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
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blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso
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?
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blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso
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?
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blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso
Need to confirm that it supports scan function. Have not seen any that do, read the specs real close.
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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.
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I can't see paying $130 for that, when you can get an HP 5130 All-in-one for $159
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understandable... really it's intended for a network with high-output laser printers and such.
Going wireless, need help
Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Rob #4, Dec 8, 2006.