Rocket Jones

January 16, 2005

Going wireless, sorta and kinda

We're using a LinkSys router/switch for our in-home network, and it's been absolutely trouble-free since we got it a couple of years ago. We've also gone to some trouble to run cat-5 cable into the upper floor of the house.

Lately we've been talking about getting a laptop and how nice it would be to have a wireless connection for it. I don't want to go completely wireless because we do some things on the net I'd rather not have go out into the ether, so what I'm looking for is a router/switch that is both wireless but has at least 2 ports to accept cat-5 cable. Anyone know of anything to fit those specs? Recommendations?

Posted by: Ted at 11:26 AM | category: SciTech
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1 I am currently running a Dlink 624. It will take 4 wired connections in addition to wireless. It has been problem free other than the nightmare of trying to get it to work with the wife's Compaq laptop. (most of that nightmare stemming from my willful unfamiliarity with windows).

Right now, the G4 Cube is connected directly, the Compaq and the PowerBook from work are wireless.

Eventually when the stand alone ancient MAC Performa in my daughter gets upgraded it will be wireless.

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at January 16, 2005 11:57 AM (U3CvV)

2 That's exactly what I want, thanks! On sale this week plus rebates at Best Buy.

Posted by: Ted at January 16, 2005 04:16 PM (ZjSa7)

3 I think I paid full price and that wasn't a lot! I would have just gotten the Apple Airport, but it's too big for the space I have available. Maybe they'll come out with and Airport mini soon!!

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at January 16, 2005 05:11 PM (U3CvV)

4 Ted, as long as you don't broadcast your network name, and access is limited by password, you're wireless network would be relatively secure. For addition security, you could also allow only specific MAC addresses to access the network.

Posted by: shank at January 16, 2005 06:12 PM (jfEhX)

5 That's part of the problem shank, I'm a mainframe programmer and pretty much clueless when it comes to network security and PC issues. I've done some reading up on it, but there's a *lot* of conflicting opinion out there.

Posted by: Ted at January 16, 2005 08:25 PM (ZjSa7)

6 Ted, PLEASE do a little research on wireless security (& home network security in general) BEFORE you move to wireless. If you need any help I could come over..

Posted by: Maelstrom at January 16, 2005 08:32 PM (4HApc)

7 wiresless eh? well we dont call you rocket jones for nothing.

xxooo

Posted by: vadergrrrl at January 16, 2005 09:33 PM (RrY5O)

8 I'm reading up and trying to figure it out. Here's what (I think) I want to do: we're looking at possibly getting a laptop for the family to use this year, and want to be able to use our broadband connection with it, hence the wireless. All our desktop PC's already have cat-5 cable runs, so basically, we'd be adding the laptop as wireless, and everything else would stay as is.

Posted by: Ted at January 16, 2005 11:43 PM (ZjSa7)

9 I use a U.S. Robotics router that I like a lot. The package came with a laptop wireless card, if you don't get a laptop that has one built in.

The only thing that you have to be really careful about is making sure that the laptop and the router are running compatible systems. They should both be 802.11b or 802.11g. A "g" card or laptop can recognize a "b" router, but it's better if they are the same.

"g" is much faster by the way...

Posted by: GEBIV at January 17, 2005 10:33 AM (HJDUo)

10 Ted,
Here's a link
http://www.linksys.com/edu/page10.asp
It's a page at the linksys website that basically explains wireless networking for home use, and the steps that anyone can take to secure their home network.

Posted by: shank at January 17, 2005 01:03 PM (+H1yK)

11 Ted,
Here's a link
http://www.linksys.com/edu/page10.asp
It's a page at the linksys website that basically explains wireless networking for home use, and the steps that anyone can take to secure their home network.
Another link
http://www.linksys.com/edu/wirelessstandards.asp
explaining the different costs/benefits associated with A, B, and G. I used the resources myself, and found them pretty helpful.

Posted by: shank at January 17, 2005 01:07 PM (+H1yK)

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January 16, 2005

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