't find the setup stuff. Oh well, I'll work it out.