What hardware do I need?

Question

I have 3 Dells I'm trying to network. 2 desktops and 1 laptop. The desktops are a Dimension 4400, a Dimension 2400 and a laptop Insprion 5150 all with XP. I ordered one router, one usb adaptor and 1 pci card. Do I need anything else? Do I need another usb adaptor for the host computer? I'm assuming the host computer works off the router, but I usually assume wrong... LOL

I'd appreciate the advice.

Thanks!

Angel Incognito · Answer

Well, one desktop is down the hall from the other --- the better pc will be the "host". I just need to know, I guess, if the host computer needs an adaptor too or not. Or if it just connects to the router. I'm assuming is just connects to the router, otherwise I need to order another adaptor.

I know I'm not explaining right, lol.......

mrdat · Answer

Depending on how you are setting it up... Here is my guess, but it might be wrong:

Your Desktops are right next to the router so you would connect them via Network Cable directly to the router.. .then your Laptop would be wirless, right?

If not, then the Desktops would need either a PCI or USB wireless card also.

mrdat · Answer

What do you mean by HOST? Hosting the other systems to the internet? The Wireless Router will be the Router/Gateway/Host to the internet.

Angel Incognito · Answer

ohhh, I see --- yeah, I'm a dunce when it comes to networking! lol   thanks for the info!

mrdat · Answer

No problem... just dont hurt yourself! :)

Yodadoggy · Answer

Angel,

I understand what you're saying, i'm kind of in the same boat.

Your host computer is the one currently connected to the internet via cable (RJ45) used in typical wired networks. Your wireless router (with antenna) should be connected to it directly via cable. The other PCs need the wireless lan card adapter either via USB, PCI or PCMCIA.

I am going to connect a desktop with another plus a laptop all wireless and will consider hard wiring another via cable. I am waiting for my equipment, but expect install by next week.

I am curious about placement of my router in relation to each of these PCs.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW IT GOES!! GOOD LUCK AND THANKS!

Angel Incognito · Answer

So can I do this: cable internet to router router to one desktop via RJ45 wire Then, router to other PC via usb wireless adapter And, router to laptop via pci card?

mrdat · Answer

A router is any device connecting multiple network together.. in most home cases, it's the Cable Providors network to your own network. This can be a Hardwire Router like a Cisco, Netgear, linksys, etc router... or a System/Software router like a Dual Nic Linux or Windows based Computer system. The easies is a hardware router. The HW router does have dual (or more) ports. One for the internet (usually called WAN) and another (1 or more ports) called LAN.....

mrdat · Answer

I'm sorry, but that is incorrect. The DSL/Cable modem connects to the wireless router... the wireless router then connects to all the PCs (via RJ45/Cat5 cables or wirelessly)

Angel Incognito · Answer

Thanks for all the info....... I appreciate your taking the time to help out a true novice.

Yodadoggy · Answer

Yeah, that's what I meant  ;-)

Angel Incognito · Answer

Yeah, I'm BAD at networking --- usually I'm the wiz computer-wise, but for some reason networking just eludes me.

My assumption was that the router would essentially BE the adaptor for one computer and then I'd only need one wireless adaptor for the other pc and the pci card for the laptop. Follow?

I know I'm not making my self clear --- but I know what I mean. LOL

mrdat · Answer

I do not have the time right now to do a sample network set up in Visio, as I should be writing a paper for school, but I will create that picture later to show you a sample setup.. maybe the one I have at home.

Angel Incognito · Answer

ROFL --- I'll try not to! LOL

mrdat · Answer

How about these Plums... or were they apples?

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

What hardware do I need?

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