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    Setting up connected desktop and laptop to wirelessly using single cable internet connection?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Gymway, Jul 3, 2007.

  1. Gymway

    Gymway Notebook Guru

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    I have a desktop PC at home that is directly connected to a Surfboard cable modem using Atlantic Broadband internet. I also have a Dell D600 laptop with integrated IEEE 802.11b wireless. I would like to set this up so I can use my Desktop PC physically connected to cable connection for internet, but also be able to use my laptop wirelessly around the house off the same cable connection. I'm wanting to know what type of equipment I'll need, and how I would go about setting up the PC non-wireless, and the laptop wireless using my cable internet connection. Thanks!
     
  2. INCSlayer

    INCSlayer Notebook Consultant

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    a simple wireless router would do
     
  3. paperkut

    paperkut Notebook Consultant

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    Do you have a wireless adapter on the desktop? If so you can create an 'ad-hoc' network. Then you bridge the adhoc connection with the cable connection and you're set.

    How to create an adhoc network: http://www.cs.washington.edu/research/edtech/presenter/doc/adhoc.html

    If you don't have a wireless adapter, you could just go out and buy a wireless router. Plug the cable connection from the modem into the router's WAN, and the PC into one of the router's LAN ports. The laptop can wirelessly connect to the router.
     
  4. INCSlayer

    INCSlayer Notebook Consultant

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  5. Gymway

    Gymway Notebook Guru

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    The laptop has integrated .b, not .g Will a .g router be backwards compatible?
     
  6. paperkut

    paperkut Notebook Consultant

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    Yup, .b clients can connect to .g routers and vice versa if im not mistaken. BTW, I'd recommend a Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 - great router and theres alot you can do with it.
     
  7. Gymway

    Gymway Notebook Guru

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    I wont need one of those "cards"? has a slot for one, but specs say it has integrated.
     
  8. paperkut

    paperkut Notebook Consultant

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    Well, go into your control panel and see if you have 'Wireless network connection'. Or just look at your laptop specs and if it says something like Wireless b integrated. If its there, then yeah you have it (try searching for existing wireless networks in your area). If you don't, you could buy one of those pcmcia cards or get an external usb wireless adapter.
     
  9. Gymway

    Gymway Notebook Guru

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    i was able to pick up a wireless signal last night outside the house, so Im assuming its integrated :p