Routers ?

HI---Yesterday I heard the word router used by someone who came to use my puta for a min.. Being that I didn't know a thing about them---I Googled it up.

Soooooo--if I had a router ( wireless N series ), could I use a laptop ( don't have one---yet ) in my shop. The shop is about 50' away. That is to say---through the kitchen & then laundry room , then outside to the detatched shop. That would be cool. And I'm pretty sure I could use a laptop in my bedroom & on the deck, on the way to the shop?

I think that a Belkin N series costs around maybee $150 or so? And then there's a new laptop to get

OH WELL---till I know more---no sense to think about it

Any replies greatly apreciated------------------gunnner

 

The short answer is yes you can. Most if not all laptops come already equipped with wireless networking installed. Normally they show it as "WIFI enabled" on the box or display.

Also I don't know if you necessarily need to spend that much money for a router. Wireless N does give you the greatest range but a wireless G from a good good manufacturer should do you just fine at 50'. That being said, if you want to roam your property with laptop in hand then you may want to spring for the "N." Newer wireless Gs claim an indoor range of around 75 yards as a maximum.

In all probability your desktop is not equipped with a wireless card. However there is no need to buy one so long as the router is placed near enough for you to connect to it using your ethernet cable. In all probability your modem only has one outgoing network port. That would connect to the router which usually has sever ports for ethernet cables.

 

HEY BARRY---THANKS FOR THAT---

So are you saying that if I get a laptop that is "WIFI enabled that I don't need a router? Don't completely understand all this----but you are getting me there
So I went to Newegg--didn't see "WIFI" in the specs. on any of ones that I looked at. May it be listed in another way? Or is it only in the more expensive models? I only looked at ones $650 or less.

How about notebooks, do they come with "WIFI" ?
I'm looking at the cheapest way to go, but still want good quality. So I wonder, if ya have a spare min. ,could you go to Newegg and show me one that would be good for me?
THANKS BARRY----You are very helpfull----much appreciated---skip

 

Ok first things first. You will need a router no matter how complex a computer you purchase. The router is what transmits the the "signal" over the air. It attaches to the modem that acquires the data from your ISP by way of a telephone wire or coax cable.

The only exception to that is when you choose to use one of the mobile providers such as Verizon Wireless or ATT. The you attach a usb (or use a built in) 3G card. In that case you get your signal in the same way as a Mobile or Cell phone. That is how blackberrys and iphones work and is highly impractical for general home use.

I am not all that familiar with the quality of netbooks and would prefer to let someone who has one reply. Simply put they are pretty basic laptops used by people who's primary need is to get internet access on the go. I know that some are designed to use the mobile networks and may not actually have a wifi wireless card in them.

If you post a link to what you have been looking at, I or someone will gladly take a look.

 

I think Wireless G may be marginal at 50' through 2 walls - it does depend on the wall construction and what is each side of the wall.

So, for example a wooden bookshelf in the path of the signal is no big deal, a metal storage cupboard may be.

I'd stick with the N standard, and try to get an N standard wireless adapter with your laptop. You only get the benefit of the new standard when both router and wireless adapter are the N standard.

 

I will bow to Hatsoff's expertise on the hardware but if cost is an issue I would give a wireless G a try since they are generally returnable if you keep all the packaging etc. You can get a good one for around $50.00 Once you get it working you can easily walk around and test the range, The downside of that is you will have to set it up twice if there is a range issue. If you can handle the price difference by all means go for the N.

Since all wireless cards are backwards compatible a notebook that will work with N will also work with G. Most new laptops are N compatable but you need to make sure of the specs.

With regard to selecting a laptop or notebook I would strongly urge you to go to a major retailer like Best Buy, Staples or even Walmart and handle them before you buy. Unlike a PC, laptops (unless you order a custom one ) are much more of a what you see is what you get item. You can't really build one and making internal changes is difficult if not impossible. There is nothing wrong with comparing on line prices for specific models but you really should know what you like and want first.

If you have questions about a particular model we can always give you some advice but choosing what you would like for you is difficult.

 

Ok----how about this---puta is next to a window ( windows --see att.) If I put the router next to the window, it would work better---yes ?
[attachment=209:2/9/6/7/257.attach]
However it is not a straight shot to the shop, it sits just alittle below the far corner of the cabin---just a little bit. The shop is out the side window, on the left. Wadda think ???? I can take a photo if ya think it would help.


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OK----thats what I thought---but just wanted to make shure

So now off to Newegg to look at routers & laptops & see just how much this is going COST.
THANKS GUYS----:up:-------------------------------gunnner

 

Difficult to tell really.

Keep the wireless away from your mains cabling, maybe lift it up a little on the window ledge and you may find it works ok.

Try Bee's way, and if the signal is weak, swap to the N standard

 

Considering what you told us about your location in another thread ( http://computerhelpforums.net/219405-post25.html ) you may want to forget the hit or miss and go for the sure thing. My guess is that the G will work fine for you. Just tested mine out. The N is a sure thing.

The most important thing is the computer. Under no circumstances purchase anything that is not N compatible. Returning and upgrading routers is one thing doing the same with a computer is something different altogether.

 

I would like to follow this thread.


Happy new year to all.

 

I wouldn't go with a Belkin, Skip. All I've ever had were problems with them. I have a Linksys which works great! Bought it at BestBuy for $50.

 

Some reading for you Skip,especially the last Paragraph.

http://www.consumersearch.com/wireless-routers/review

 

I tend to agree with older Belkins - they were horrible. I've setup a good few new N standard ones and never had any troubles. Only thing I do with them is set the wireless channel selection to manual rather than Auto and they have worked a treat.

Course I might have got all of the good ones

 

OK DEE WHAT MODEL # DO YOU HAVE? & THE YEAR & ARE YA STLLL USEING IT . :huh:
-----------------SKIP

 

There are people who swear by Linksys and others that swear by Netgrear. Then, as hatsoff has said, the newer Belkins seem to have solved the problems they had. (If you select a Belkin I would stay away from the Wireless G and only get an N which is newer.)

In my opinion (as between Netgear and Linksys) the Linksys probably has the simpler set up software. Still I prefer the Netgear. But if you are concerned about setup, perhaps the linksys will suit you better.

 

I have Netgear,modem/Router,Wired,and I am very happy with Netgear.
Setting up software,took a bit of configuring.
I reboot the Modem every 7 Days,and it maintains download speed.
I have read some Routers restrict download speed.??????
Netgear doesn't.

 

I did not know ROUTERS where hard to set up-----all this info is very confusing ( like this new format----Still waiting for the more "user friendy "to kick in )






As just trin to post this, is quite confusing. So I'm not shure I want to do this. Problems hooking up & $$$$$$ For a new laptop. :huh: At present QUITE lost
------THANKS FOR THE REPLYS--------------------------------gunnner
I

 

None of it is difficult some may just be easier than others. They all come with set up software that takes you through the process and, in your case, you have US