Routers? Wireless network cards?

I guess I'm not quite expert in this area but is anxiously learning something new about using routers/network cards.

My roommates & I decided to go ahead and share the high-speed internet service. Our area only will work with Charter Communications, I definietly know it's one of worst services but there are absolutely no other options even through I wanted SBC oh well. My roommates have their own computer, their own phone line, and their own ISP. Our house is 7 bedroom. All of 'em only have 1 computer, I have two.

The question is how do I set up a networking system for all of us to use high-speed connection at the same time?

Would it best to use a wireless router? Wired router? (I'm hoping it's not wired router b/c it's too pain in butt to get a longest wire to each bedrooms! Even I know wired is the best choice.) If we use a wireless router, how do all other computers in a room can be connected to a router to get high-speed connection? Wired/wireless network cards? Do each of my roommate need to have a cable modem?

Now, what's the best brand for router and network cards?

Thanks for input/feedbacks!

 

Wireless sounds like the way to go if the house is not pre-wired. How big is the apartment? If it is big with multiple floors you may need one router and several access points to ensure a strong signal for all. You would need one cable modem, and then would hook that up to the wireless router. And each computer needs to have a wireless network card installed.

Linksys is a good router maker. I have Netgear, but both are good.

There are also networks that go through the phone line, through power sockets, etc. but I believe they are less reliable and slower then wireless.

 

I agree with Gladiator. I have a Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router with Universal Wireless Access (A, B, and G) and a Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender (you won't need the Media Center Extender). I have excellent connection speeds. If your interested in learning more about the products or networking; go to linksys.com. They have a learning center where you can find out what equipment you need in order to have the best connection. Also, remember to secure your router and network.

 

Thanks for feedback & info. This is what I'm probably thinking... in order to keep the intruders out while using wireless PCI do we need a firewall in a router?

Is there a picture showing how this works? So I can explain it to all my roommates (they all are deaf as well as I am).

Actually, it's not an apartment. It's a 7-bedroom house. I live in a masterbedroom and my landlord live in a small duplex house in our backyard.

If I have furthermore questions, I'll know where to ask.

 

Can I use a wired router connected to cable modem and a main computer while other computers to have a wireless network card?

I've seen ethernet phone lines but it's too hassle to set it up in this 7 bdrm house.

ETA: Is this what wireless network card looks like, right?

 

Yes, you should use the firewall that's built into the router. You can look at the user guide for information on the firewall by going here.

Actucally, the cable modem connects to the router and then the computer connects to the router either wired or wireless. To answer your question, yes you can have as many wired connections as the router allows (number of ports). I have two wired desktops and a wireless laptop.

Yes, that is what a wireless desktop network card looks like. If you want a faster connection I'd go with either a wireless-A or a wireless-G network card. If you get a wireless-A or a wireless-G card make sure your router is compatible with that connection.

I hope this helps. If you have anymore question just ask and I'll be glad to answer them assuming I know the answer.

 

For a beginner, I would recommend Netgear. When it comes down to it, most routers are the same, I have talked to most of the companies out there that make them (netgear, linksys, and belkin to name a few) and even they say that their router will most likely work with any other companies products. The thing that you have to watch out for is the KIND of router that you get. For example, if you get a Speedbooster router, you will have to match it up with a speedbooster card for your computer(s) in order to get that particular speed. Same thing goes with a Rangemax router, it needs to get matched up with that kind of card to get anywhere near the range on the box.

Another thing to remember is that you most likely will not get the speed or distance that is listed on the box. When they say that their router will work at 108 MB/s and be able to carry a signal for 200 to 300 feet, that is them saying that your router will work that well.... under the BEST possible conditions. In most places, you only get 3/4 that if not less. The best way to get the best possible speed possible while encompassing your whole apartment with great signal (if it is really that big, lol) is to place the router in the center most part of your apartment.

The final thing that I have to recommend is security... any one of your neighbors will have access to your internet connection... that might not be THAT bad, but think of this... they will also have access to your computers... and not to mention the fact that if they do something less than legal over the internet, it is you that will be slapped with a fine, if not worse. It is rather easy to make your wireless internet secure, all you have to do is sign into your router (d-link, you can go into my network places and it will be in there; belkin usually has software that you need to install to the computer that you intend to handle admin functions; linksys you need to type "routerlogin.net" into your browser screen). I reccommended linksys earlier because it is the easiest to use. Once you are in the linksys console, everything is laid out in front of you nice and neat, and instructions are given for every option along the side of the screen.

if you have any questions, feel free to email me at absentmindedjwc@gmail.com

Good luck,

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CSD,

I've used both Netgear and Linksys and liked them both. I was actually a Netgear loyal fan until I bought a Netgear WGR614 (that router appears to have a quality control issue in which it overheats and drops connection). So I ended up with a Linksys WRT54G. It seems that since Linksys was finally purchased by Cisco, their products have gotten alot better. I think Netgear puts out good routers but right now, the only one I can specifically recommend is the Linksys WRT54G. Linksys also has a very good community support site at linksysinfo.org.

If you need a wireless adapter for a laptop, I highly recommend you get an external USB adapter. I've used PCMCIA cards for this before and found them to be sorely lacking in range as well as more expensive.

I just picked up a Zonet ZEW2500P 802.11g 54Mbps Wireless USB2.0 Adapter and it's the best adapter I've used so far.

Regarding PCI wireless adapters, I have an external antenna at the end of long wire which lets the antenna sit on top of my desk. Here's a pic of one (I don't use this specific adapter). This gives a significantly better signal than the antenna plugged into the back of a PCI card.

Also recommend you encrypt your wireless with WPA-PSK. You can see some good articles on this if you Google on 'wpa update'.

Gary