Setting up a wireless network

Redliner · December 26th, 2007, 12:08 AM

Hi there guys.
My girlfriend got a laptop for Christmas and it has a built-in wi-fi receiver, so I would like to know what is the best way to make my internet connection available to her. Right now I have a standard (non-router) modem, and I guess I need AT LEAST a router, but what is best: buy a wireless router and plug my PC via ethernet cable, buy a router and a separate acess point or am I not even close? Thanks in advance. images/smilies/smile.gif

P5138 · December 26th, 2007, 01:04 AM

In my opinion, getting a WiFi router is the best option. Just make sure not to get the cheapest one you find, my experience with the cheap-o's hasn't been stellar. I've always gotten Linksys and have not had too many problems with them. Just follow the instructions with the router and everything should be pretty straight-forward.

Also, after setting it up (or during the setup) make sure to encrypt the network with at least some security key and change the admin password. No point in allowing neighbors or anyone else within range access to your network. And everyone knows the default passwords...

With the WiFi, she won't be confined to a specific spot for the laptop, and (unless she downloads a lot or plays games) there won't be any real noticeable difference in speed to a physical link (and even then... not too much to be a problem). It's much cheaper and/or easier than a long wire images/smilies/tongue.gif

L0K1 · December 26th, 2007, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P5138

In my opinion, getting a WiFi router is the best option. Just make sure not to get the cheapest one you find, my experience with the cheap-o's hasn't been stellar. I've always gotten Linksys and have not had too many problems with them. Just follow the instructions with the router and everything should be pretty straight-forward.

Also, after setting it up (or during the setup) make sure to encrypt the network with at least some security key and change the admin password. No point in allowing neighbors or anyone else within range access to your network. And everyone knows the default passwords...

With the WiFi, she won't be confined to a specific spot for the laptop, and (unless she downloads a lot or plays games) there won't be any real noticeable difference in speed to a physical link (and even then... not too much to be a problem). It's much cheaper and/or easier than a long wire images/smilies/tongue.gif

^^

I just want to emphasize the CHANGE THE DEFAULT ADMIN PASSWORD!
I can't believe the number of times I have been able to get access to a router by using the old admin admin username/password.

$60-$100 Linksys WiFi router gets my vote!

Redliner · December 26th, 2007, 05:09 AM

Thanks!

Viper007Bond · December 26th, 2007, 07:49 AM

See this thread: http://forums.finalgear.com/technology/okay-i-hate-my-wireless-router-time-for-a-new-one-23748/

Summary: Linksys WRT54GL > all

Redliner · December 26th, 2007, 12:55 PM

Nice! Let's see how much do I have to pay for one of those around here...

December 26th, 2007, 12:08 AM	#1
Redliner Joined: May 19th, 2005 Last Online: January 5th, 2009 Location: Canoas, Brazil Age: 29 Posts: 3,568 Car: Fiat Palio 1.6 16v Rep Power: 40	Setting up a wireless network Hi there guys. My girlfriend got a laptop for Christmas and it has a built-in wi-fi receiver, so I would like to know what is the best way to make my internet connection available to her. Right now I have a standard (non-router) modem, and I guess I need AT LEAST a router, but what is best: buy a wireless router and plug my PC via ethernet cable, buy a router and a separate acess point or am I not even close? Thanks in advance.

December 26th, 2007, 01:04 AM	#2
P5138 Joined: Nov 15th, 2006 Last Online: January 6th, 2009 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 239 Car: 2001 Impreza RS Rep Power: 15	In my opinion, getting a WiFi router is the best option. Just make sure not to get the cheapest one you find, my experience with the cheap-o's hasn't been stellar. I've always gotten Linksys and have not had too many problems with them. Just follow the instructions with the router and everything should be pretty straight-forward. Also, after setting it up (or during the setup) make sure to encrypt the network with at least some security key and change the admin password. No point in allowing neighbors or anyone else within range access to your network. And everyone knows the default passwords... With the WiFi, she won't be confined to a specific spot for the laptop, and (unless she downloads a lot or plays games) there won't be any real noticeable difference in speed to a physical link (and even then... not too much to be a problem). It's much cheaper and/or easier than a long wire Last edited by P5138; December 26th, 2007 at 01:12 AM..

December 26th, 2007, 07:49 AM	#5
Viper007Bond Lazy Head Dude Joined: Sep 21st, 2003 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 21,086 Car: Dodge Viper (I wish!) Rep Power: 237	See this thread: http://forums.finalgear.com/technology/okay-i-hate-my-wireless-router-time-for-a-new-one-23748/ Summary: Linksys WRT54GL > all __________________ Fight back against the evil Quiky by +1'ing this post! There is no replacement for displacement. - Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group talking about the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ... I ask Herb Helbig, vehicle synthesis manager for SRT and a member of the original Team Viper development group since day one, if they'd ever thought of adding traction control. "It comes with two," he says, pointing at my feet. "Learn to use them." Got it. - Motor Trend on the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, November 2005

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December 26th, 2007, 05:09 AM	#4
Redliner Joined: May 19th, 2005 Last Online: January 5th, 2009 Location: Canoas, Brazil Age: 29 Posts: 3,568 Car: Fiat Palio 1.6 16v Rep Power: 40	Thanks!

December 26th, 2007, 12:55 PM	#6
Redliner Joined: May 19th, 2005 Last Online: January 5th, 2009 Location: Canoas, Brazil Age: 29 Posts: 3,568 Car: Fiat Palio 1.6 16v Rep Power: 40	Nice! Let's see how much do I have to pay for one of those around here...

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