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Setting up wireless laptop but wired desktop
Hello. I recently purchased two computers. A Dell desktop E510 and a Dell Laptop B130. I also purchased a Linksys Wireless WRT54GX2 with SRX 200 Broadband Router, but have not installed it yet. I connect to the internet currently via a Cable Ethernet Connection Modem via my desktop. I haven't connected to the internet yet on my Laptop as I JUST got it.
I want to set up my Laptop to be wireless. I hear that it is good to keep one computer wired if possible. Is that correct? Is it a good idea to keep my desktop wired and have the laptop wireless?
I really do not need to have my desktop wirelessly connected to the internet, however I wouldn't mind being able to share files between the desktop and laptop. Does the desktop would have to be set up wirelessly to share files with the laptop?
If I decide to have my desktop stay wired and my Laptop wireless, can someone please explain to me how the cables are supposed to be connected? Right now my desktop is plugged into my cable modem via an ethernet port. There is only one ethernet port on my modem. Now, the Linksys router says the internet cable has to go into the router internet ethernet port. Of course, if I do that then the desktop won't be connected to the internet. Do I just plug another ethernet cable from the desktop into one of the other ports on my router? Will that work without it being considered wireless...I mean will that be a wired connection?
When I go to set up my Laptop wireless do I have to connect it to the internet first via the cable ethernet connection or do I have to just plug it into the port on the Router.
Thanks in advance. I really appreciate the help as I am brand new to setting up a wireless connection.
Message Edited by summerishere on 04-14-200601:15 PM
_Paladin
795 Posts
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April 14th, 2006 17:00
summerishere,
First, take that router back and get a plain Linksys WRT54G, you wasted your money. That router uses SRX technology and the only way to get the SRX speed improvements is to use SRX wireless adapters in the PCs. The B130 with it's onboard wireless adapter is not compatible with the WRT54GX2 for anything faster than 54Mbps, the 802.11g standard. You may get slight range improvements with the WRT54GX2, but they would be slight.
Look at the installation manual that comes with the router. It's a .pdf file on the install CD. The modem connects to the router's WAN (or internet) port using an ethernet cable. The wired desktop will connect to one of the router's LAN ports. There are 4 available. The laptop will connect wirelessly. Since both PCs are connecting to the same router they will participate in the same network and will be able to share the internet connection and perform File and Printer Sharing. The desktop does not need to be wireless.
It's a good idea to have one PC connected to the router wired. All manufacturers require firmware updates be installed over a wired connection. And you need a wired connection to configure and troubleshoot the wireless part of the router.
To connect the router, power off everything. Connect the router to the modem and the desktop to the router. Turn on the modem and let it synchronize with the ISP - a minute or two. Then turn on the router and let it synchronize with the modem. Finally turn on the desktop. Once that all works move on to the wireless laptop.
_Paladin
795 Posts
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April 14th, 2006 18:00
summerishere,
"When I go to set up the laptop wirelessly, will I have to use an ethernet cable to plug it into the router until it recognizes the connection..." -- No. The software controlling the wireless network adpater in the laptop has the capability to scan for available wireless networks and you will be able to select which one you want to connect to. There will be your own network and perhaps some other neighboring networks. Simply select your network and tell the software to connect. The wireless connection will be established and you will be able to open a web browser and surf the internet. No wires.
summerishere
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April 14th, 2006 18:00
steven troise
774 Posts
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April 14th, 2006 21:00