Thinking about going wireless.... HELP!

[Laurabearz]

Hi! Been a while since I have posted... I lurk. The three kids keep me hopping!

Anyway, we are building up on our house and I am thinking about going wireless for my computers... and have a network.. I think... clueless

I would like to be able to use my laptop on both the 1st and new second floor, as well as having 2 or 3 desktops hooked up in various locations in the house... all networked.

That is all I know... I have no clue how to do it....

What things do I need to be concerned about.... security of wireless systems...

range....

I am not even sure all the questions to ask....

Thanks so much!

 

[zulaya]

Security would be why we don't have wireless. My husband is in the internet business and refuses to have wireless for security reasons. Sucks because I'd live to have it so I can get a laptop and work somewhere other than in my office on the lower level.

Check into it though. I know my DH can be a stick in the mud and who knows the last time he really checked on how security has advanced.

 

[janette]

It really isn't too bad, my DH did the router but I did my & the girls' computers.

You might check with CompUSA, here they offer free installation for wireless networks. Might be worth buying it there if it isnt' too much more. Generally they are about the same as other retail stores.

 

[Jasminesmommy]

There are ways around it and still have security. My husband is in computers and has the security issue as well but its just as easy to break in with wire as well cause it has nothing to do with or without wireless (it was on the news about 2 weeks ago) but if you go wireless use the hcompany Linksys. My husband likes it the best and that is what I have.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

If the house is being built new or renovated for that matter, it wouldnt be a big problem at all for your wiring contracter to run cat3 or cat 5 cable(thats the wiring for the network) right along with any phone or cable wire. All of the home improvement stores sell wall jacks with multiple connectors in them, and that way you wouldnt have to worry about security.(I should say the security of wireless still going to need firewalls,antivirus ect)

 

[Laurabearz]

Originally posted by edcrbnsoul
If the house is being built new or renovated for that matter, it wouldnt be a big problem at all for your wiring contracter to run cat3 or cat 5 cable(thats the wiring for the network) right along with any phone or cable wire. All of the home improvement stores sell wall jacks with multiple connectors in them, and that way you wouldnt have to worry about security.(I should say the security of wireless still going to need firewalls,antivirus ect)

Ahhh I like this idea.... just locate ports when I would want to work.... only drawback... no poolside computing...

keep the ideas coming!
Thanks!

 

[janette]

We use linksys and have a firewall and there are access codes unique to our network. I've heard that some people don't set up the security and then any computer within range can pick up the signal but with the codes they'd have to be within range and hack in somehow. I don't see it as a great risk.

 

[ahutton]

DH is in IT Networking and Security - we went wireless 2 years ago and I've not regretted it for a moment. There are ways to make it more secure. Specifically rename your network from the default and establish a password that is secure and difficult to hack (multi character -- not just a familiar word).

Linksys has a great wireless gateway/access point, it is 802.11b. I've heard the Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point
is the newer technology and would be what is now recommended. It is very reasonably priced, reliable and has been what he has recommended to many clients. It is pretty user friendly - comes with detailed directions that I as a computer user only was able to follow when helping him with an install. Aside from the access point you would need wireless network cards for each computer you would like to connect.

You might also check with your ISP - Time Warner offers a wireless network in conjunction with their RoadRunner high speed service. Not sure of the cost but then they do the work.

Happy surfing!

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by ahutton
Linksys has a great wireless gateway/access point, it is 802.11b. I've heard the Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point
is the newer technology and would be what is now recommended. It is very reasonably priced, reliable and has been what he has recommended to many clients. It is pretty user friendly - comes with detailed directions that I as a computer user only was able to follow when helping him with an install. Aside from the access point you would need wireless network cards for each computer you would like to connect.

This is the system( Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point)we have for our wireless network at home. We have had this for 3 months now and love it. We have the laptop in our 17 DD room but we can use it in any room in our house.