setting up a wireless LAN

Okay, so I have a a laptop in the lounge already configured for wireless and DT pc upstairs not yet configured for wireless. I got BB a few months ago and though by and large I'm very happy with it, there are a few problems because I need an ADSL cable which I don't want to do. Apart from which, it will only sort the LT - the DT has a different cable from the master BT socket and I don't relish the thought of putting yards more wire all over the house...so I'm getting a gateway router which will be in the hall where the master socket is.

So now to my question - can you get simple USB type plug in thingeys for the DT instead of having a new bit of hardware installed? If so, what are they called? I can't pick it out from the profusion of different bits and pieces available!! And if I get such a thing, is that all there is to it? Will I need to get any extra software? :confused: :confused: :confused:

BTW - both pcs have windows XP on board. Thank you.

 

I think they are called USB wireless adaptors. That is what I have plugged in to my PC that communicates to the router on the wall.
The main problem was configuring the router but I have been able to put the wireless adaptor on different computers quite easliy. I have to type in a 26 letter code which is on the back of my router when I first plug it in.

 

'Kay - thanks Geoff. I think that's what I needed to know!

 

Get yourself a wireless usb dongle for the computer, for this reason it is very much more practical, as the dongle can be moved around to get the best signal in the house, a wireless network card is ok but not as easy to install and get better signal :D

 

A DONGLE?? Sounds like an Aussie slang!!

"Tie me cute dongle down, mate, tie me cute dongle down ..."

Googled for one and found it looks a bit like a memory stick kinda thingey! Nice one, Pete.

Is this the kind of thing?

 

I wouldn't have thought so. My impression is that connects your computer to your mobile phone signal. You want a USB adaptor that will connect to your router. They just plug in and I have moved mine from one computer to another when younger son has come home. Never had a problem with the signal - it has a choice of 13 different channels anyway.
Will the router not come with one?
This is an example of a router
http://www.speedtouchdsl.com/prodwireless.htm

This is what sticks into the USB socket of your PC and communicates with the router. It is newer and neater than the one I have.
http://www.speedtouchdsl.com/prod121g.htm
As your laptop is wireless enabled it won't need the last thing connecting to it. What you will have to do on the laptop is look for the connection and it should recognise what is available but cannot as yet connect to. When I connected my son's and then his girlfriends laptops they recognised 3 seperate networks available. I just clicked on mine and was then prompted for a code which I found on the back of the router.
It is brilliant. My laptop is not Wi Fi enabled but I just take the USB connector off the PC and plug it into the laptop. I can then use the laptop half way down the garden.

 

Yes, but I don't want to (can't) plug the router straight into the dtpc as it's upstairs, a long way from the BT master socket.

So I'm getting a gateway router that plugs into the master BT socket and then a wireless thingey to plug into the dtpc.

As you said, the laptop's already enabled. So I need a plug in for the dtpc - which, I think is what PCm was referring to. The blurb says it "USB Bluetooth Dongle for Mobile phones, PDAs, PCs - Universal" but I just want PCm to confirm.

 

The second link is for the thing that you plug into your PC upstairs.

 

Yep - gotcha! (finally!)

 

lol who is pete?

 

sorry, been very busy and forgot this .......here is a link to what i mean if you haven't alrady sorted it out.

BELKIN
F5D7050UK
WIRELESS 54G USB NETWORKING ADAPTER Price inc VAT
�£19.99


adapter here

 

Gee, thanks, Pete.

Another Q is you don't mind. I'm now after a Gateway router as I think it will be more convenient. But there's such a variation in price and I really can't see much difference in the specs to account for it.

So I found this one for �£33.86 and this one, refurbished but for only �£17.99 but will it be okay? I mean, why is these any different from, say, a �£70 one?

And what is the significance of it being refurbished?

 

Who is Pete?????????

the first link is not a wireless router :D

the second link with digi dave, is fine...that wireless router is what i usually get my customers....it comes with a 90 day warranty.

Regards JOHN

 

ooops - sorry John!


But it says Gateway. Is that not a definition of a combined wireless modem/router? Obviously not.

I'll go for the second then, if that's a combined modem/router? Don't want to have two gadgets cluttering up my hall!