Can someone tell me what a 'Wireless Modem' is and does??

[debden]

Hi,I was asking a short time back about being able to access the Internet while travelling with my Laptop.Well now that I have tried AOL free on my Laptop I have decided to go to High Speed Internet Access.I already have HSIA connected to my desk top.I was told to take my modem from my desktop computer and bring it in to swap it for a WireLess Modem.
Can anybody fill me in as to what this is and what it does? I assume with this wireless modem I can get HSIA for both my desktop computer and my Laptop?
Does anyone have a wireless modem?And can you fill me in on this?Is it hard to set up?
I just don't have a clue! Thanks for any help.
Debbie

 

[Galahad]

They could mean a couple of different things. A wireless connection on your laptop, which can be added with a plug in PCMCI card, would allow you to access wireless networks in hotels, airports and coffee shops. For it to also work in your home you'd need a wireless network transmitter at home as well. Your cable modem or connection to DSL would be connected to that wireless router and your wireless "modem" in your desktop or laptop would receive the signals.

You can also get wireless broadband through services like verizon wireless. It works in many cities and is like have a VERY BIG wireless network all around you. It's a bit more expensive but it's cool to be able to be online in say, the PASSENGER seat of your car.

 

[makinorlando]

I set up my wireless network at home myself.... so yes it's easy. I have a desktop in my guest room and that is where the cable modem and the wireless transmitter reside. There is also a printer connected to this computer. I then have two laptops, one for personal use and the other a work laptop. Each of these has a wireless card which is then used to connect to the internet. From my personal laptop I am able to print from whereever I am in the house to the printer in the guest room... (I just love that), and I can access the files on my desktop from my laptop and laptop from my desktop. The work computer due to firewalls, etc, does not print to the printer nor can I share files, but I don't want too......


I love being wireless, with one of the cards, I am even able to get a signal out by the pool... now that's the life!

Cingular has a wireless network as well. I have not researched, I had ased a Service Rep that question one day on the phone, and it was not really her area so I was directed to the website... and that's as far as I could get. I would love this for the times that I am waiting in car line for DD from school, and other times that we are away from home.

 

[Poohs Pal]

I hope the OP doesn't mind but I also have a question. My dsis purchased a laptop that has built in wireless. She currently use's dial up aol. She is under the impression that she can now get on line while being a passenger in a car. Is this true. Wouldn't she have to belong to some kind of wireless service. Her and I are pretty clueless when it come's to this stuff. BTW she just purchased this toshiba about 3 weeks ago. This laptop isn't connected to a wireless desktop, if that is any help. Thanks Susan

 

[golfgal]

I know some sales people that can connect to someone wireless just by being in the neighborhood. There are some encryption's or something that you need to set or other people can hijack your signal (not your information, just be able to use your signal for free). I know one friend that keeps getting hooked up with her neighbors internet provider because their system isn't encrypted or what ever it is, so technically, yes, they can be on the internet while driving in a car.

 

[debden]

Thanks everyone for your replies.Poohspal,that was a good question.It's good to know the in's and out's of these things.
So I have to trade in the modem I have hooked up to my desktop and they'll give me a wireless to replace it with....that's the jist I'm getting.Mmmm.Interesting....
Debbie

 

[Floydian]

A "wireless modem" is used to connect using cell phone technology. This is what you want if you're looking to connect while in a moving car. This is a lot like dial-up "AOL type" service, in that you connect by dialing a phone number, only you'd be using the less reliable (slower speed, static, dropped connections) cellular technology to connect.

A "wireless network card" is used to connect to other computers and hardware (like a cable or dsl connection). This is what you want if you're just looking to connect from any room in your home, without having to connect any wires. This is also commonly used for connections in hotels and Kinkos and such (for example). However, you won't be able to connect from your car, unless it's parked, and unless you're "stealling" the connection from someone else.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

My dsis purchased a laptop that has built in wireless. She currently use's dial up aol. She is under the impression that she can now get on line while being a passenger in a car. Is this true.

