Wireless, network, router needs!??

OK, they sent me here from the "what notebook should I buy" forum, and I'm needing some kindergarden guide to purchase the correct stuff for my new laptop.

So, I figure I need a wireless Router, what ever I need to set up the WEP key connection, and anything in addition to that to network my new laptop to my current desktop.

That will be easy to buy, I'm sure. But, my concern is setting up the WEP key connection to keep my wireless safe. Any help you can lend me would be great. No detail will be ignored, because I'm green here today!

Thanks all, Kevin

 

If your networking needs are pretty basic(web browsing, the occasional download, not doing much file sharing or online gaming) then pretty much any wireless router will work for you. There are a few cheap routers to avoid however, the D-Link WBR-1310 and the Linksys WRT54G come to mind. Pretty much any other router should do for what you need.

Am i correct in assuming the router will be located near the desktop, and the desktop will be wired to the router? In which case the provided 6' cable that will come with your router will be enough.

As for setting up you WEP key, you don't actually want to set up a WEP key you want to set up a WPA key. WEP is a horrible attempt at wireless security and can be beaten by someone with the right software in as little as 5 minutes. WPA is set up in the software on the router. Your router will come with a cd which should walk you through the whole set up process. To set up the WPA on your laptop is even simplier, the first time you try and connect it should prompt you for the key. Once it has been entered once you should not have to worry about it again.

 

Thanks. I'll buy one tomorrow, and I'm sure I'll be back to ask more questions, if necessary.

Kevin

 

man, I blew it. I neglected to write down the 2 you mentioned to avoid, and presto I got one! I avoided D-link, but ended up getting the Linksys WRT54GS, not sure if the S makes it any better.

I'll return it today IF need be.

I have this Laptop http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...9822&st=HP+6125&type=product&id=1158319080012
SO I was wondering if I can get one of the faster model Routers anyways. After reading more threads about SpeedBooster tech. it appears that my Laptop might not be able to handle more speed anyways, NO??

Here is the Router... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6304082&st=wrt54gs&type=product&id=1074787298555

Thanks for any help...

Kevin

 

that is a nice router, i had the wrt54g, lasted me 3 years until it broke, i am going to get the same router you have gotten, its an overall decent router.

 

If you are only wanting to transfer files and not surf, just use a crossover cable. But the router will serve you better in the long run.

 

The WRT54G (and -GS) are excellent $60 routers, and with freeware 3rd party firmwares can be turned into $600 routers. Using Tomato I've been able to boost the transmit power of the router, implement static DHCP, see traffic shaping graphically. I hammer my old WRT54G v2.2, max'ing 6M/384K with hundreds of connections, and never see a lockup or reboot.

Google for WRT54G, Thibor.

 

The Speedbooster won't do anything for you unless you plan on transferring files between different computers in your network. Otherwise, your internet connection is going to limit you well below what the Speedbooster does. I would say return it and buy the WRT54G and save the $20.

 

I thought Speedbooster and the likes are manufacturer specific i.e. your computers have to all have Speedboster cards/adapters and a Speedbooster router, in order to benefit from the performance gains.

 

skierjs,

Why do you recommend to avoid the Linksys? I am curious, as it is the very same model I have and would like to know what short-falls it may have.

Thanks.

 

keltor,

What third party applications are you referring to that increase the signal of the Linksys? Would you please post links, and what effects do these have on the reliability of the router and its’ longevity?

Thanks.

 

So, how do I tell if my new laptop is able to utilize this Speedbooster tech?

Thanks, Kevin

 

I will pretty much guarantee that it does not take advantage of speedbooster.

generally to take advantage you would need to use an expansion card.