Just some basic questions

[samurai340]

I want to set up a wireless network in my house. I have a pc in my room which will be used as the host, and the only other computer we’ll have on the network is my sisters’ already-wireless-enabled laptop with a built-in network card. Before I rush onto Ebay and pick up the cheapest router I see, I have a few questions…

1. Will either the host pc or the router have to be permanently switched on for the other computer on the network to be able to connect at any time? (Not particularly important, I was just wondering.)

2. Seeing as the only other computer to be used on the network will be an already-wireless-enabled laptop with a built-in network card, will a router be the only piece of equipment I need, or will I still need something else such as a dongle for the host pc?

3. Does it matter what router you buy? Will I need one specific to my connection/pc, or can you just get any?

Thanks for your help.

 

[ahajv4life]

I take it that this network will be for sharing internet, in which case there is no need for a "host computer". What you will need is a Wireless Router. The wireless part of the router is for your sister to connect to. As for your computer, you will either need a wireless card in your comp., or a cat.5 cord running to the router. What happens with the router is that the internet goes to the router, which in turn shares it to whomever connects to it (router). The router will need to be plugged in at all times.
you will need : wireless router (I prefer linksys),
cat.5 cord (to run from your comp to router)

 

[samurai340]

Ok thanks. I think I already have a cat.5 cord or two so that's not a problem.

And just to confirm, I can just go ahead and order any wireless router and you are confident it will work?

 

[samurai340]

I should also mention that someone else in my house plans to get a wireless laptop later this year, and I've seen it mentioned that some routers only allow one other computer to be run on the router. Is this the case with all routers? Will I need a wireless hub instead?

 

[texmex]

And just to confirm, I can just go ahead and order any wireless router and you are confident it will work?

NO. You need to establish that the router you buy, has a suitable interface for your internet connection. ADSL and Cable have diferent interfaces. Some routers are made for one or the other, whereas other routers will have both.

I should also mention that someone else in my house plans to get a wireless laptop later this year, and I've seen it mentioned that some routers only allow one other computer to be run on the router. Is this the case with all routers? Will I need a wireless hub instead?

Just check for NAT. Anything that supports NAT will allow sharing of the internet connection.

BTW. I also prefer Linksys. Whatever brand you choose, I'd advise that you try to keep to the same for any additional wireless interface cards you may buy in the future. They all connect to each other fairly reliably nowadays, but on the odd occaision that they don't, it precludes the possibility of the the buck being passed back and forth.