Wireless networking
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50 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 70
I currently share my DSL with my two computers via a wired router. The computers are about 25 feet away from each other on different floors. There is a Microsoft wireless 802.11g router on sale this week ($99CDN, regularly $149CDN) and I am seriously considering buying it, along with a wireless adapter for the other computer.
Some questions:
- what are the factors which will affect the speed of the connection of the computer which has the wireless adapter?
- does the wireless signal pass through walls?
- what is the range of the wireless signals?
- would you recommend it? I am not 100% sure if I should proceed ... after all, I think I will be sticking with two computers and I don't really planning on changing the locations of the computers, and the wires are not *that* intrusive...
I notice that the other brand-name 802.11g routers are similar in price. ie. DLink, Linksys, etc. Would you recommend one of those brands instead? My existing router is a Linksys and I haven't had any trouble with it
Some questions:
- what are the factors which will affect the speed of the connection of the computer which has the wireless adapter?
- does the wireless signal pass through walls?
- what is the range of the wireless signals?
- would you recommend it? I am not 100% sure if I should proceed ... after all, I think I will be sticking with two computers and I don't really planning on changing the locations of the computers, and the wires are not *that* intrusive...
I notice that the other brand-name 802.11g routers are similar in price. ie. DLink, Linksys, etc. Would you recommend one of those brands instead? My existing router is a Linksys and I haven't had any trouble with it
i'm by no means an expert, but are these computers laptops or desktops?
If they're already hardwired....and they're desktops that generally don't move, i wouldn't really bother with wireless. If there's a laptop somewhere in there the wireless can be nice.
I forgot the ranges and stuff, the signal will go thru walls, but the more walls it go's thru the more it will degrade obviously. A lot depends on what the wall/floor is made of. Concrete won't allow signals thru very well!
Wireless vs wired you shouldn't notice a change in speed unless your signal is so weak that it only works half the time thus having to resend information twice over!
Most of these routers shuold have the capability of wireless as well as hardwire so if things don't work out for the computer on another floor, you could keep the wires, and if anyone ever brings a laptop over they can connect wirelessly still.
As far as linksys vs DLink...both very reputable company's. These routers are all fairly similar as well i can't really recommend one brand over another cause they should be near identical. Sometimes some router/modem brands will display whats going on with the device better than others...thats about the only thing that could affect my choosing between the two brands
oh yeah, forgot to mention this before...cordless phones and microwaves will kill wireless connection signals, so don't place either of those devices inbetween the computer and/or the router. I just can't remember if it's the 900mhz phones or the higher frequency ones! someone will know!
If they're already hardwired....and they're desktops that generally don't move, i wouldn't really bother with wireless. If there's a laptop somewhere in there the wireless can be nice.
I forgot the ranges and stuff, the signal will go thru walls, but the more walls it go's thru the more it will degrade obviously. A lot depends on what the wall/floor is made of. Concrete won't allow signals thru very well!
Wireless vs wired you shouldn't notice a change in speed unless your signal is so weak that it only works half the time thus having to resend information twice over!
Most of these routers shuold have the capability of wireless as well as hardwire so if things don't work out for the computer on another floor, you could keep the wires, and if anyone ever brings a laptop over they can connect wirelessly still.
As far as linksys vs DLink...both very reputable company's. These routers are all fairly similar as well i can't really recommend one brand over another cause they should be near identical. Sometimes some router/modem brands will display whats going on with the device better than others...thats about the only thing that could affect my choosing between the two brands
oh yeah, forgot to mention this before...cordless phones and microwaves will kill wireless connection signals, so don't place either of those devices inbetween the computer and/or the router. I just can't remember if it's the 900mhz phones or the higher frequency ones! someone will know!
Guest
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I have a MSI wireless card in my laptop right now, and my home PC is wired into my router (SMP). My router is downstairs, and I only use my laptop upstairs. I have never lost signal, and the speed is everybit as fast as my PC wired directly to the router. The range depends on the manufacturer, they are all different. I have heard the Cicero setup works for blocks. Having used the wireless, I will never go back. I can use my laptop anywhere in house I please, and I have no wires at all unless I am charging the battery.
[ March 27, 2004, 12:23 AM: Message edited by: Kilowatt ]
[ March 27, 2004, 12:23 AM: Message edited by: Kilowatt ]
500 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 924
see now i need somethin like that so i can play my PS2 online...... PC = topfloor PS2 = basement....
but the whole setup will cost me like $200... i dunno if making comments like "your defense is offensive" over a headset is worth the cash lol
but the whole setup will cost me like $200... i dunno if making comments like "your defense is offensive" over a headset is worth the cash lol
Yankee
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,599
- does the wireless signal pass through walls?
YES
- what is the range of the wireless signals?
Probably throughout your house (metal studs are an issue) but even out to a garage or basement is reasonable. In fact this is a security concern because neighbors (etc.) could use your 802.11 signal
- would you recommend it?
Highly, the security issue above is the only problem
YES
- what is the range of the wireless signals?
Probably throughout your house (metal studs are an issue) but even out to a garage or basement is reasonable. In fact this is a security concern because neighbors (etc.) could use your 802.11 signal
- would you recommend it?
Highly, the security issue above is the only problem
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