It's next to impossible keeping a connection in a moving car. Some cell phones can act as modems though but you have to have the proper cell phone and proper plan.

 

[debden]

OK I have a wireless network card with my laptop.And I also have a desktop computer that's got a high speed internet modem.Do I trade in my regular modem for a wireless? That's what I was told but now I'm not sure if I can connect without swapping my present modem out...
Can someone comment on this?
Thanks,Debbie

 

[Floydian]

OK I have a wireless network card with my laptop.And I also have a desktop computer that's got a high speed internet modem.Do I trade in my regular modem for a wireless? That's what I was told but now I'm not sure if I can connect without swapping my present modem out...
Can someone comment on this?
Thanks,Debbie

I would say no, you don't need to trade in the modem. What you need is to buy a "wireless broadband router" of some kind. This will add one "box" between the high speed internet modem and your desktop computer. However, it will allow you to connect other computers using network cables (like the one from that modem to your desktop computer), and also connect other computers wirelessly (using the wireless network card in your laptop).

In fact, I'm currently sitting at my couch using my laptop wirelessly, while all of the other computer stuff is in the spare bedroom.

Anyway, I'm using a Linksys brand router, which is considered a very good brand. For me, it has been prefectly reliable, and was quite easy to set up, with good instructions and such.

 

[debden]

Gee,Even if I bought one I don't think I would know how to set it up.My brother-in-law could probably help me.
How much do they cost and where do I buy one?Maybe Radio Shack??
Debbie

 

[Floydian]

Well, they do have well written instructions, but can be a bit difficult depending on how "secure" you want it to be.

I suppose Radio Shack might have them, but really don't know. I believe that I got mine at Best Buy. Either way, I would suggest anyplace that has lots of computer equipment for sale, and has people who will answer questions you might have.

Also, they can cost anywhere from $50-150, depending on brands, technologies, and where you buy it.

Lastly, here's a link to an article that explains some of it, maybe it will help you out.

Unwired for Speed

 

[Mom2Ashli]

Okay I have question to add to this. What is Wi-Fi? And how is it different from a typical Wireless connection using a wireless router in my home?

 

[Galahad]

Okay I have question to add to this. What is Wi-Fi? And how is it different from a typical Wireless connection using a wireless router in my home?

It's the same. With Wi-Fi in a hotel or shop, they set up a "login" screen so you have to pay for it, but the wireless technology is the same.

 

[Mama Twinkles]

The general name for high-speed, go-anywhere wireless access is EV-DO. It is branded under different names with different cellular companies. Verizon calls it BroadbandAccess. You don't have to be in a Starbucks or within range of a router. If for any reason you are not in a high-speed (generally metropolitan) area, the system will switch you over to a lower-speed connection, assuming cellular signals can get through at all. You can read all about it here: http://www.evdoinfo.com/

It is vulnerable to disconnects and the monthly service is expensive, but it's amazing. Once they start making handheld devices with slots for the little PCMCIA card that contains the modem, everyone will be able to go everywhere (within range, anyway) without lugging a laptop and access the Web at high speed.

 

[Mom2Ashli]

It's the same. With Wi-Fi in a hotel or shop, they set up a "login" screen so you have to pay for it, but the wireless technology is the same.

Gotcha.

 

[debden]

Well the guy from our ISP talked me into getting a Digital TV Box instead...He said it would only be $3 more a month and that would give us more channels and give the Laptop reception for High Speed Internet access.We just had it installed yesterday and everything works great.The only problem is he never told me that you cannot record off from the VCR.He said we have to get a 'DVR' if we want to record anything.That's not a good thing.We record off our VCR ALL the time.If we had been informed in the first place we probably would have declined Digital TV and just went with the Wireless Modem.
We are looking into getting a new TV set so we'll probably have them put in the DVR while their here hooking everything up to the new set.
I know it's gonna cost more too.
I feel he should have informed me of this minor technical problem when he was offering me Digital.
Now it'll probably cost more to have a DVR put in.....
Debbie