Need help setting up home network, what do I need?

Hello all!

Hope someone can assist me in "beginner's" language on what equipment I need and how to set up a home network? (At least I think that's what I want to do?? Want both computers to be able to access the internet, but not necessarily at the same time?)

We have recently acquired another computer to put in our basement that we would like to have access to the internet. The computers that I wish to network(?) both have WinXP (the one that I use now to connect to the internet is XP Pro, the other XP Home).

I have done some reading on the Microsoft website on how to do this (thank you BBS for the provided links for that!) , but it just gave me a headache too many things I just can't comprehend! (The beginner status in me!)

I am currently connecting to the internet via DSL. (Using an Actiontec GT701-WG modem). This appears to also have the option of "wireless "?? Would this mean I could use this in place of a router for the 2nd computer?

I also believe I would need to acquire some type of adaptor card? Is this a special one needed if using wireless? (The new computer has listed under Local Area Connections> Intel(R) Pro/100VE Network Connection)

If I were to run cables to connect them (not sure that I would want, should, or could do this) what/how would I do that?

Hope I've given enough information, but I've even confused myself with the questions I've asked! That just shows how little I know about this type of thing! Any help given would be greatly appreciated!!

Regards,
Vicki

 

The Actiontec GT701-WG is in fact a wireless router with built in modem. So while you can use it as a glorified modem, it has in fact much more functionality than a plain modem (which simply connects one device to another over a telephone line).

Have a look at the Qwest website for information on this device as it has a lot of information there.

If you want to connect a number of PCs to your GT701-WG via cables you will need to add a small switch to act as the network connector. A small 8 port switch would be ideal (I personally rate Netgear highly for small cheap network equipment). Then connect the GT701-WG to the switch and the other devices via network cables (with a modern switch any cable should do as they have automatic mode switching - however, if you have problems connecting to the GT701-WG you may need to get a cross-over cable)

To connect wirelessly, you will need to get a wireless network card for your computer (I'm pretty sure a "Intel(R) Pro/100VE Network Connection" is a normal wired network card, not a wireless device). In theory any wireless card will do, but it is often easiest to get a wireless card from the same manufacturer as the router/access point. So I'd recommend getting an Actiontec card. For example an Actiontec USB wireless adapter.

 

Thank you ReggieB, for the links you provided and for your help in answering those questions for me!

While I realize that using wireless would probably be the easiest (for me) to set up, would using a wired connection provide a better/faster/more stable connection?

If I should decide to go with a "wired" setup and only connecting these 2 computers to the internet would I still need a switch/hub? Or can these two be connected to each other and "share" the DSL modem??

As you can tell, I have little to no understanding on how this stuff works!

Thanks again for your assistance!
Vicki

 

A cabled or wired network is easiest to set up if you can get the cables to each computer easily and safely. It is also much faster, easier to secure and more reliable than wireless. Wireless is OK for most things, but it isn't as good as cabled. The main advantage of wireless is its convenience. It is very nice being able to use your laptop anywhere in the house. (I find my wife talks to me more now I can use my laptop in our sitting room. I'm not sure that's a good thing, but she's happier ).

If you are new to networking, and can run the cables to the computer's fairly easily, I'd suggest you start with a wired network and get everything working well there. Then look at moving to wireless later.

Yes, you will need a small switch as well as that router, as it only has one network port. Connect the router, and the two computers to the switch. The computers will then use the switch to talk to each other, and to access the internet via the router. The switch forms the hub of the network, and the router the gateway from the network to the internet.

 

Thanks again ReggieB, for answering all those questions for me!

I'm still undecided on how I want/should do this. Is this my correct understanding of what I would need to do? (a) Connecting them via cables would mean I need to purchase both cables and a switch (and also cut a hole in the floor upstairs to run the cable to the other computer in the basement--the computers will be located on opposite ends of the house). (b) Using the wireless option would involve purchasing a wireless adaptor?

Once I decide on how I want to get this set up, I know I'll be back with more questions as I'm almost sure to mess something up!

I have really appreciated your insight on this thus far!

Vicki

 

Good Morning Vicki

This past December we added a third computer (Desktop) to the network. We wanted to move the older computer (wife's) to the bedroom, 58 feet away from it's current wired position, 4 feet from router (Netgear WGT624 - 4 port with built in WIFI). Like you, I was teased to consider WIFI, everyone is doing it, right. But I reviewed the following considerations for my hardware (yours may vary) ....

• Wife's computer is 10 years old running w98SE (upgraded 3 years ago from w95). Buy a WIFI card for this computer??

• This is a Desktop, no meandering allowed. I could mount wheels on desk and buy long extension cords ... but had to accept reality ... desktops are anchors.

• Connection speed and reliability ... Hands down, wired wins.

I would suggest following ReggieB's wise advice and start/create your network with wired connections. From there, you can decide if WIFI would give additional advantages for a computer that sits in one spot.
For me, it was a no brainer, I went wired. Plus you can color coordinate your 100 foot cable. I went with the white, it matched my carpet. This was my total cost for this computer. The 100 foot cable link works identical when it had a 6 foot cable.... rock solid all the time.

 

Thanks everyone!

I'm happy to report that I now have my home network up and running! I did go with the router/cable method as suggested and if I had known earlier that it was going to be that simple to do (plugged them in and viola--I was connected!) I would have attempted doing this along time ago! (I did have the hubby drill the hole in the floor to run the cable, but other than that, it was a breeze!)

I really appreciated all the help and input given to me! It's comforting to know that I can come here with a problem/question and get such great assistance!

Thanks again!
Vicki