creating wireless home network

Question

I have a Dimension 4600i desktop. I wish to purchase a Dell laptop to use at home (and elsewhere) and use my home broadband connection. From what I have found, I believe that I can use a USB wireless adapter for the desktop - 802.11g classification, and the laptop will have it's own built-in receiver. I then require a router to send the signals. My questions: Are all new notebooks compatible with USB wireless adapters? Are all wireless adapters compatible with older Dell desktops? (mine). What would I need aside from the above if anything?

volcano11 · Answer

First note that all wireless routers have 4 ethernet connectors that will allow you connect up to 5 computers by wired ethernet in addition to the wirelessly connected computers.  If your desktop computer is within easy reach of the modem and router, then the best solution would be to just connect it to the router with an ethernet connection.  Otherwise, if you really need to connect the desktop by wireless, then any USB wireless network adapter that supports the same protocol as the router will work.   Steve

volcano11 · Answer

I'm not sure you have it right.  First, do you really need to connect the desktop by wireless?  Is it located near the current broadband modem?    The router is connected to the broadband modem by ethernet.  The desktop connects to the router by either ethernet, or, if necessary, by wireless once a USB wireless network adapte is plugged into a USB port on the desktop.   The laptop which already has a wireless adapter, connects by wireless to the router.   Both computers share the broadband internet connection.  Any 802.11b/g router will work.  There is not really any need to get a more expensive router that also does 802.11a.   STeve

BC6152 · Answer

Steve: Thanks for the info. I want to verify the procedure as I am new at this. 1. I purchase a network adapter and plug it into one of the USB ports on the desktop. 2. I purchase a router and plug it into the adapter. The router and adapter must be compatible, i.e. 802.11 b and g, or g only, etc. 3. The laptop is equipped and compatible with the router for all classifications as purchased? 4. Assuming #3 is correct, the laptop should be able to access the internet when activated.   Thanks again for your generosity and time.

volcano11 · Answer

Yes, that is correct.   Steve

BC6152 · Answer

Steve: I did have it incorrect. The broadband connection to my desktop is connected directly to it by cable with modem. So I will now connect the cable/modem  to the router, the router to the desktop, and I should then be able to access the internet with the laptop.

BC6152 · Answer

Thank you very kindly. You have been a big help to me and I am very grateful.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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