Wireless internet?

Question

Hi,
We have broadband at home, and two laptops which have wireless internet but it's really hard to get on the internet with it as we don't have wireless in the house. To get it, what do you need? A router? Wireless box? I'm a bit dumb when it comes to all these things can someone please explain to me what I need and how it works?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, you need a Router that features Wireless. I would go with LinkSys. You would have to use the WIRE to program the thing, but then you can proceed to get the wireless to work.

You do need a wireless network adapter in each notebook. Some now come with that. So before you get the wireless router, check to see if you need any wireless adapters. There are some bargains, where you buy a Router and Adapter in one kit.

Answer 2

You will want to purchase a wireless router. You can get them at Best Buy, Walmart, or anywhere that sells electronic stuff. Will cost you in the $60-80 range. They come in two speeds 802.11b and 802.11g. You want the "g" as it is about 5 times faster. (Think "b" is bad, "g" is good when your shopping).

The router will connect by a cable to the modem that came with your broadband. The router will then broadcast the wireless signal out to your laptops. The router should also have 4-8 additional ports on it that you can use to hook desktop computers by a cable (or your laptops by cable) also.

In order for your laptop to pick up the wireless signal, they must have a wireless network card. Most laptop made in the last year come with a wireless card build in. Check your manual, or the manufacturer's web site to see if yours has one. If not, you will need to purchase a wireless card for each of the laptops. You can get either a USB adaptor that plugs into any of the USB ports on your laptop, as a PC card, which slides into a special long, thin opening usually on the side of your laptop. (If not sure, go USB as all laptops have a USB port). Again, think "g" for good.

Recommend that you go with one of the brand names, D-Link, Linksys or Netgear.

When you get the router (and cards) home, the router will come with a setup CD that normally can set up the entire network with little work or knowledge on your part. When setting up the router you will have to give it a password, and it will be assigned an IP address (something like 192.168.0.0). You will want to record the password and IP address and file them away somewhere. You may need them someday if you have trouble with the router.

Once the router is in place, install the wireless cards in the laptops (if needed), and then go to My Network Places and run the Wireless Network Wizard in the bar on the left of the Network Places window. (May say "Set up a small or home network" instead of "Wireless Network Wizard"). That should hook up each of the laptops. You should then be able to access the Internet from both computers and share files between them.

Answer 3

You need a wireless router - this takes the broadband signal and transmits it. You just plug in your cable from your broadband modem into router. Each of your laptops will also need a PCMCIA card which receives the signal from the wireless router. A rough estimate of cost would be £80-£100 for the lot. The cards and the router will come with manuals on how to set them up. They are quite straightforward. Make sure all units have the same protocol e.g. 802.11g - this is just a name for the code that the units use to transmit their signal (in simple terms). PC World would probably give you further advice. Although I don't rate them as a supplier I have had wireless gear from them.

Hope this helps

Answer 4

Router connects to modem. This allows PCs with access to the router to get to the internet.

Wireless adapter card goes in your PC. Either in the PCMCIA slot or another option is into a USB. I prefer the PCMCIA slot (the one that looks like a credit card slot)

I'd help in setup, but it's too much to type on the screen. There's many security issues. It's nice to get a router that allows for change of signal strength. That way you can put out on the signal that is needed. i.e. There are five wirelesses in my neighborhood that I can see. If they all had signal strengths lower than standard, then I wouldn't be able to see them (less likely to get hacked into)

You want the same brand router and card that are compatible with each other. The primary difference is the speed. There's .. I think it's A, B, and G and Super G and probably something else now LOL. G and Super is plenty fast for our service. Actually it's faster than the internet provider's service, so anything more would be overkill for us.

Also be aware that the instant setup ones.. click a button on the router and it finds your laptop and sets it all up. Or even if you set it up.. the factory defaults on most don't allow for much security. I've done a few other things as well.

I have mine set up so as to only allow one connection at any time, also have it set up so that it only allows my PCs address to access it. Put your own password on the router.

You can use Windows or the manufacture's program to run everything. I have tried using Windows to manage everything and it was a pain in the ****.

It CAN be frustrating setting these critters up and figuring it all out. I'm intermediate to advanced techno driven.. and I was getting pretty ticked off. LOL.

But to answer your question? You need internet service, a modem, a wirelessrouter, and wireless cards on your PCs. Router connects to modem. It becomes your gateway to the internet. The card on the PC allows you to connect to this router.

You can set everything up via the wireless - no need for direct connect to anything. I prefer LinkySys. Get a reputable brand. It's worth the extra $10 or $20.

Have fun! ;)

Answer 5

all you need to buy is a wirelsss router if your laptops are wireless compatible, i also have broadband and just brought a wireless router which i plus into my desktop computer then ur broadband modem plugs in , u get a cd with router so its easy to set up if i can do it anyone can lol

Answer 6

Your laptops are already wireless enabled so you don't need to get anything for them. Do you get your broadband by cable or phone line? If its by cable you just need a wireless router. If its by phoneline you need a wireless router with modem built into it.

Answer 7

Yes, u need a router.
U also need to make a setting to the laptop
when u bought the router, which will include instruction to make the setting. If u still don't know how to do, u can also call to the hotline of the router company, they can assist u to do that.

I am also have wireless laptop.
Take it easy, don't panic! :)

Answer 8

Try a Netgear wireless router. About £70 or less.
Enjoy.

Answer 9

You need a wireless router - you can get them everywhere. Try www.dabs.com. It is quite easy to set up if you follow the instructions.

Try and get a router that is compatible with 802.11g rather ...11b, as the newer standard is faster. As I found out to my cost!

Happy shopping!

Answer 10

Yeah, you need a wireless compatible broadband box and a little device to attach to your laptops via usb.

Its well simple(ish)