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Thread ID: 96072 2008-12-28 06:52:00 wireless network hardware requirements wingo (595) Press F1
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733060 2008-12-28 06:52:00 Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone can help me figure out what I need to set up a wireless network at home so I am not totally ignorant and at the mercy of salepeople when I go shopping.

I currently connect to the internet using broadband via a Dynalink RTA230 ADSL router. I will be using my desktop (wired) and want to connect a laptop via a wireless network. The laptop is wireless ready. Is it time to think about upgrading the RTA230 or do I just need to run a wireless device of some kind through the router?

Does anybody have any suggestion as to the hardware I need? Some people say it is best to keep one brand when constructing a network so if the RTA230 stays then I would prefer to go with a Dynalink product as it has performed flawlessly.

There is a lot of info on the net but I can't seem to find conclusive information, perhaps because different names are use for some components. I think I need a wireless accesspoint but not a wireless router. But they seem about the same priceso what gives?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

Wingo
wingo (595)
733061 2008-12-28 06:55:00 Its better if you get a wireless modem/router

Having too many things will probably make things harder, to connect to it wirelessly

Just make sure whatever encryption you use on the router (when you get it) is the same on the laptop

Most wireless routers, can also act as access points
Speedy Gonzales (78)
733062 2008-12-28 08:48:00 I agree with speedy go with a wireless/cabled combined router easier to setup

find the model you want then use google to research it I would suggest you get a "n" standard model though (bit of future proofing) just check that its backward compatible most are because your laptop is proberly "g" standard
beama (111)
733063 2008-12-28 10:53:00 I would suggest you get a "n" standard model though (bit of future proofing) just check that its backward compatible most are because your laptop is proberly "g" standard
Hi Beama. Considering "N" wireless networking standards have not been formally finalised yet (not til November 2009 (grouper.ieee.org)), the current draft-N specifications may not be compatible with the future.

Cheers :)
Renmoo (66)
733064 2008-12-28 12:28:00 This is what I would get:
www.dse.co.nz
Rob99 (151)
733065 2008-12-28 19:45:00 Hi Beama. Considering "N" wireless networking standards have not been formally finalised yet (not til November 2009 (grouper.ieee.org)), the current draft-N specifications may not be compatible with the future.

Cheers :)

True, but still worth consideration
beama (111)
733066 2008-12-29 08:49:00 I agree with speedy go with a wireless/cabled combined router easier to setup

Easier to setup?? You would have to re-setup the ADSL settings. If you got a WAP only all you have to do is connect the two devices with an ethernet cable and give the WAP a static address compatible with the ADSL router LAN side and all should work fine! Probably a good idea to turn off the DHCP server in one of the devices though (in addition to setting up your security).
johnd (85)
733067 2008-12-29 08:55:00 I would avoid DLINK - I have seen a number of DLINK devices "turn to custard" recently.

My pick of brand would be Linksys or Netgear.
johnd (85)
733068 2008-12-29 09:03:00 Easier to setup?? You would have to re-setup the ADSL settings. If you got a WAP only all you have to do is connect the two devices with an ethernet cable and give the WAP a static address compatible with the ADSL router LAN side and all should work fine! Probably a good idea to turn off the DHCP server in one of the devices though (in addition to setting up your security).

Doesnt take that long and you dont have so much to trouble shoot when it all turns to custard
beama (111)
733069 2008-12-29 09:11:00 Easier to setup?? You would have to re-setup the ADSL settings. If you got a WAP only all you have to do is connect the two devices with an ethernet cable and give the WAP a static address compatible with the ADSL router LAN side and all should work fine! Probably a good idea to turn off the DHCP server in one of the devices though (in addition to setting up your security).

Yeah right, have you seen all the posts here with people having problems getting a wireless router to work with an ADSL modem.

Get a combined wireless modem router and you will have far less trouble.

It only takes a minute or so to setup the ADSL settings, most common modems have everything correct by default and you only have to enter username and password. Set up your wireless security at the same time and you are away.
Safari (3993)
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