Desktop, laptop and Linksys

Hi everyone, I bought the compaq v2710 today, which has 54g™ 802.11b/g WLAN with 125HSM / SpeedBooster support and have a desktop as well. I'm thinking of buying the Linksys WRT54G. I've read the many posts here and I think I understand how to set up a wireless home network but would like to clarify some things please.

My desktop is currently plugged into my modem and doesn't have any wireless capabilities. If I buy the Linksys router, I'll plug the ethernet cable from the modem into the router (removing it from the desktop). Can I then plug another ethernet cable from the desktop to the router? So that I will have the desktop and the modem plugged into the router while the laptop will have wireless access via its internal wireless card? Is this correct? or do I need to buy a usb wireless adapter for my desktop? If not, does the linksys come with an ethernet cable or do I have to buy another one?

Also, how can I tell what version of the Linksys router I'm buying? I keep reading about version 4, 5 and 6. This is the one I'm thinking of getting: http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?webid=511830&catIds=,&affixedcode=WW

Thanks in advance for reading this and for your help.

 

yep thats a great router and yes you are correct. you will plug the modem into the router and the router into your desktop through a cat 5e cable. I believe that my router came with a short ethernet cable. (same model) dont worry about the versions...when you get the router however make sure you update the firmware.

 

Thanks Aivyn!

 

Just to warn you that in ym own experience the linksys wry54g is an awfull router and it needs resetting constantly - it just couldnt deal with 4 people on it. And i know im not the only one that has had problems with this specific router.

I'd recommend getting a netgear - can't fault that make, worked perfectly with heavy traffic (and being on constantly) for 12 months.

 

For the 125 you need the SpeedBoost model WRT54GS.

 

Uh oh, I already ordered the regular linksys WRT54G. Will it still work with my laptop? Is the only reason to order the WRT54GS to take advantage of the speedbooster support in the laptop? Thanks for your help.

 

The WRT54GS is supposed to yield higher speeds when used with a 125 rate card, but the WRT54G will work fine for you. You just won't be able to reach 125.

 

Phew, Thanks Smashy!

 

CompUSA Netgear 54Mbps Wireless Travel router (WGR101NA) is FREE AR until Sept 3!

 

This is helpful info (along with Nick's sticky topic). I have a related question (not trying to hijack the thread) on getting a wireless setup for my notebook at home.

1. I share DSL with landlord (DSL is in their name and the DSL modem/router is in their house with a cable from the router to my house).
2. I plug the DSL modem/router cable into my RJ45 jack on my desktop.
3. I'd like to have a wireless setup for my use.

With this info and using the steps above, can I attach a wireless router to my end of the DSL cable, still have my PC wired to the DSL, and have wireless to the notebook? I've been unplugging the DSL from the PC and plugging into the NB (and vice versa) to have internet, but it's a pain.

If it's possible how would I do this? Plug DSL cable into wireless router, another cable from that wireless router to my PC, and setup wireless?

The notebook is a Compaq Presario 2710us and has wireless setup on it.

Thanks for any advice and help.

Brent

 

You can, but two levels of NAT redirection can be hairy sometimes. If you're just surfing the web and getting email, it should work alright just doing what you said. Just make sure your router is giving addresses such as 192.168.2.X instead of the standard 192.168.1.X or whatever addresses your landlord's router is giving out, because then you'll get all kinds of fun routing issues.

 

Thanks for the info. IIt would just be for web/email on the laptop and intermittent. So, I may give it a shot if I can find a good deal on a wireless router.

Brent