I didn't think I would have any use for wireless technology so I haven't kept up with pretty much anything. But now that places are apparently giving away free access to high speed, I'm getting interested. I've been mostly hearing about Wi-Fi, I think The University uses this. So what I am wondering is what do I need to access Wi-Fi on both a desktop or laptop? Network cards or adapters and such? Any information would be good.

I wonder what the feasibility of getting together with neighbors and sharing cost and bandwith would be? This would be especially good with apartments. Comments please.

I have set up 3 wireless networks, and they are pretty easy to set up.

You'll need a wireless router (just like a regular router, but with wireless capabilities), which will connect to your Cable/DSL connection, and if it has a built in switch, you can also add wired computers to the network.

I reccomend the LinkSys Wireless Router with 4 Port Switch (model #BEFW11S4). I have used this one twice, and it has the best distance capabilities, and the easiest to set up. You can get it at buy.com for $141, or $132 from SLPrices (1steWeb.net). Or, according to PriceWatch, $139.

Then, for a laptop, all you will need is a PCMCIA network adaptor. Most laptops have PCMCIA, as you know. A PCMCIA laptop adapter runs for various amounts of money, because any brand can be mixed with any router. I reccomend the Belkin PCMCIA card, and I have bought 2 of them, out of 3. According to SLPrices, it runs for $66 at Future Computers.

Desktops are a lot more expensive. You will need to buy the PCMCIA card for a laptop, and then a PCI adaptor for the desktop to put in the PCMCIA card. I know for my wireless network, on my desktop, the PCI card only works with the Belkin PCMCIA card. I reccomend the Belkin PCI Adaptor card, because it provides me with a long range, and still a great connection. 3 floors up from where the router is, I still get a 75% connection. The PCI adaptor is $33.95 from GateWay Accessory stores. Then, you will need to buy another PCMCIA card to put into it (or you can use the same one from the laptop and switch off).

Hopefully this helped. Let me know if you need some more info. BTW, this whole setup uses 802.11b. 802.11a is pretty good, and has more distance and faster, but is more expensive. I dont have any experience with it.

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--Daniel--

Cool thanks. So there are no pci cards that will do the same thing as the PCMCIA card? Seems kind of weird that there wouldn't be a desktop version, If not it looks like a good market to enter.

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Road Runner!!!!

When I went looking for a wireless network setup, I thought the same thing....but nope...not that I know of.....You'd think that a company would make an entire all-in-one kit....because obviously people need everything at once the first time.....but I haven't seen one...

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ActiveTuning - Partner & Director Of Sales & Marketing

They do make those, plenty of them. I havent seen any online (I dont think, but Im gonna look in a few minutes and post again), but I know they have one at CompUSA ( I think it is a LinkSys), but its $125, and Linksys have had bad reviews for wireless products except for their routers.

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--Daniel--

Here is the LinkSys one I was talking about for only $80:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...1760838-3752644

and here are some more:

A DLink for $70
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...1760838-3752644

SMC
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...1760838-3752644

Hawking Technology
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...1760838-3752644

Siemens
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...1760838-3752644

US Robotics
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...1760838-3752644

Are these what you are talking about?

If they are, I dont know which one to reccomend. I know that I am not too happy with LinkSys because of its short range, but other then that, its up to you.

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--Daniel--