Wireless set up, equipment?

I don't have enough computer problems, so I thought I create one more.

Gave my 13 year old son my old 98 SE computer, I'm running XP home on this homemade box.

He is using mine for internet access. I want to wireless network the two and share my DSL connection. Get him off my box, you should see the spyware here after he uses it. Got to send him to computer security school.

My machine is currently connected to a DSL modem through PCI network card.

I keep reading the ads for equipment, but for some reason this old brain can't grasp what is needed. Between routers, adapters, gateways, switches, ports, etc., I get confused.

Neither of the machines have an open PCI slot. Both have dial up modems that are not used, I keep mine in for net access if DSL goes down and maybe set up for fax in the future.

What I would like, if anybody is so inclined, is an explanation of what components will be required and how they hook up.

Also, what brands are relatively reliable and reasonably priced?

Any help on this will be greatly appreciated, Thanks

 

martinr121,

My suggestion for you would be:

1 wireless/wired router and 1 wireless NIC

put the router near your desktop computer and connect it to your computer via your wired nic card.

put the wireless nic in your son's computer. Perhaps take out the modem in there, and if need be you can share the modem through networking.

Configuration should be fairly easy, and if you run into problems you know where to come for help.

As for brands/prices I'm not entirely sure what to tell you there. Wireless routers ususally go for around $150cdn and the wireless nic cards usually go for around $80-100cdn. Try looking for sales at large electronic stores.

Hope I was of some help

Tap-Out

 

You need one of These to sit next to your DSL modem. The cable that runs from your DSL modem to your PC will now go into the WAN port on the linksys box. Then you will come out of the linksys box to your machine.

Your son's machine will need one of These which hooks up via USB sine he doesn't have a spare PCI slot.

Heres a cute little slide show from linksys that shows how it all works.
Slide Show

 

Hey Guys, thanks for the come back on this. I really appreciated the links, added to my limited store of knowledge. I now have a better idea of what I need, I'll go to the local Radio Shack & see if I can buy the adapter, switch and wireless USB network adapter. I'd like my son to have direct access to the printer without my machine being on.

Hey, thanks again, I'll post back results.

Martin

 

Ya know, I never even thought of using a USB card for the son's computer. Great idea ssmith10pn.

*memo to self, USB = Smart ideas (sometimes)*

 

Next question: If I use USB 1 on remote computer will it slow down the connection? If so, I'd be inclined to ditch his dial up modem to free up a PCI slot.

 

I do believe wireless only transferrs at a max speed of 11mb/s so I don't think having USB 1.1 would slow it down any. The only things that would slow it down would be the layout of the house, as walls and other blockages can slow down the connection speed.

 

I have a Belkin USB ethernet adapter, it has been laying around here for several months. Could I use this as the step between wireles and his machine? Then modem would still be available.

 

A very general comment on networking via USB. It can work well and be problem free. If so, you done good. But other times it can be buggy and drive you seriously crazy trying to troubleshoot.

You can certainly try it and see how it works on your system. If it's good, stick with it. But if it gives any problems at all, I'd suggest ditching it for regular ethernet cards - wired and wireless.

If you really, absolutely want to maintain a dial-up modem, get an external. Not only frees up a slot but they are lots more reliable than the internals tend to be and especially if your internal is one of those win modem abominations.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll try the USB Ethernet adapter since I have it laying around, if it gives me any trouble, straight to the trash.

I am inclined to ditch the dial up modem, but will take a shot with the USB first.