Setting up a wireless network. PC only has usb, no ethernet. Find a router that uses usb or get pci card?

Question

Do they make routers that have usb slots?

I saw that radio shack had usb to ethernet adapters but I would need a driver to make that work wouldn't I?

Is it best to just take my computer in and have someone add a pci ethernet card? How much would that cost on average?

Advice is appreciated. Advice written so that I can understand it especially appreciated.

Thanks!

The concensus is to install an ethernet card, right?

Let me add more to clarify my question.

I have an older PC (OS is XP home).

Computer doesn't have an ethernet port, only 4 usb ports.

Our family has several devices that are wifi ready. I am tired of tripping over cables that we use to connect these devices to our pc/broadband.

What items do I need to set-up a wireless network within my home?

This is what I have:
-PC with usb, no ethernet
-modem that connects via usb

I need? Please give me a list.

Thanks again.

Answer 1

There are usb wireless adapters out there but I personally don't care for em. I'd go with a PCI card. They are very easy to install and in my opinion they work better than their USB counterparts. Installing a PCI card is really just a matter of popping of the computer's case, inserting the PCI card in the appropriate slot, putting the computer's case back on and turning on the computer. Most PCI cards come with a CD you can use to aid in the installation.

Answer 2

You can use the usb to ethernet adapter and, if it doesn't come with a driver you can install via CD it's likely that you can download one from the web. The best choice, though, seems to be installing a PCI ethernet card.

I'm assuming you want this for the initial configuration of the router and, thereafter, you'll be connecting your PC via Wi-Fi. If that's the case then you'll also need a wireless PCI Card.

Considering the fact that it's extremely easy to install PCI cards, assuming you have the room in your case, I'd suggest buying the cards and doing the installations yourself.

A good Ethernet PCI card can be had for less than $35.00 from discount houses and good Wi-Fi PCI card can be had for $50 or $60.

Try TigerDirect or NewEgg.

I've got a Linksys WRT54G Wireless Router coupled with a Linksys WMP54G PCI card in my desktop. (They also make a WMP54GR that has dual antennas for longer range.) Both our laptops are Centrino equipped so no adapters were necessary for them. It all works great!

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

If you are setting uup a wireless network then why do you want to use ethernet? get a wireless router and a usb network adaoter for the computer and connect wirelessly.

Answer 4

in the experience that your laptop has greater desirable sign than your computing device interior the basement, i could attempt to do the under pressure connection. instantaneous, however could require you to a minimum of one way or the different configure your laptop wireless card as a pragmatic repeater. This "multihop" configuration, in case that's achievable and likewise you detect software to do it, will generate greater desirable latency to your packets. besides in case you're making use of an identical frequency, repeated packets must be via and massive interfering between themselves. i does no longer even waste my time doing all that stuff. considering you're saying that curiously to have nicely sign. attempt particularly moving your container (computing device laptop) around the basement to develop your sign rigidity. additionally attempt to align the antennas (laptop and router) to be parallel. And be sure if replacing your frequency to a minimum of one greater one (ideally a million, however a million, 6 or 11 is nice) on your router can assist you.

Answer 5

You can choose either a PCI wireless or USB wireless card.

I personally prefer pci cards, as I have found they have better range, and are less likely to be kncoked out of the slot when attaced to the laptop.


http://www.tigerdirect.com
http://newegg.com

Both have a decent selection of cards for about 40-50 dollars.

Answer 6

You can purchase a router that has the router and a USB wireless adapter.

Answer 7

Get a PCI card and plug it in. Best prices at http://www.pricewatch.com
http://www.pricewatch.com/networking/network_adapter.htm