Need to know how to go wireless!

Question

I recently purchased an Inspiron 8600 notebook for my daughter along with the TrueMobile 2300 router. I currently have two Dell Dimension desktops that are connected to a broadband internet connection via a wired router. One is a Dell XPS 350 running Windows 98; the other is a Dell Dimension 8100 running Windows ME.

What I need to know is this: How do I get all three of these computers to connect to the internet using the new wireless router? What do I need to get for the desktops to make it work?

Thanks for any help.

WillowFaery · Answer

If they didnt come with Wireless cards, the desktops will need a usb 1300 wireless card or another compatible card, the Portable may have come with an internal 1350 wireless card, or another compatible card. You can check to see if they came equipped with these cards in device manager, they would be listed under the Network Adapters and they will say specifically wireless so you know which is which. If you dont have the cards you will need to contact Sales, or Spare parts and purchase them.

Once you have the cards, your router should be hardwired directly to your modem or internet connection and assuming you have everything configured correctly you should be able to attach all of the computers wirelessly to the router and out to the internet with little fuss. They should all be able to use the router at the same time and share the internet connection.

Dell does have a Wireless Support Queue, if you get stuck anywhere... or just post back. If I didnt answer something let me know.. I tend to ramble. *smiles*

Mary G · Answer

Is there a reason for wireless for the desktops? Most wireless routers have ethernet ports to connect ethernet wired computers. You can mix wired & wireless. Just change the wired router for the new wireless one and connect the same ethernet cables to the wireless router's ethernet ports.

micgoo · Answer

OK, this is where I was getting confused. I don't care if my two desktops remain wired. But I didn't know if I could use both the wireless router and the regular wired one that already exists between the two. I want the wireless one for the notebook, but I don't really understand how to use both routers and make everything work. Believe me, I spent most of last night and into the morning trying to do so!!! Thanks in advance for any more advice!

Mary G · Answer

No you don't use the old router at all. Just replace the old router with the wireless one and plug in the 2 destops to 2 of the 4 wired ports. The new router can be used with ethernet and/or wireless. The modem goes into the modem port. Follow the directions that came with the router to set up the network.   www.practicallynetworked.com has good info. Lots more help in Windows Help and online.

micgoo · Answer

But do I need theUSB adapters for each of the desktops or not?

volcano11 · Answer

What kind of USB adapters are you talking about here?  Are they USB wireless adapters?  USB ethernet adapters?  You haven't made it clear how these 'USB adapters' play into your network setup. Steve

Midnight Star · Answer

@Mary G wrote:

Is there a reason for wireless for the desktops?

That's a good question. I have one computer direct connect to configure my router. My laptop is wireless and when I buy my son his desktop computer, i'll put a wireless card in it as well. It'll make connecting to the internet that much easier for computers located all over the house.

Mike.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Need to know how to go wireless!

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