PCA Forums

I'd like my laptop to be wireless but I've already got a wired SMC cable router and wired NICs in every PC. From what I gather, I can add a wireless "Access point" and one wireless network card for the laptop leaving the rest wired (as they're not moving anyway).

Both SMC and Linksys make these devices but they're not exactly in-expensive IMO. The Access point's about $140 and the network card's another $80. I assume that it somehow T's into my existing wired cable modem or router?

Does anyone here know of a cheaper alternative or is that as good as it gets?

I'm also not thrilled with my new SMC router situation (another thread here) although I'm now getting a new one in 4 days. Trying to resolve a problem with them was less than ideal IMO. Does anyone here have anything against Linksys in comparison? Their "access point" rates very good by users at Buy.com, no ratings for the same device by SMC.

That's about as cheap as it'll get. If you can find an access point for $140, it's a bargain. Wireless cards usually run around $100 each.

Somehow I knew you'ld answer this thread. Can you explain how exactly the access point plugs into my existing wired setup? I'm not sure exactly how this device connects to my wired setup as I'm unable to locate any specific instructions on it and don't want to later discover that I'm either lacking yet another device or can't use what I already have.
Will the access point just plug into either my existing wired router (somehow?), T into the cable modem to wired router or do I need another wireless NIC for the main wired server PC as well (like wireless ICS between the wireless server and wireless client)?
I've been searching for these specifics and I'm not finding them. I also don't need to go 100% wireless either.

I just got a promotion and pay increase at work so I guess I can afford yet another PC toy, why not?

The AP will just connect to your existing router, switch or hub as if it was another computer on the network.

Make sure you get an AP without a DSL/cable modem router built-in - you don't need it unless you want to replace the SMC router you just bought.

I've used the Linksys router/AP which works fine. It comes in a 4 or 8 port version.

Great, thanks

If you look around, you can find non 802.11 stuff cheaper. Your speeds are much lower (<1 MBps) but it should be sufficient for MP3's and surfing the net.

Keep in mind that this stuff is a few years old, and harder to find. I do know that Intel had their wireless protocol. Diamond had one as well. I think I have seen some of these older kits at http://www.computergeeks.com at some time or another.

You will not get any support with these kits, though. They are pretty old, and not compliant to any standards.

Thanks but I already ordered it. I don't want old network stuff either, especially old wireless stuff.

Not only did my SNC replacement router arrive today (works too ) BUT so did my new SMC Access point and wireless nic for the laptop. It sets up easily (automatic plug & play, no manual config needed) and works great too. I can now take the laptop anywhere in the house or out in the yard (warmer weather of coarse) and be online at the same time, too cool!

I just got a Linsys BEFW11S4 to replace my other Linksys router and a WPC11 for my laptop. Pretty nice not having to drag the cable around from the router to the laptop when I wanted to move around. I've been reading some sites on using Pringles cans and old Direct TV dishes to make antennas to extend your range. The possibilities are interesting.

http://www.oreillynet.com/cs/weblog/view/wlg/448

I can go anywhere in the house with the laptop now whilst online so I'm fine now. With the cordless option and Musicmatch, I can then plug the laptop into any sound system in the house eliminating the need for our nasty local radio stations forever .

Evil,

I've been running a setup similar to yours for abuot 4 months now and I love it. I just put a USB wireless device on an extra machine in my daughters room and then a PCMIA card in my laptop so now i'm wireless around the whole house too. When my wife wants me to set beside her and watch JAG then I put the laptop on my lap and surf away. MP3s in the kitchen are nice too. The only question I have is how do you plug your laptop into your soundsystem?

-glass

All you need is a 1/8" stereo mini-plug to dual phone plug adaptor cord. Radio shack or elsewhere sells them. I found one yesterday at Home Depot for less than $2 (the package from there said "3.5mm Y adaptor cord") . I have 3 of these adaptor cords so far including one at work running off the PCs soundcard to my mini-stereo system so I tap into Musicmatch there too unless someone needs to use that phoneline to call our tech support (rarely).

The 1/8" (or 3.5mm) stereo mini-plug plugs into the laptops headphone outlet, then the phono plugs plug into any auxillary inputs on a stereo receiver such as one for a tape deck, phono, vcr (video) or mic. It'll plug into any receiver, boom box, etc.

Now.......IF I could just figure out a way to do that in my cars.................mobile Satelite internet? Actually I think that might not be too far off, internet and PCs in cars (built-in).

Hi, sorry to resurrect this old thread, but I did a search and it answered most of my questions.

one more question:

If I plug a Wireless Access Point into an ethernet port in my Cable Router, how many wireless devices can I simultaneously support?

I think it varies by manufacturer. But Xircom's supports up to 64 simultaneous users:

http://www.xircom.com/cda/page/0,1298,0 ... 44,00.html

USR makes one that only supports 20, I think... I could be wrong, though.

hey thanks for the link.

So it seems that the access point also functions as a switch that is uplinked to the router via the ethernet jack. It would also seem that the optimal number of users is less than the theoretical max number of users (internet sharing-wise).

it seems like it would be great for lan parties.