Excuse my ignorance

Question

I was wondering if I could install a wireless off of a hard wired router. I just bought an Inspirion laptop and it has a 1450 wireless card in it. I currently have a hardwired linksys router. What do I need to do to get my laptop to run wireless while my 2 other desktops run wired? Thanks.                Tommy

Steve 3073 · Answer

You will need a Wireless Access Point. Steve

NemesisDB · Answer

what steve said is one option, but true wireless access points are relatively expensive (150 or so). do you have any particular attachment to your current router? wireless routers that sell for as little as $20 will include a four port ethernet switch as well.

the most cost effective option if you really want to keep your current router might be to buy another wireless router and run it in access port mode -- you can do this buy connecting the LAN ports on each router to each other and turning the wireless router's DHCP server off.

NemesisDB · Answer

comcast can't tell what kind of router you have plugged in. you only need one IP address from comcast -- your wireless router will grab that address. here's what to do:

buy a $20-$50 wireless router ... disconnect and get rid of your current router. power off your cable modem. power up the wireless router and connect your two wired machines to it. power up the cable modem and connect it to the wireless router. use one of the wired computers to configure the wireless setup of your router.

Tommy Tune · Answer

I have one other computer hooked up to my router but nothing else. The router that I'm using has 4 ports. Two are in use. This laptop would be the 3rd computer in this household. So, let me get this straight. I'd need a wireless router and I can attach that to the current wired router that I have? Will I need another account from Comcast? I want to do this wituout involving another IP address and spending another $30 a month.

Message Edited by Tommy Tune on 03-30-2005 07:13 PM

Message Edited by Tommy Tune on 03-30-2005 07:14 PM

johnallg · Answer

Wireless routers have 4 wired ports and also wireless capability to handle a total between wired and wireless of 253 computers.  Replace the wired router with a wireless.

Tommy Tune · Answer

I tried a wireless once and took it back. It seemed that Comcast said that I needed an additional IP address for the other computer and that it would cost me an additional service fee. They also told me that if I hard wired it, it would cost me no additional money. So, I just hard wired it. I'm not too techy. That's why I'm trying to figure out my best option.

Tommy Tune · Answer

PS.........thanks for everyone's help. I'm pretty green when it comes to setting these things up. I appreciate it.

Tommy Tune · Answer

Will this work? You can't beat free. LOL. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=589855&sku=D700-2206%20P

Tommy Tune · Answer

Can you give me a recommendation of what router to buy? Will the instructions walk me through the setup?

johnallg · Answer

I got one of those for my daughter's apt. with DSL - they work great. The manual will walk you through step by step to set it up. Then read the forum for wireless security for ideas to protect your wireless network from intrusion.

You're right - the price is decent. :smileyvery-happy:

[Edit] DOH!! I didn't see it was the 514 (b) - she has a 524 (g), which Best Buy has for $20 after rebates this week. I have a D-Link DI-614+ and am very happy with that also. We use a 514 here at work with success.

Message Edited by johnallg on 03-31-2005 04:23 PM

NemesisDB · Answer

i had a rev A of that model for 2years before upgrading to something that supporting 802.11g.  it's a decent piece of equipment

Tommy Tune · Answer

As long as it works, I'll be happy. Thank you all. I appreciate the help

keishace · Answer

i have a new dell inspirion 700m notebook.   when i go into Panera Bread to use the WI-FI it will say 'connected', but my inernet page would say 'page can not be displayed'.  it work the first day that i got it but havent since.  i dont understand how it could be connected to the wireless internet, but wont display the website.  please help!

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Excuse my ignorance

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