Clueless about wireless!

Question

I want to begin this post by saying that I am completely new to wireless internet, networks, DSL, etc. etc. I have been dialing up for several years and am finding it difficult to make the transition. So I would like to thank you in advance for all your help as it is greatly needed.   We have 3 laptops at home, 1 Inspiron 1150, one Latitude D505 and one Compaq Presario. For years we have been dialing up and have just switched to SBC Yahoo! DSL. I have hooked up one of our Laptops to the DSL system with a 2Wire brand modem? and a yellow ethernet wire. Now I want to go wireless with the two other systems (all three perhaps, if it is possible, we also have a desktop) but I have no idea how to do it.   I called SBC, and the customer service reps weren't able to help me, and didn't seem very knowledgeable, they did however suggest that I purchase a wireless router. All three of the laptops come equipped with the stock internal wireless card, but I'm not sure if I have to purchase anything additional.   What kind of router should I purchase, and what are the next steps I should take? I can provide pics, or any other information you need regarding specs, etc. Thanks for your help, I sincerely appreciate it!

JAnim · Answer

I know its only been a day, but please help!!

Simmerheli · Answer

JAnim:   Just saw your post. You will need a wireless router. Everyone has their favorite. The one we use (and have been very satisfied with) is  the Linksys WRT54G  (This is a 4-port router that contains a hardware firewall). You can find this for about $50 bucks ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124010). This router supports both b and g protocols. You'll need to ensure that the wireless cards in your laptops support at least b or g (preferably both). I'd recomend that you use g.   You'll connect your DSL modem to the wall phone jack as usual. Connect the a CAT-5, RJ-45 (Yellow ethernet cable) from the modem to the Internet port on the back of the router. Then connect a second CAT-5, RJ-45 cable from one of the ports (say port 1 on the back of the router) to the laptop you have connected now. At this point you will need to configure the router according to the instructions that come with the router. Once condigured, your wireless capabilities are ready and willing. You should be able to connect with any of your other 2 laptops.   Read info available on the Linksys site ( http://www.linksys.com/) (access the Learning Center tab) to find out about topics like: 1) SSID 2) Encryption   I recomend that once you get your wireless connections up and running, that you enable encryption (128 bit) and disable broadcasting your SSID.  This should make your wireless setup more secure.   If you have any more questions, please feel free to ping us here. We can walk you thru more detailed info if you need it.   -Mike   Message Edited by Simmerheli on 07-04-2005 01:47 PM Message Edited by Simmerheli on 07-15-2005 02:19 PM

rhohl · Answer

Mike:
You should be very proud of your answer about hooking up a wireless router. It was very complete and easy to understand. Most people who answer questions induce more questions than they answer. There is a lot of assuming that someone else knows what you are talking when they are clueless. When you explained the color of the color of the ethernet cable as yellow it probably meant a lot more than CAT 5, RJ 45.
Good Job.

Simmerheli · Answer

Thanks rhohl: Your kind comments mean alot !   :-) Thank you. -Mike

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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