Need to get rid of modem wires ! 2

[kwunder]

Hi,
At the moment, I connect to the internet from my laptop through a BT issue ADSL Modem. This means I'm losing most of the advantage of having a laptop as I have a USB lead and the phone line cable running all over the place from the laptop. I don't know anything about wireless connections, but have just received the latest Novatech catalog and have seen this :-

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?B...

Is this the answer to my problem ?
Will this item do away with the need for my existing modem.
If so, How would I connect it ? Is there something that plugs into the laptop that sends and receives the signal from this device ?

Haven't a clue !!!

Cheers for any help

 

[bcastner]

Your local computer shop should have several wireless routers to choose from. Since your are using USB, be certain to mention this as a requirement. Essentially they will sell you a little box to connect to your existing modem that will create a wireless station for you. You will also require for your laptop a PCMCIA wireless network adapter so that you can "talk" to the wireless station connected to your modem.

It is very important that you tell the shop:

. you are using BT ADSL
. you now have a USB connection
. that your workstation is a notebook

Those three facts should help your local computer shop sort the available choices for you. If you have no experience in wireless, it might make sense to bring the notebook with you to the local shop, and have them configure the station unit and the notebook adapter for you.

Even though your local shop may not be as inexpensive as using the Internet, having them configure the items for you is worth the additional expense.

Enjoy your wireless. Even though originally my wife was sceptical, I found her this morning with her notebook computer outside in the garden browsing for restaruant reviews to find a good place for brunch with her mother. When I first added wireless connections to our home five years ago she thought I was barmy.

 

[kwunder]

Hi Bill,
I already have a PCMCIA Fast Ethernet card on my notebook. (is this the same as you mention ?)
I notice that the link was incorrect that I originally posted. It should have read :-

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?BEL-F5D763

Is this suitable ?

I shall do as advised though, and visit my local Maplin store.
Many thanks B

 

[bcastner]

kwunder,

You will need a different PCMCIA adapter in your notebook for wireless access, your FAST card is for fixed wired/cabled connections, and will not help for wireless. You need a wireless card/.

The Belkin router you linked is the right idea. My only concern is that you have a USB connection and this particular router will not help you. See if your local shop or from the internet you can find a Vigor USB router. Again, this is provides a radio connection between your existing ADSL modem, and with the new card in your notebook, a radio connection to it.

 

[edfair]

YOu may want to look into the powerline networking alternatives if your laptop use takes place within short reach of a power plug. Sometimes this will give better coverage than wireless.



Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[kwunder]

Hi there Ed,

Tell me more !

To both Bill & Ed, I have delved into the depths of my ISP online help pages, and they have pointed me in the direction of a "wireless help page" as seen here :-

http://www.btopenworld.com/wirelesslan

I don't wish to take up too much of your valuable time, but if you could spare a minute, please have a quick look and tell me if they are leading me in the right direction.

Many thanks
Bryn (k wunder)

 

[kwunder]

Apparently, it says as BCastner has stated previously, that I ONLY require a :-

Linksys WPC11-BT
Wireless Laptop Card

and thats it !

Is it ?

 

[kwunder]

Sorry for the multiple posts, but as I've read further, it seems to me that the card isn't all I need. According to a diagram I've seen, I need the ADSL modem installed on another PC along with a Wireless Network adapter, as well as the Wireless card installed on the laptop. To me that means I have to have my other PC switched on and running in order to receive the signal on my laptop. Am I right ?

Thanks again !!!

 

[johnwm]

Something like a Vigor 2600G wireless ADSL router should be what you need, along with a wireless LAN card for your laptop. The 2600G replaces the BT ADSL modem (straight plug-in replacement). It also has 4 standard LAN wired outputs for your base machine(s). It's very easy to set up (default settings will get you started) and doesn't require any other PCs to be turned on. My setup has been very stable for about 6 months. It runs my old NT4 server, 2 XP workstations (wired) and 2 laptops (both wireless)

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[kwunder]

Thanks Johnwm.

I've seen a Vigor 2600G priced at £149 and a JAHT Wireless 54Mbps PCI adapter at £29.

£180 is a bit more than I want to spend though, but it's given me a few ideas.

Thanks again