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    Wireless on a budget

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by 77yrold, Aug 21, 2010.

  1. 77yrold

    77yrold Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thinking about what I would have to do to go wireless. Willing to switch from ATT Yahoo DSL and this unit fits my budget
    Acer ASPIRE ONE AO532H-2254
    Intel Atom N450 1.66GHz Processor, 1024MB DDR2, 160GB HD, 10.1" WSVGA, 6-Cell Battery, Webcam, 5-in-1 Memory Card Reader, Windows 7 Starter
    Can someone tell me what I would have to add to that unit and should or could I stay where I am with IP.
    I have tried tethering with what I have and while $30 extra is not much the process does not deliver much.
    Please advise in language an almost 80 yr old can understand. And thanks
     
    77yrold, Aug 21, 2010
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  2. RWUK

    RWUK Notebook Evangelist

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    If you have DSL service in your house (yes you can stay with your current provider unless you want to shop around for a better priced service package) and you buy the Acer laptop, you will still need a wireless router to transmit the signal from the DSL modem through the air and to your computer. The Acer will have a wireless reciever card built in so the only missing link would be the router.

    A router ranges in price from about $30 to $130 right now for the (yes, arguably) top consumer model out (Netgear WNDR3700) but for base budget simple home wireless uses, you will want single band 802.11g transmission protocol. The router will broadcast its signal on 2.24 Gigahertz (kinda like a cordless phone) and this will be more than enough for the Asus.

    802.11n is the newest standard which is faster but adds cost to the router. I recently bought an dual band 'n' router (it transmits on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz) so I didn't research current single band g models. However, Linksys is one of the top brands out for wireless routers. They tailor their equipment and software for simple installation by those who may not be in the know or care about the latest technology and features. Any Bestbuy or Staples would carry something suitable for you. The Linksys WRT54G is the workhorse router of the g band days, I've used one for over 8 years. Reliable, simple, shouldn't cost more than $50 now.

    Hope that helps a bit.
     
    RWUK, Aug 21, 2010
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