Have any of you done this? It would be nice to be able to pop on web access from anywhere in the house, using a laptop.
If done, can two access web at same time using one high speed cable account?
Have any of you done this? It would be nice to be able to pop on web access from anywhere in the house, using a laptop.
If done, can two access web at same time using one high speed cable account?
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Replies
I have a small wireless network at home. It works well for basic web browsing. Basically, you have a choice between 11b and 11g networks. There are others but these two are most widely accepted and cost-effective for a home network. 11g is faster and downward compatible to 11b. 11b is cheaper.
Generally, installation is no more complicated than hooking up your cable modem to a router/access point. You can pick up the router/access point (11b or 11g) from any electronic stores, including Best Buys, CC, etc. It's generally best to hook up your desktop directly to the router (it should have around 4 ports) and then configure the router for wireless access. Most should have a web browser based config. It's easier than it sounds. Just type in the numeric address to the browser address window and follow the online prompt. The router is also a switch so if you have a computer room, you can physically connect generally up to 4 computers to the router and share the internet, and optionally, files and resources (such as printers) on other computers.
One matter of concern is security. If you live in a condo or apartment, you will want to turn on encryption. You should at any rate, but condo/apt environment, it's more important. It's not particularly robust, and a determined person can break through. but in condo/apt setting, it's more likely that a neighbor with a similar setup can have inadverdant access to your network because of proximity. Why tempt human nature?
Mr Micr,
I have one set up also with 2 computers, one down in the rec room for the wife, and mine in an upstairs office. Its really very easy to hook up. I have all Lynksys hardware. I am thinking of getting thier wireless print server so I can move the printer wherever I want it.
Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md
Very easy and very nice to have. Do it - you won't regret it
Just buy a combination router/access point such as a Netgear MR814 (25 after rebates at Amazon) or a Linksys BEFW11S4. The setup is very quick and easy, and you'll be surfing in no time. Two people can easily share the wireless signal without problems, and it has four ports in the back so plug-in access is not a problem for those without WiFi cards. I've set up both these routers quickly and painlessly, for the most part
802.11B - vs. G G has higher speeds (but not more range). It's quite a bit more expensive, and backward compatable (G cards can surf on B networks at B speeds, and B cards can surf on G networks, again on B speeds). Unless you're doing major file transfers over your network (backing up your hard drive, etc., you probably won't notice much of a difference - B is plenty fast.
MAKE SURE you change the password (usually "admin") in the setup menu so others can't on you. Encryption sometimes screws up the signal, but if you're thinking of sending out credit card info, you should probably enable it.
You can also set them up so that only computers with certain MAC addresses can use the signal. This doesn't protect your data from being read, but does prevent others from using your bandwith. It really doesn't slow down your connection much unless you're living next to Roger the MP3 pirate, but it depends on how much you like your neighbors. Several of my pals let other people piggyback on their signal from time to time, and I always appreciate it when I can do a bit of surfing away from home
Micro,
We have a wireless network installed in our home. Wife did it, 2 desktops, 2 laptops. Nice being able to go into the bathroom and surf the net.
One MAJOR problem that seems to happen all to often. When we do a "Windows update," it wipes out the network. After three times, we now know how to fix it, but what PITA. Of course, Microsoft constantly tells you you need to update 'cause they didn't get the OS right in the first place, and there is a major security flaw, so what do you do?
At least everything we have is Dell or ISP provided, so not too much pointing fingers and blaming someone else.
Jon
I have read repports of folks cruising with their laptops looking for wireless networks to hack.
Dangerous if you keep your accounting app on the network, I suppose.
I don't know if it's urban legend or what.
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"I have read reports of folks cruising with their laptops looking for wireless networks to hack."
Bob,
Good point, but very easy to prevent with the right combination of firewalls, passwords and security settings. Like a secure home, vs. the neighbors who have no exterior lights or security system, the thieves go for the easier prey.
BTW, we have had attempted hacks, trojans, and worms, but so far none have been able to break in, not that it can't be done, but without all that stuff installed, definitely would have happened, and we live in rural Wisconsin. Can you imagine in a major urban area?
Jon
I have read repports of folks cruising with their laptops looking for wireless networks to hack.
Keep in mind that there have been at least 4 types of wireless security so far, WEP-40, WEP-128, LEAP and WPA. The first three have been broken - WPA is new and hasn't been broken (yet) but only works with Windows XP and Mac OS X Panther.
So you have to keep your home "network" secure - passwords turned on on your computers that have services available (filesharing, web sharing, print sharing, etc.). If you use Windows, several services are turned on by default and there are many good guides for tightening that down (check Google or CIA website). Also keep your patches and virus protection set for frequent auto-updates, since new vulnerabilities become known almost daily. If you're running Mac or Linux machines they're mostly secure out of the box, assuming updates are applied in a timely manner.
That said, most people cruising for wireless networks are just looking for a free ride to the Internet; evil hackers are out there, but more rare than freeloaders. Of course most pedestrians are honest but we still have locks on our doors. So, lock the computer doors and sleep soundly. :)
I just set mine up last week. This is what I got:
Linksys WRT54G
The setup instructions are pretty good, not great. The device is a wireless router with hard wired capability as well for 4 direct connections. You can connect more as well as make quite a few wireless connections. You can have everything up and running in an hour or less depending on your existing equipment. For me it was no big deal because I am running XP Pro on both machines. The laptop is brand new Dell with an integral 802.11g card. If you don't have a card for your laptop, you will need to purchase one.
I bought my router from Staples, as I was told by a friend that they sometimes are dead right out of the box, so I decided to go the less painless route than mail order. I paid about $80 and have been very happy.
The router will come with a software disk, but I wouldn't recommend using it. You should go directly to Linksys' website and download the latest drivers, since the drivers on the supplied disk will be outdated by the time you get them.
Use all of the security measures. There are software ( freeware ) programs out there to search for wireless networks. Don't make the mistake of leaving your network open to the public. If you leave your cable modem on all the time, there is a very easy way to turn off the wireless function of the router. It is a good idea to do this if you are not using it.
You will not be able to notice any difference in web surfing speed, hard wired versus wireless. The "g" format gives you up to 54Mbps speeds, while your cable modem might hit 3MBps.
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