Help! Wireless internet for dummies "ME"

SoCal4Running · 01-24-2005, 10:15 PM

OK, I am going to be moving into a new house this weekend and there are only two phone jacks in the house; none of which are close to the room where we want the computer.

I was considering running a long phone line to the room but really do not want to do this because of the distance and I do not want to see it and trip on it.

So I come to the great people here on YOTATECH for advice. Is there something I can put in the room where the phone jack is to transmitt to my computer so I can use the internet "Wireless". I believe what I need is called a router but I have no knowledge of any of this stuff.

I have searched on here for help with questions that I have but am becoming more confused the more I look. What do I need to buy to make my computer wireless? I have a year old Emachine with Windows XP and use Yahoo SBC DSL.

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bulldog-yota · 01-24-2005, 10:30 PM

You can buy a wireless router at your local computer shop, I prefer Netgear, some people prefer Linksys or other brands.

The cheapest routers are 802.11b (the b is the slowest but the cheapest and more than fast enough for DSL)

You can then just buy a USB access adpater to plug into your pc.

Just follow the installation instructions and you'll be fine.

Here is a couple of options on newegg, you can buy online as well.

Check to make sure your DSL model (the SBC box ) has a LAN connector (RJ 45, like a oversize phone plug). Then you'll be golden, if your PC has a spare USB port availible.

router for the DSL modem
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...122-011&depa=0

adapter for USB port on PC
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...124-103&depa=0

hope it helps

SoCal4Running · 01-24-2005, 10:44 PM

Sweet I knew someone on here would know

I do have the oversized phone plug on the DSL modem that plugs into the regular phone line

I will look tomarrow to see I I have a extra USB plug as I do not want to tear into the computer tonight and wake up the wife.

Thanks for the help.

tulsa_97SR5 · 01-25-2005, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal4Running

I will look tomarrow to see I I have a extra USB plug as I do not want to tear into the computer tonight and wake up the wife.

Thanks for the help.

If you don't have a spare USB slot, you can use sonething like this instead.

Mickdady · 01-25-2005, 08:46 AM

Yes, the PCI wireless card mentioned above is really easy to install and work quite well. I haven't tried USB but thats probably because all of my USB ports are being used.

Once you get your router and cards setup make sure you secure your network. It sounds obvious and you may think it isn't necessary but it is. I have three neighbors with wireless networks, all unsecured. If I was the unscrupulous type I could use their network for hacking, spamming or other types of illegal behavior...plus, if I wanted I could just use their DSL and cancel mine.

Make sure you enable a web key (rotating and hex key is best) and set it up so only the IPs on your network can use the router.

Sounds complicating? Its not....basically your router is going to manage all of your incoming traffic and route (thats why it is called a router) it to the appropriate computer. Additionally, it will take the IP number that is assigned to you and then apply internal IPs to your network computers. To an outsider it makes it that much more difficult to access your computer. All you need to do is set up your router so it only uses the IPs that are assigned to your computers (however many there are). Finally, WEP key. In the wireless security portion of your router you can generate a wep key with multiple levels of encryption (higher the better). Then you take this key and enter it into your computer (the manual should explain this). Once these two steps are done, your network will be more secure than 75% of the nations!

Finally, I recommend the Linksys wireless 802.11G router....its a little more money and you have to buy G cards but it is faster. If you don't do a lot of heavy downloading or games...just stick with the 802.11B.

Let us know if you need help!

CynicX · 01-25-2005, 03:51 PM

I myself perfer Linksys equipment but too each their own, they are all about the same in quality anymore...everything stated above is correct I'll give you a breif run down of what you need and why

1. DSL Modem, you will probably get this from your provider....but you will need this as a "receiver" basically

2. Wireless Router, any brand, Linksys, DLink, Netgear are all nice....I like Linksys, but I've played with Netgear and Dlink and both were very nice. The router will take the information gathered from the dsl modem and transmit it.

3. Ethernet Cable, You'll need this to plug the modem into the router. The modem and the router will probably both include one of these wires read the boxes.

4. PCI Wireless adaptor or USB wireless adaptor. This is the part that goes on your computer and receives the information transmited by the router.

When buying a router and adaptor, pretty much everything is compatible with each other brand wise but it all must be compatible with with same Wireless letter. You can get A, B or G...they only work with each other. So if the router supports B and G and your adaptor supports A and G they will work on G. But if your Router is G only and your adaptor is A and B they are not compatible. G is pretty much the standard now, its fast and has good range. Getting equipment for your house that isnt compatible with each other would actually be pretty tough but this is something to keep in mind. That is all there is too know with compatiblity issues..

Pretty easy to set all this up. Plug phone wire into wall and too the modem. Bring the ethernet cable from the modem too the router and plug it into the port labeled Internet (newer linksys). Plug both into the wall for power. Then turn all the power off to you computer and open the case, install the PCI card into a blank PCI slot, reinstall the screw, close the cover, install the antenna on the back. Or if you got the USB version just plug it in. Turn the computer on Win XP will probably recognize everything. Then using the instructions provided you are going to need to log into the router to enter your Username and password info. Once you do that you should be set.

Before you set up any secure on it get everything working first. With DSL you are going to need your Username and Password to enter it into the router to log on the network (for most DSL providers). Make sure you can get the internet to work and everything is fine before setting up security or you will be pulling your hair out since this is new too you.

