Accrington Web - View Single Post - Wireless network

entwisi · 13-01-2005, 10:30

I have been running a wifi network for over 3 years now. Originally an Ad-Hoc setup then I reconfigured the Main PC as an access point. Now I run a seperate ADSL modem router WAP. I have a Server, a Laptop a PDA and next doors PC all sharing the network.

I guess you are on ADSL or is it cable? If the former I would recommend the following.

Netgear DG834M This is a BB modem with router and Wireless access point built in. It also acts as a firewall although I would recommend keeping your current firewall as well.

For the Laptop you want a PCMCIA adaptor(if it hasn't already got Wifi built in).

For teh desktops you have a choice of USB or PCI. One issue with 98 is that the USB support can be a bit flaky especially if it isn't 98SE. For that resaon I would suggest PCI as the better choice. However USB has two advantages you may wish to consider. Firstly because it is usually a module on the end of a cable you can move it to find the best reception spot. It is amazing how much difference 6 inches of movement can make to the signal strength. Secondly if your mate turns up with his laptop you can plug it into it and he can easily connect to your network.

All in the kit should cost you no more than £150 tops. I can have a look around and suggest a full package if you want.

As for ensuring prying eyes are kept at bay. there are two main ways. The first requires setting up encryption of both the Modem/router and the client PCs. This isn't difficult to do. You specify a 'key' to the router and if people don't know that key then they can't connect. Secondly each network card has a specific address called a MAC. This is a series of 6 two digit hexadecimal characters. You can specify on the router to only allow certain MACs to connect. So even if someone guessed your key(Highly unlikely) they would also have to guess and spoof your MAC address as well.

It would take me about an hour or so to set it all up so for a non techie 2 hours but thats tops.

Give me a shout if you want me to dig around for a package for you.

Ian

13-01-2005, 10:30	#3
entwisi God Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Up Bash Posts: 7,827 Blog Entries: 3 Liked: 44 times Rep Power: 4390	Re: Wireless network - costs? I have been running a wifi network for over 3 years now. Originally an Ad-Hoc setup then I reconfigured the Main PC as an access point. Now I run a seperate ADSL modem router WAP. I have a Server, a Laptop a PDA and next doors PC all sharing the network. I guess you are on ADSL or is it cable? If the former I would recommend the following. Netgear DG834M This is a BB modem with router and Wireless access point built in. It also acts as a firewall although I would recommend keeping your current firewall as well. For the Laptop you want a PCMCIA adaptor(if it hasn't already got Wifi built in). For teh desktops you have a choice of USB or PCI. One issue with 98 is that the USB support can be a bit flaky especially if it isn't 98SE. For that resaon I would suggest PCI as the better choice. However USB has two advantages you may wish to consider. Firstly because it is usually a module on the end of a cable you can move it to find the best reception spot. It is amazing how much difference 6 inches of movement can make to the signal strength. Secondly if your mate turns up with his laptop you can plug it into it and he can easily connect to your network. All in the kit should cost you no more than £150 tops. I can have a look around and suggest a full package if you want. As for ensuring prying eyes are kept at bay. there are two main ways. The first requires setting up encryption of both the Modem/router and the client PCs. This isn't difficult to do. You specify a 'key' to the router and if people don't know that key then they can't connect. Secondly each network card has a specific address called a MAC. This is a series of 6 two digit hexadecimal characters. You can specify on the router to only allow certain MACs to connect. So even if someone guessed your key(Highly unlikely) they would also have to guess and spoof your MAC address as well. It would take me about an hour or so to set it all up so for a non techie 2 hours but thats tops. Give me a shout if you want me to dig around for a package for you. Ian