Going wireless, need help

I just purchased a new HP laptop and want to set up my home network. I going to finally be investing in DSL and I am trying t figure out what I need. I am looking to be able to access the interenet all over my house and would also like to be able to print without any cords. What is the difference between a wireless router and a access point? Also are there any availible that also can be used as a print server? Thanks in advance

 

AP is the wireless side of a wireless router.

Before you invest in equipment check to see if your dsl provider supply any hardware. Some do, some don't. Some sell a kit which includes the router and modem, and some modem/router combo.

As far as printing. The best way is to invest in a network printer. Adding print servers to existing printer works in some cases, but always troublesome, and can be difficult to setup. I have a network laser and a photo printer attached to 1 pc. There are a lot of low cost ($150) laser that now support/have network cards. These are very simple to setup. All you need to know is the IP address or network id/name.

As far as brands. I either use Netgear or Dlink hardware. I have used Linksys, USR and other in the past. Linksys use to have a real good wireless router (WRT54G) till they switch over to a non linux firmware, reducing the onboard ram to 1/2. HW Version 4 and less are good. The v5 have problems. They do sell a Linux version (WRT54GL) but has reduced ram. Combo units AP are not as good as their Stand along counter parts, but you save $50-$70 buying combo. They save on money by using low gain antennas, sharing ram and cpu. Once you pay for 2 antennas you have almost paid for a AP.

Single antenna vs Dual. Single produces a omni pattern, where as dual produce a figure 8, front to back. Dual are more directional.

I am using a Netgear FVS-338, 8 port VPN router with a USR5450 AP, and a 16 port gigabit switch connected to the router to expand my system. To me my system has expanded over time. So plan ahead, most all combo router have a max of 4 ports. If you are going to do any BT, invest in a good router. Most residential routers have problem with lockup's during heavy use, over heating problem.

I hope this gives you a direction to look.

 

to give a simple-ish explanation:

at the very minimum you'll need the DSL modem from your provider, a wireless router, and a network print server if you already have a printer.

your provider may have a combo DSL modem/wireless router, so ask about that before you buy anything.

I've personally used the D-link consumer grade stuff with success, but I've had two Linksys BEFSR41s drop a port on me, one in about 6 months.

I use a D-Link DI-524 as a sort of hacked together switch/AP connected to my other router downstairs. It has worked very well, and I get a decent signal all over the floor that the router's on - of course that depends on what you've got for microwaves and 2.4GHz cordless stuff around.

As for a print server, I don't know exactly. If you have an HP multi-function, you might want to think about getting their 175x print server, this way you can also scan over the network. If you don't have a multi-function, any USB or parallel to ethernet print server should work.

 

I do have and HP multifunction and noticed that thr Linksys WPS54G would not work with a multifunction printer. Is the HP print server mentioned above the only option I would have? My printer cost me like $100 and paying $130 for this server doesn't seem to make sense. Is there another multifunction printer availbile that I wouldn't have to buy the print server?

 

You will find that most print servers only support printing. The only way to have a full functional MF unit is to buy one that has a network card built in. That is the only way to get the needed drives that work.

The HP unit can be had normally around $75 on ebay. Not sure if it will give you full support, print only.

You can buy a network laser for around $130

Or print to a file then print when you connect to it.

 

I was looking at a Netgear PS121 and it says my printer is compatible with it. Are you saying that I will only be able to print using that, and not be able to scan from the scanner to my computer?

 

Need to confirm that it supports scan function. Have not seen any that do, read the specs real close.

 

I e-mailed HP sales and specifically asked which of their print servers would enable both network printing and scanning with the LaserJet 3380 that I have. For a home setting they suggested the 175x.

 

I can't see paying $130 for that, when you can get an HP 5130 All-in-one for $159

 

understandable... really it's intended for a network with high-output laser printers and such.