Help, How to build a wireless network, cliff notes

[Guest db99wj]

I am new to wireless. I need some help. Here is what I got.

I have comcast cable internet.

I have a desktop that is connected to the comcast modem.

I have another desktop that is collecting dust that needs to be reformatted but can be used to gain access to online at the same time as the other one. (2 kids that want to get online)

I have a laptop from work that already has a wireless card built in/WIFI.

I have another laptop, a Mac, that doesn't have a wireless card or capability built in.

I have a wireless-G USB Network Adapter that someone gave me.

What else do I need to get at a minimum, to get my work laptop running when I have it at home?

Then what do I need to get the other desktop online?

Lastly, the Mac laptop?

[dunndw]

Get a wireless router...Linksys routers are decent. You'll want a 802.11 A/B/G router with at least 4 ports.

The comcast modem will plus into the routers WAN or INTERNET port.

The desktops will plug into one of the 4 ports on the router

the laptops will connect via WIFI.

If you get a wireless card for one of the desktops (use a PCI internal card...I'm not fond of USB network adapters, but the do make me service call money) then it'll connect just like the laptops.

That's the basics of it. Once you get the router, the setup is pretty basic, just make sure you use at least the WEP security settings and for the love of all thats holy change the default admin password on the router.

[Guest dotsun]

Good advice there. I would add that Concast does MAC filtering. What that means to you is that when you're setting up your router, there should be a setting to clone the MAC address of the computer that you have connected to the modem. That will fool Concast into thinking that the router is the same device that it's used to talking too. The alternative is to call Concast, waste a good hour, talk to some moron that should be flipping burgers and have him try to baffle you with BS.

[dunndw]

I've never had to do anything with my MAC addresses with Comcast...they'd blow a gasket if they knew how many systems I had running on my network

[Guest dotsun]

It may be something new for them or just specific to our locale, I had the problem a couple of weeks ago at my uncle's house setting his network up. I've had the same linksys router for years on my network so I've never noticed it. Ditto on the boxes, I've got 4 running atm with God knows how many I've had over the years.

[Guest canynracer]

Get a wireless router...Linksys routers are decent. You'll want a 802.11 A/B/G router with at least 4 ports.

The comcast modem will plus into the routers WAN or INTERNET port.

The desktops will plug into one of the 4 ports on the router

the laptops will connect via WIFI.

If you get a wireless card for one of the desktops (use a PCI internal card...I'm not fond of USB network adapters, but the do make me service call money) then it'll connect just like the laptops.

That's the basics of it. Once you get the router, the setup is pretty basic, just make sure you use at least the WEP security settings and for the love of all thats holy change the default admin password on the router.

+1

most of the routers come with a "quick setup guide" that walks you through it...look into the manual and learn about how to secire your wireless at a high level, when you turn pro, you can worry about the filtering, and firewalls and other stuff...

it is fairly straight forward...I have a Linksys router, I just set up my buddies DLink Router...both are good, and reasonable at best buy.

[Guest db99wj]

Thanks guys.

So one of these should do the trick.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=628108&Sku=L48-2230&SRCCODE=SHOPPINGDF&CMP=OTC-SHOPPING

I plan on buying this thing tomorrow (Saturday), I will go to best buy or Office Max/depot or.... I will check some prices before I go get it.

Oh, dunndw, I will use the security and lock it out from other users on the street and will change the password.

[Guest Engloid]

That's what you need. You may want to try Craigslist, or some other classifieds. You can typically get them used for about $30. But if you want new, tomorrow, about $50 is the going rate.

[Guest canynracer]

Thanks guys.

So one of these should do the trick.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=628108&Sku=L48-2230&SRCCODE=SHOPPINGDF&CMP=OTC-SHOPPING

I plan on buying this thing tomorrow (Saturday), I will go to best buy or Office Max/depot or.... I will check some prices before I go get it.

