How can I get internet on my PC upstairs without having to spend too much money?

Question

Hi i have just bought a brand new PC for my bedroom. I would like it to have the internet on it. I have a PC with broadband internet connection on it downstairs. How can I get the internet on my upstairs PC (the downstairs PC is rarely turned on). I also have limited money to spend. Please help

Answer 1

Wireless router - $60
wireless card for upstairs computer - $30

internet from wall into router - cable from router to downstairs pc (doesn't need to be on to receive internet upstairs

Answer 2

The router answers (wired or wireless) already provided are reasonably priced, sound solutions. My first choice would be one of them.

There is a cheaper second choice not provided in the answers above. If money is really that tight, a hub is much cheaper than a router. If the downstairs PC isn't turned on, the upstairs PC will appear to be the only one connected to your ISP.

The hub placement is the same as the router: wall plate to existing cable (or DSL) modem via existing wiring; then to 4-port ethernet hub via network cable; then to both PCs via network cable.

In this configuration, either PC can reach the Internet if it is the only one connected, and both PCs can share their files, printers, removable drives, etc. with each other. Alternately, both PCs can reach the Internet at the same time if one is designated primary using the "Internet Connection Sharing" feature of Windows XP (the primary PC must be on for the secondary PC to reach the Internet). I've even seen both PCs work in this hub configuration without "Internet Connection Sharing" and the primary-secondary setup when Bell South was the DSL Internet provider.

In summary, your choices are:
1. Wireless router ($75) plus wireless network device for upstairs PC ($35).
2. Ordinary router ($40) plus network cable ($10) run to the upstairs PC.
3. Simple hub (<$20) plus network cable ($10) run to the upstairs PC - one PC on Internet at a time.
4. Simple hub (<$20) plus network cable ($10) run to the upstairs PC - both PCs on Internet at same time in primary-secondary "Internet Connection Sharing" mode.

Note these are all one-time costs, with no increase in recurring monthly fees.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You'll need a wireless router, ~$60-70, and a wireless card for the new machine (might already be there -- check the specs.

You put the router between your broadband modem and your downstairs PC, then use that PC to run the router's admin screens (hardwired is a safer way than wireless). The downstairs machine does not have to be on for the wireless machine upstairs to access the Web.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Wireless router for around $40-60 dollars installed between the broadband modem and the downstairs computer. Wireless card for around $40 for the upstairs computer. Get one that attaches USB with a cable between it and the PC so you can move it around if needed to gt the best connection.

Once installed, you will be able to use the Internet in your room even if the downstairs computer is off.

Answer 5

You have two options: 1) a wireless router 2) a wired connection. A wireless connections could be done for about $80. A wired connection could be done for $50. Either way, you'll need a router. If you choose wireless, you will also have to purchase a network card or desktop equivalent. It may cost $30 more. As far as the router, wireless will be about $20 more than wired.

Answer 6

Use LAN cable(about 10m, length depanding upon the distance). Most desktops have ethernet cards in them. It is much cheaper than a wireless router. Connect the two computers. Then in control panel, go to network connections then go to small or home office networking and setup a network with internet connection sharing(setting a network easy. You can understand if you do it.).

you can also use vocal help and support (demonstration video) to learn about internet connection sharing by setting up a small or home office networking.

Answer 7

if i was you i would just buy a cheap router maybe from wal-mat and a pretty long ethernet cord and run it out and into your bedroom window or up your stairs. This is way cheaper than contacting you isp provider because they may charge you 50-75 dollars and this cost only about 25-30.

Answer 8

DSL 15 a month