Scared of wireless networks!

[Jimjiber]

A friend of mine runs a modest estate agency which has a network consisting 14 PCs running WinXP. One of the PCs is classed as the server and has a NetGear box hanging out the back. It has 16 ports (Cat 5) with a lead going to each PC on the network. Additionally, one lead goes to a network printer (Ricoh CL7000) while another is connected to a broadband router.

First things first, is this NetGear box referred to as a "router", a "hub" or a "switch"?

I really am not as daft as that question may have sounded, honest.

Okay, so the office is being refitted and I suggested that a wireless network may be the way forward. They have some reservations about dropped connections etc. but I said I would look into it. The building is relatively small but set over three floors, so I hope it will not be a problem.

If we do decide to go wireless, I assume we need a wireless network adapter for each of the PCs and some kind of 16-port wireless router/hub/switch (delete as applicable).

Are these expensive? Are they reliable?

I am a bit concerned about fitting a wireless network card into the printer - maybe I should speak to Ricoh. Also, one of the PCs on the network is a laptap.

Oh, and of course the broadband router will need to be wireless won't it?

Sorry for the long post - thanks for reading if you made it this far. Any advice would be gratefully received - I really don't want to bite off more than I can chew!

[Greenstead]

You are biting off quite a lot there. But all feasible given the time and money.

First it should be said wired is always better than wireless. Wireless also has security concerns for a business even tho adequate wireless security measures do now exist. I would suggest you wire where you can (especially to desktops/printer which do not move around) and consider wireless where it is most beneficial, e.g. mobile laptops.

If you decide to use wireless you need a wireless Access Point connected to the network via the 'Netgear box' (it is a switch or a hub - hopefully a switch). You need wireless adapters, USB or PCI or PCMCIA as appropriate. You need WPA encryption for a business. The router does not have to change.

To be frank, if you haven't done wireless before you would be unwise to do it for a business.