Multi Computers And A Bit Of Confusion Re 'wireless Modem'

Further to the massive changes around here (gentle smile and sigh) ... there will soon be 9 computers in total in this house.

Have spoken with our Telus service internet provider but would appreciate some input from here, if possible.

1. I have my own 'box' and DSL 'modem' hardwired - and use a desktop.
To provide internet connection to one boy (gamer) who will have bedroom on same level of house as our suite, will let him use my hookup via wireless card.

Question: May I confirm the wireless card will provide him with the same speed I have, please? ... and do I have to do something with my computer/modem so only he can use by 'band width' and not neighbours far and wide?

2. The remaining 7 computers will be used upstairs - I think it's one desktop and rest are laptops and from the people using these, two are gamers. Telus will only permit one hardwired thing in the wall for internet connection ...

Questions:
a) Does something have to actually be plugged into the hardwired thing in the wall for all their wireless connections to work?

B) The Telus lady said something about a "dual modem" is better than a regular modem ... aaargh, yup, I'm confused.

c) The Telus internet connection has been upgraded to their fastest choice ... but is there anything else we should perhaps consider to improve computer use, please?

Thanks so much once again.

 

Hi Mara. I think you would definately need a dual Modem/Router like this one for so many computers.
http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/254496,netgear-n600-dual-band-modem-router-brings-blistering-speed-to-gamers.aspx
I would think you being on DSL everyone will suffer from low download speeds.

What is your speed at the moment?
Test here:
http://www.speedtest.net/

 

My computer ... that will have only 1 wireless gamer sharing:

Ping: 20ms
Download speed: 24.03 Mbps
Upload Speed: 2.67


Other computer upstairs that was plugged into the wall 'hard connect' thing yesterday:

Ping: 10 ms
Download speed: 26 Mbps
Upload Speed: 2

And, shouldn't they be the same 'ping' as we both have same Telus internet server and both have the highest speed Telus offers, even if on different phone lines?

 

Just had another look at that modem you found, Doug ... looks like that or a similar one will be ideal ... I'll print the details from it off - thanks again!

My computer down here will be secure even with another person in the house using wireless connection to it, as long as I don't give out a password to use it or something?

 

Hi Mara, Another solution would be for you to get a second Phone line installed.

Taking the $299 or whatever for the new modem off the line install would be what I would consider.

That way the others will then have a second modem/router and this won't affect your download speed whatsoever.

Let them take out a contract, pay for theirs and you for yours. I think that makes a lot of sense.

I can visualize a lot of headaches try to pull 9 computers off 1 dsl line, and children complaining they can't play games properly.

 

How right you are, I'm sure, Doug.

Telus allows only the two lines we have in the house already ... one is ours solely for our own self-contained suite ... and the other is our daughter's solely for her area of the house (which she pays for).

This may sound a tad odd, but please bear with me ...

a) The one grandchild who how has his bedroom on the same level as our suite - he's the one who will be using a wireless card to use our computer plug-in connection/modem combination.

Because I too can foresee so many ways with the remaining 7 computers all competing to use the other telephone line internet connection ...

b Am considering letting only other grandchild (his bedroom is upstairs) also use our computer plug-in connection/modem if we can get his computer fixed so he too has a wireless card.

Question: Based on the 'ping'/upload/download speeds, it is feasible to have my computer and two other computers all running off my internet connection?

 

Yes that would work well and based on your Net speed, there should be no problems.

I run 3 computers all the time off my modem/router.

 

You need to conform with your ISP that the box thing you mention is either a Modem or a modem/router. If you pull the model number from the back we can help you determine that.

If you are sharing a modem/router the security key (passphrase/password) will be universal for that router. The only way to provide internal security is to password protect each computer separately.

Otherwise I agree with DSTM. You can get your setup to work but you are not getting sufficient broadband to just let everyone play games, etc. at the same time. If your ISP cannot upgrade your speed (and with a DSL connection it probably cannot do much) you may need to get a separate contract. I don't think the quality of the router is the real issue in this case. It will not increase the capability of the connection which is set by the provider.

 

Thanks Doug - I have no problem at all letting both grandson's (but only my grandsons as this house is going to be crawling with computers soon) computers run off my computer using wireless cards - and doing so will make things easier for everyone, at least I hope so. I appreciate your help as I've never been involved with wireless connections to my computer before and was a tad baffled.

I'm stuck in a contract with Telus for another two years (we get our telephone, television connection and computer connection in a 'package') ... and about internet connection speeds, their site says, "
TELUS Internet is always fast because it’s never shared: a dedicated line to your home means your speed never fluctuates even when all your neighbours are online" - and we do have their fastest option, their "Hi-Speed Turbo 25".

BeeCeeBee - on the back is a lot of data and also this, which I hope is the model number: Actiontec VL000H

And on the front of the tower (which is rented from Telus and part of the 'package'), it says:

Power
DSL
WAN Ethernet
Internet
LAN Ethernet
HPNA
USB
Wireless
WiFi PROTECTED SETUP

 

This below part, although it shows if I open 'edit' for post above, refuses to show itself in the post itself ... so am just trying again ...

And on the front of the tower ...
Power
DSL
WAN Ethernet
Internet
LAN Ethernet
HPNA
USB
Wireless
WiFi PROTECTED SETUP

 

Just to clarify things for myself, please ...

a) The 'modem' thing I have that's plugged into the wall connection (details of it are in above two posts) will be okay to retain without switching to a 'dual' modem - at least for right now.

b And since I can't upgrade the broadband any further ...the three of us will have to cope with the slower speed if the two boys are gaming at the same time.

c) And once I figure out to to set the 'controls' on both their computers regarding wireless connection, my broadband will then be safe from other users?

 

The wireless network is set in the router with an SSID which is nothing more than a "name" for the network and a key (WPA or WEP) that secures the nework from intruders.

 

The link below Mara will download a PDF file pertaining to your Modem/Router. It explains via text and pictures how to connect a wireless enabled computer to the internet. Wireless enabled means either a computer that already has a wireless card inside, (such as most laptops) or a computer that has a USB wireless adaptor/dongle plugged into it and installed.

http://telus.com/con...tec_windows.pdf

To read the PDF you need to have a PDF reader installed on your computer, such as Adobe reader, or maybe Foxit Reader. Foxit reader is my favourite one, and can be downloaded for free using the link below.

http://download.cnet...4-10313206.html

Note: When downloading from CNET don't forget to uncheck/untick boxes that offer toolbars, browsers, etc.

 

Thanks for explaining, BeeCeeBee and that link is perfect, Frank - a step by step of how to do it! Gracious, I couldn't for the life of me find the section at Telus to explain things and ta da, you found it - yes, this is going to be perfect - wahooo!

Am hoping to venture out today to pick up the 'wireless adapter' for the youngest grandsons computer and once they are both hooked up, crisis averted!

Thank you so very much Doug, Frank and BeeCeeBee - your help is wonderful!