Oh, dunndw, I will use the security and lock it out from other users on the street and will change the password.

thats the one!! as Engloid stated...plan on about 50-60 bucks in store

[Guest db99wj]

I have seen the same model number with "speedbooster technology" which ends up being $20 more. Not that big of a deal if it is worth it. I also found a $10 off rebate.

It is at Walmart , http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3910279

[Guest flyfishtn]

With the right tools you can hack a WEP key in a bout 3 minutes. But for home security needs, it will suffice just fine.

With the advice given you are well on your way to home networking.

[Guest Len]

I'm in the process of expanding my home network to include my DirecTV DVR. Ethernet wireless adapter is enroute as I type this. Many people don't know that TIVO boxes and DirecTV DVRs have connectivity possibilities (especially TIVO boxes -DirecTV has chosen not to activate their USB ports -yet). I'd love to hear of anyone's personal experience with this, as I'm guessing it wont be as easy as it should be. (Giving your DVR 'net access opens up some interesting options for remote scheduling and VOD service -much of it for free!)

[Guest clownsdd]

I use comcast also. I have a Motorola sbg 900 wireless router

cable plugs into it, main pc plugs in by ethernet, laptop in other office hooks up wireless.

That being said, I do not have comcast cable use it for internet only. DTV is my tv hookup

[Guest canynracer]

With the right tools you can hack a WEP key in a bout 3 minutes. But for home security needs, it will suffice just fine.

With the advice given you are well on your way to home networking.

with the right tools everything is subject to hacking

[Guest db99wj]

I have seen the same model number with "speedbooster technology" which ends up being $20 more. Not that big of a deal if it is worth it. I also found a $10 off rebate.

It is at Walmart , http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3910279

Repost. Caught on other page.

[Guest db99wj]

Ok, I got it, got it up and running, security in place, and I even changed the password on the router. I just got my main desktop setup, my laptop, my wife's palm setup. I need a cable for the other desktop and eventually a wireless card for the Mac(that is down the road).

Thanks everybody for your help,

[Guest canynracer]

have fun!!! happy new year

[Guest db99wj]

Ha, found a Cat 5 cable, got all but the mac laptop set up. I feel kinda funny, I have 3 computers within 3 feet of each other, all doing something different.....

[Guest dotsun]

Welcome to the dark side...

[saintsfanbrian]

Only 3? I have had many more.

[Guest bkelm18]

Ok, I got it, got it up and running, security in place, and I even changed the password on the router. I just got my main desktop setup, my laptop, my wife's palm setup. I need a cable for the other desktop and eventually a wireless card for the Mac(that is down the road).

Thanks everybody for your help,

Just curious, what model Mac do you have?

[Guest db99wj]

Just curious, what model Mac do you have?

I think it is a iBook G3, it has a model number of M6497, I looked it up on google and it says they are a 500mhz, 256mb, cdrw, 12"lcd with OS X (9.1.)

Until now, I knew one thing, it was Mac and a iBook. Above is all I knwo about it. I can direct wire it to the router.

[Guest db99wj]

An ebay listing of one of these says it has wireless on it.......Checking......

No wireless that I could find, I got tired and stopped. I can't find crap on that Mac.

[cadillacdude1975]

my wireless network is as follows.

BEFCMU10 Linksys Cable Modem

WRT54G V8 Wireless Router

D-LINK DSH16 10/100 auto sensing 16 port hub

the modem is plugged into the WAN port on the router. my sons PC is directly into the router on port 1. my DLINK hub is plugged into port 2. then there is another computer in the apartment behind the house (same property) that is connected via wireless. i am running the wireless with the pre-shared key setting with mac filtering enabled.

i can accept20 hard wired clients, and 50 wireless. the 16 port hub was a freebie item from where i used to work, so that is mounted to the side of my desk for an instant internet connection to any computer that i might be working on for myself or someone else. that is nice to have. no running wires to the router to get updates and all that jazz, just clip it into the hub that is 2 feet from me.

i run with the router firewall on, UPNP is off, https access for the router is off, and all uneeded ports are locked down. i dont use any software firewall at all. software firewalls are resource hogs. if someone wants in to your system, they will get in.