I have a cable modem connected to a wired network and want to add wireless capabilitys - What do I need?

Question

Fractal T1 Modem connected to Hub connected to hardwired ports with hard wired print server. Want to be able to access internet and print server from wireless laptops

Answer 1

Your laptops are already wireless. That makes things easier.

Okay, then you just need a wireless router. I would recommend 802.11g- backwards compatible with the earlier standard (802.11b).

The one I have, for a large home, has what is called MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). It is more expensive but the range & speed are worth the price for me.

Anyhow, my wireless router is the DI-634M:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833127173

It's a great router. You can buy something less expensive, but this has features for internet phone (if you add that later) and has superior range for very large homes or ones that are not very condusive to wireless signal.

Anyhow, you just hook the cable modem up to the WAN port on the router. Hook up your computer to one of the other ports.

Now, unplug power from your cable modem and wait one minute. Plug it back in. 1 minute after you plug the cable modem back in, plug in power for the router.

And that's it for the wireless router!

Now, for a wireless printer, you have a few options:
A) Hook it up to your desktop and share it through Windows (I do this).
Advantages: Cheap, no extra hardware. Works well.
Disadvantages: Computer that it is plugged into must be on whenever you want to print.

B) Get a wired print sever and plug it in to the router.
Advantages: Pretty cheap, usually easily configured. Can print while the desktop is off.
Disadvantages: Certain printers incompatible and printer must still be near desktop.

I would go for the latter. The only reason I didn't is because no manufacturer supports my printer. (HP Photosmart 7550).

Now, you'll have to pick out a print server yourself, unless you can give us a model.

Now, you pretty much just have to plug the print server into the router and the printer into the print server. Power up, run the CD, and you should be well off!

If you need more help, edit your post. If you found my answer helpful, let me know and pick it!

Answer 2

Add a wireless router with a 4 wired port built in hub\switch, and a built in print server.
Make sure you order the printer port you need, parallel or USB.

Answer 3

Get a Linksys wireless router. Best Buy, Sam's, Circuit City or Walmart.

They are easy to install, give you a hardware firewall & work great.

Answer 4

You need a wireless router and,wireless network cards for the lappys

Answer 5

change your hub out with a wireless router, they astill have 4 wired ports or more depending on what you need

Answer 6

I already answered such question. Check my answered questions on my answers profile. It's fully detailed!