01-24-2005, 10:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
bulldog-yota Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Morgan Hill, CA Posts: 1,876	You can buy a wireless router at your local computer shop, I prefer Netgear, some people prefer Linksys or other brands. The cheapest routers are 802.11b (the b is the slowest but the cheapest and more than fast enough for DSL) You can then just buy a USB access adpater to plug into your pc. Just follow the installation instructions and you'll be fine. Here is a couple of options on newegg, you can buy online as well. Check to make sure your DSL model (the SBC box ) has a LAN connector (RJ 45, like a oversize phone plug). Then you'll be golden, if your PC has a spare USB port availible. router for the DSL modem http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...122-011&depa=0 adapter for USB port on PC http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...124-103&depa=0 hope it helps __________________ ___________________ ***andries*** 03 Pavement Princess 05 Mall Queen

01-24-2005, 10:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
SoCal4Running Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Oceanside, CA. Posts: 786	Sweet I knew someone on here would know I do have the oversized phone plug on the DSL modem that plugs into the regular phone line I will look tomarrow to see I I have a extra USB plug as I do not want to tear into the computer tonight and wake up the wife. Thanks for the help. __________________ '86 4runner 22RE, 5-speed, LC Street EFI head w/ cam, LC Pistons, ARP Head Studs, Downey header, Dynomax 2 1/4" full exhaust, VDO water temp guage, 01-03 Tacoma cd\tape radio with 10" Bazzoka, Downey 2" rear springs, GDI radiator, Torus fan DONE!!!! '68 Ford Mustang Fastback Daily driver with a built 289 and a streetfighter trans.(Retired) 98 Subaru Outback-Took over daily driving duties MicroMatic.com Waco93.com

01-25-2005, 08:46 AM	#5 (permalink)
Mickdady Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Mill Creek, Washington Posts: 649	Yes, the PCI wireless card mentioned above is really easy to install and work quite well. I haven't tried USB but thats probably because all of my USB ports are being used. Once you get your router and cards setup make sure you secure your network. It sounds obvious and you may think it isn't necessary but it is. I have three neighbors with wireless networks, all unsecured. If I was the unscrupulous type I could use their network for hacking, spamming or other types of illegal behavior...plus, if I wanted I could just use their DSL and cancel mine. Make sure you enable a web key (rotating and hex key is best) and set it up so only the IPs on your network can use the router. Sounds complicating? Its not....basically your router is going to manage all of your incoming traffic and route (thats why it is called a router) it to the appropriate computer. Additionally, it will take the IP number that is assigned to you and then apply internal IPs to your network computers. To an outsider it makes it that much more difficult to access your computer. All you need to do is set up your router so it only uses the IPs that are assigned to your computers (however many there are). Finally, WEP key. In the wireless security portion of your router you can generate a wep key with multiple levels of encryption (higher the better). Then you take this key and enter it into your computer (the manual should explain this). Once these two steps are done, your network will be more secure than 75% of the nations! Finally, I recommend the Linksys wireless 802.11G router....its a little more money and you have to buy G cards but it is faster. If you don't do a lot of heavy downloading or games...just stick with the 802.11B. Let us know if you need help! __________________ - Mike 2007 Tacoma DC TRD ARB bumper, XD9000, 285/75/16 procomp xterrains (3ply), 16x8 4.5" backspacing, OME 886s, Dakar leafs

01-25-2005, 03:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
CynicX Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,371	I myself perfer Linksys equipment but too each their own, they are all about the same in quality anymore...everything stated above is correct I'll give you a breif run down of what you need and why 1. DSL Modem, you will probably get this from your provider....but you will need this as a "receiver" basically 2. Wireless Router, any brand, Linksys, DLink, Netgear are all nice....I like Linksys, but I've played with Netgear and Dlink and both were very nice. The router will take the information gathered from the dsl modem and transmit it. 3. Ethernet Cable, You'll need this to plug the modem into the router. The modem and the router will probably both include one of these wires read the boxes. 4. PCI Wireless adaptor or USB wireless adaptor. This is the part that goes on your computer and receives the information transmited by the router. When buying a router and adaptor, pretty much everything is compatible with each other brand wise but it all must be compatible with with same Wireless letter. You can get A, B or G...they only work with each other. So if the router supports B and G and your adaptor supports A and G they will work on G. But if your Router is G only and your adaptor is A and B they are not compatible. G is pretty much the standard now, its fast and has good range. Getting equipment for your house that isnt compatible with each other would actually be pretty tough but this is something to keep in mind. That is all there is too know with compatiblity issues.. Pretty easy to set all this up. Plug phone wire into wall and too the modem. Bring the ethernet cable from the modem too the router and plug it into the port labeled Internet (newer linksys). Plug both into the wall for power. Then turn all the power off to you computer and open the case, install the PCI card into a blank PCI slot, reinstall the screw, close the cover, install the antenna on the back. Or if you got the USB version just plug it in. Turn the computer on Win XP will probably recognize everything. Then using the instructions provided you are going to need to log into the router to enter your Username and password info. Once you do that you should be set. Before you set up any secure on it get everything working first. With DSL you are going to need your Username and Password to enter it into the router to log on the network (for most DSL providers). Make sure you can get the internet to work and everything is fine before setting up security or you will be pulling your hair out since this is new too you. __________________ 06 Subaru WRX

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