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rbcford · Feb 8, 2006, 09:31 PM

Finally got rid of dial up!

DSL is great, but I still have to run a wire across the living room!

How do I go wireless with a router? Is it expensive? Will I be able to connect to the same modem with more than one computer? Does a little antennae plug into the computer?

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

phillysteakandcheese · Feb 8, 2006, 09:53 PM

This TIME magazine article has a brief intro: http://www.time.com/time/techtime/200305/story.html

I recommend the Linksys Learn Center. They have a whole whack of very good info about home wireless networking. http://www.linksys.com/

ScottGem · Feb 9, 2006, 07:36 AM

Wireless routers have come way down. You can get one for under $50. Many new laptops have wireless built in. If yours does, then you won't need to have an antenna sticking out. Otherwise you will need to add a wireless adapter to the system.

A wirlesss router is actually 3 devices in one. It will route data from your Internet carrier to your local LAN. It will include a switch (usually 4 ports) to add wired devices. It will handle communications between your wireless devices and the router. So it will allow you to share the Internet and communicate between devices on the LAN.

fredg · Feb 9, 2006, 10:45 AM

Hi,
Unless you want to try setting all this up yourself, I would call a reputable computer repair store in your local area. Ask them what they will charge to set it up for you. Best of luck.

ScottGem · Feb 9, 2006, 11:41 AM

Setting up a wireless network is not very difficult (to most people). It would probably cost about $100 to have someone come in and set it up for you. The instructions with the equipment are usually pretty good and most of the manufacturers offer tool free 24/7 support. Linksys support is particularly good.

I would definitely give it a shot on your own before spending money on it.

fredg · Feb 9, 2006, 01:42 PM

Hi, again,
If you do wish to try setting this up yourself, here is a link with some good information, with what you will need, and how to set it up:
http://www.windowsdevcenter.com/pub/...nnoy2_ch07_05/
Scroll down to the heading "Setting up a Wireless Router".
Again, the only way to know the cost of a Computer Tech setting it all up for you would be to call a local Computer Repair/Sales store of shop near you.
I do wish you the best.

ScottGem · Feb 9, 2006, 02:07 PM

There is good info in the link Fred gave you, but I do have some quibbles. It refers to not using the software that comes with the router. In my experience most routers DO NOT come with software. Any configuration is done in the WEB based configuration utility. It also is an exceprt from a book so it not complete. There are frequently differences in the config from different manufacturers. So a general tutorial might not be that helpful.

Your best bet is to follow the instructions provided with the router and call on the manufacturer's tech support if you hit a snag.

By the way the pricing I quoted was based on pricing at Best Buy, Circuit City and CompUSA. All national chains.