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    Not sure what hardware I need to buy.

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Mr. Hollywood, Dec 28, 2005.

  1. Mr. Hollywood

    Mr. Hollywood Notebook Enthusiast

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    Im getting a notebook that does 802.11b/g integrated. I also have a desktop computer that is wired. My apt. complex has it set up so that only one MAC address may be registered per room at any one time. Currently its set to the MAC address of the network card inside the desktop computer. What piece of hardware do I need to buy in order for the wireless notebook and computer can be on at the same time? Would I need to clone the MAC address of the desktop computer so that the apt. complex system would still "think" its just that computer still connected?

    Also I have a tv tuner card in the desktop computer, is there a way to watch tv on the laptop wirelessly?
     
    Mr. Hollywood, Dec 28, 2005
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  2. lmychajluk

    lmychajluk Notebook Evangelist

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    You need a Broadband Router, like the Linksys WRT54G.

    You plug the cable from the wall into the 'uplink' port on the router. It also has a couple of ports for local connections, which you would plug your desktop into. The laptop would connect wirelessly.

    In the router configuration, there is an option to specify the publicly visible MAC address of the router. Just give it the MAC address of the desktop PC (there's actually a button in the router's configuration tool to 'clone' the address of the PC you're sitting at).
     
    lmychajluk, Dec 29, 2005
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  3. Mr. Hollywood

    Mr. Hollywood Notebook Enthusiast

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    Mr. Hollywood, Dec 30, 2005
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  4. lmychajluk

    lmychajluk Notebook Evangelist

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    Probably. I haven't used the D-Link stuff recently, but it should be comparable feature to the Linksys, and from what I hear, D-Links are a little easier to configure.

    However, I've heard of sporadic issues with that particular model. They may have been corrected in the latest firmware (maybe someone else can chime in), but for the extra $15, you may want to go with the DI-624:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833127028
     
    lmychajluk, Dec 30, 2005
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  5. alexjl

    alexjl Notebook Consultant

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    I used to have a DI-524 and the range sucked. It woudlnt allow the desktop in the other room to connect to it. And if that wasnt the problem, it would lose the connection A LOT.

    So I just recently went with a Linksys WRT54GX4. It's more than you want, but it kicks ass. Before I never wanted to touch a Linksys, but for WiFi they make good stuff.

    If I where you I'd consider the WRT54GL if you could afford it. It has fairly good security and runs about $60. eBuyer is cheaper than newegg for this product, so I'll give you both their links.

    This router also has a lot of special firmware options for it, since it's running a Linux kernal.

    http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=231286
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124190
     
    alexjl, Dec 30, 2005
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