basic pre-wireless networking questions

[underoathpaco]

Hi im looking to set up a wireless home setup (finally) i know im getting a linksys wireless-G, but i would also like to know if i have to get a modem. I already get dsl to my router to my house so i figure cant i just take the input to that router and put it into the linksys that i get? but if someone could point me out to a good place where i can get in-depth info on connect a wireless network, that would be great
thanks

[z1p]

This is an interesting doc (http://download.microsoft.com/documents/uk/education/solutions/wireless/downloads/wireless-lan-guide.pdf) that I found published by MS. It is for schools and universities, but it also provides a good overview of wireless and its issues, just don't get caught up in the advanced topics like a radius server.

Some more reading (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/windowsconnectnow.mspx) from MS on getting a wireless LAN going on XP and another page (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesstips.mspx) on getting your WLAN working better.


A quick summary of the basics.
Obvious you need a wireless router or access point and a wireless network card for the computers you wish to connect wirelessly.

Individual wireless connections are done at the lowest common speed at best. Some if you have a 802.11n router and an 802.11b network card the connection will be at 802.11b speed.

The router and network cards do not have to be the same brand, but for some of the routers with advanced technology, like MIMO, you need a matching network card to use the feature. That is because they are not standardized yet.

I personally would stay aware from the USB network adapters. In my most of them are more prone to connection issues.

If you are adding wireless to a desktop, look for a network card that has an antenna that does not have to stay directly attached to the computer. Ideally you want to put a little space between you antenna and electronics like you computer and its monitor. Having your antenna sticking out the back of your PC just a inches away from the wall is less than ideal.

Finally, security, security, security... While it is easier to get going without security enabled, once you know the basic wireless is working, you should enable encryption on the wireless.

Hope this makes sense and helps

-z1p

[underoathpaco]

yes, thank you!, all of those links were very helpful now i just gotta get down to getting everything and making it work

[underoathpaco]

My laptop has an internal wireless card and i plan to have the wireless router close to the home computer so i can connect it directly via ethernet, no real reason to have to go and get a card for it since its in the prime area of the house for the wireless router placement.