Please tell me about wireless internet

[daughtersrus]

Right now, we only have one computer hooked up to the internet. I will soon have two college students back at home fighting because they will need to use it for homework and for grades (one will be student teaching).

What do I need to convert our DSL to wireless? I'm not looking for the biggest or the best, just something economical that will allow both of them to be on-line with their laptops in their own rooms.

Any suggestions?

I found this as a cyber deal but I'm not sure if it's really a deal or not.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...etwork+-+Wireless+Routers-_-D-Link-_-33127158

 

[jel0511]

That's what you need, a wireless router, as long as their laptops have wireless cards. I'd stay away from d-link products though. Every d-link thing I've owned has eventually failed. I bought a linksys router at Target for cheaper than the one you're looking at and it was super easy to set up. It works GREAT and I've had no problems with it, unlike the d-link one......

 

[Cool-Beans]

I know it involves a "router," which is - I think - like an antennae.

DH had to literally walk me around the house showing me boxes to explain the whole thing to me, because I just did not understand what the hell he was saying.

There is a box that comes off the cable which has a bunch of lights and that supplies the cable internet connection, which might be called a "modem"...but then the "modem" might be in the computer, I don't remember. But there is a box with a bunch of lights that goes with the internet cable. There is another box with an antenna that sends a signal to the computer.

I think.

At some point the cable box somehow talks to the box with the antenna.

I think.

In any event, one of those boxes is called a "router" and that "router" thing is somehow necessary.

But whatever it is, however it works, it is really nice. And different people can be online at the same time using the wireless - I know that for sure!! Let someone else handle the putting it together, if you can, but do it.

 

[Imzadi]

That router you linked to is a gaming router. I don't know if they are the same thing. That also sounds a bit high. Go over to fatwallet.com & do a search & see what they've found on sale.

 

[browneyes106]

If you have Qwest DSL you can call them and they can help you set up a wireless signal. If you don't call your ISP or tech service and talk to them about the routers.

 

[islangrl]

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=136493
This is what we have for our Mac. It's easy to set up, it works for PCs and Macs (so whatever your kids have it will work) and they sell it at Target.

 

[tessiemez]

We're very happy with our Linksys Wireless Broadband Router. We've had it for at least three or four years with no problems. It's also compatible with PC and Mac, which is a plus for us.

 

[RitaE]

I'd get a Belkin or a Linksys myself, but that one might be ok.
if you have a larger sized house, you should probably go with a Wireless-N which has a greater range than the Wireless-G.

This is the one we are currently using in our house and it covers the whole house and nearly 1.5 acres of back yard.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...belkin+wireless&type=product&id=1218007084648

Look around, there are probably a ton of sales out there today.

 

[bicker]

At this point, I'd be getting a router compatible with draft 802.11n (rather than just a 802.11b or 802.11g router). While "n" is still a draft, lots of equipment already supports it, and given how affordable they are, it doesn't make sense to buy something which is practically already obsolete, even if it works for you today, given that it will be sub-optimal soon.

 

[mrsbert]

I know it involves a "router," which is - I think - like an antennae.

DH had to literally walk me around the house showing me boxes to explain the whole thing to me, because I just did not understand what the hell he was saying.

There is a box that comes off the cable which has a bunch of lights and that supplies the cable internet connection, which might be called a "modem"...but then the "modem" might be in the computer, I don't remember. But there is a box with a bunch of lights that goes with the internet cable. There is another box with an antenna that sends a signal to the computer.

I think.

At some point the cable box somehow talks to the box with the antenna.

I think.

In any event, one of those boxes is called a "router" and that "router" thing is somehow necessary.

But whatever it is, however it works, it is really nice. And different people can be online at the same time using the wireless - I know that for sure!! Let someone else handle the putting it together, if you can, but do it.

This is putting it in layman's terms for sure. I totally "get" it this way.

Thanks for the help for the OP and me.

 

[kafitty]

I know it involves a "router," which is - I think - like an antennae.

DH had to literally walk me around the house showing me boxes to explain the whole thing to me, because I just did not understand what the hell he was saying.

There is a box that comes off the cable which has a bunch of lights and that supplies the cable internet connection, which might be called a "modem"...but then the "modem" might be in the computer, I don't remember. But there is a box with a bunch of lights that goes with the internet cable. There is another box with an antenna that sends a signal to the computer.

I think.

At some point the cable box somehow talks to the box with the antenna.

I think.

In any event, one of those boxes is called a "router" and that "router" thing is somehow necessary.

But whatever it is, however it works, it is really nice. And different people can be online at the same time using the wireless - I know that for sure!! Let someone else handle the putting it together, if you can, but do it.

this is hilarious, and fairly accurate! but just to clarify...

the modem is NOT in the computer. That's the first box with blinky lights. That connects to the cable jack in the wall, just like your TV's cable box.

The modem then usually gets plugged directly into your computer, but for a wireless network, the modem gets plugged into a wireless router, which literally reroutes the cable connection into a wireless signal.
So long as your laptop/desktop computer has a wireless card (which usually is inside the computer, but can be bought as an add-on for older models), the router can then "talk" to your computer wirelessly and provide internet access.

i think my router was like $30 from WalMart, and it works just fine. So far as i remember, it came with step-by-step directions, and probably pictures! It's really not very difficult to install, and your computers will do most of the work.

Wireless is slightly slower than having it plugged in directly, but not by much. You can plug your computer directly into the router, with the same cord you would use to plug it into the modem.
i also recommend assigning a network password - this will keep people from neighboring homes from signing onto the internet via your connection, and slowing it down.

HTH! i also do signatures.

 

[Robmom]

I am so interested in this as well. I used to be the one that kept up with technology, but now I am so left behind. What is the difference with G routers or N or whatever letters?

I saw this deal today, but I have no idea if this would work with my computer.

http://www.buy.com/prod/trendnet-te...-router-trendnet-tew/q/loc/101/201683081.html

 

[DrCavin]

I am so interested in this as well. I used to be the one that kept up with technology, but now I am so left behind. What is the difference with G routers or N or whatever letters?

I saw this deal today, but I have no idea if this would work with my computer.

http://www.buy.com/prod/trendnet-te...-router-trendnet-tew/q/loc/101/201683081.html

Basically it is the speed & range of the router, Wireless G top out at 54Mbps & N is 300Mbps.