How to set up a home wireless network?

Question

I want to set up a wireless network in my home. I have 2 laptops with wireless capability and 2 PC's. What hardware do I need to buy and what settings do I have to set in WinXP to make it all work? Also, in case the signal is weak or nonexistent far away from the 'transmitter' how can I solve that? Thanks.

acidshadow · Answer

sorry I forgot about the laptops... you said they already have wireless built in..... WIFI,  or an actual wirless nic? Generaly you would use a pcmcia card.

acidshadow · Answer

Well of course you will need wireless cards for all of the computer and a wireless access point. Usually a wireless router. There is not a whole lot to configure. Once you have everything installed the computers should detect the wireless ap and then you will just have to set up what types of things need to be shared (files etc.).

acidshadow · Answer

To make things easy you can also use the wireless network setup wizard from the control panel

alegator · Answer

Thanks acid. The laptops are Sony VAIO with built in wireless. The PC's need the wireless network cards. Also a wireless router. One of the PC's has cablemodem broadband. Will the router make the internet connection available to all computers in the network? Also, in case the signal is weak, can I use a repeater? What brand/model do you suggest for all these hardware components needed? Thanks.

acidshadow · Answer

I am a big fan of linksys products http://www.linksys.com/   Yes.. you will be able to run your broadband connection into the router and share it among the network. The idea with the repeateer should work. I found this on  the Microsoft site...it might help you out a little. http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesstips.mspx

alegator · Answer

Thanks Acid, that Microsoft article is very explanatory.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

How to set up a home wireless network?

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