Wireless Home Network

[Catman]

Hello,

I have a pretty simple home network that consists of an external dsl modem and single port linkys router and a 4 port hub. It works great but Ive come to a point where I want to get rid of the cables so I need to go wireless. I know I need a wireless network card for each computer but Im not sure what else I need. I see so much stuff out there. I want to try to keep this inexpensive. Do I just need a wireless router or do I need an access point? I want to keep my external dsl modem. Im just not sure what I need to buy here. Dsl sharing is important. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Catman

[Greenstead]

Hmm...you're in the wrong section of the forums, but never mind.

All you need is an Access Point (and the wireless network cards) and plug it into the router (or hub).

But, there is not much price difference between a wireless Access Point and a wireless router/4 port switch. So I would suggest you go for the latter and get the latest gear and dump the old router and hub. You might consider 802.11G instead of B.

[Catman]

My mistake as I am in the wrong forum. Thanks for the reply. One more question. If I get a router with the 4 ports does that mean I can run some wired and some wirelss clients at the same time. Thanks again.

Catman :)

[Greenstead]

Yes, you can run as many wired and wireless PCs together as you care to connect.

Checkout Linksys or D-Link.

[egkor]

... I wanted to extend my 802.11b wireless network signal coverage with a second AP. I already had a separate Access Point (AP) and 4 port router/switch. But locally, the wireless router was $79 USD, while the AP alone was $99!

So I bought the wireless router, am using it in place of the original AP and 4 port router/switch. Then I took my original AP and put it in the location where signal coverage was needed (connected to new wireless router via "Homeplug" ethernet bridges).

You can even buy the wireless router and only use the "AP" portion of it.

Pretty cool stuff, and really inexpensive.

-egkor

[SimonMackay]

What you have done by using HomePlug-Ethernet bridges to connect your extension AP (wireless router in AP mode) to the main Ethernet / wireless network and Internet is you have created a 3-media network (wireless, Ethernet, HomePlug).

This network has 2 wireless "clouds" and what is primarily a HomePlug / Ethernet backbone between the wireless "clouds. You could end up with a 4-media network if you use a HomePNA (phoneline) -Ethernet bridge. This could mean that you have all your bases covered.

It is also worth knowing that Siemens have released a Speedstream 2521 HomePlug - 802.11b wireless access point which is the size of a nightlight and plugs straight into the wall. This innovative design has won praise fron CNet (www.cnet.com) with it becoming an Editor's Choice award. Corinex is also about to release a desktop HomePlug - 802.11b wireless access point. These devices are good for providing "infill" coverage for a wireless LAN without laying extra Ethernet cable.

With regards,

Simon Mackay