Newbie Wireless Network Question

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5 Jan 2004
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I'm going to buy a new computer and want to link it wirelessly to my old computer downstairs. At the moment I have a bog-standard ADSL modem attached to my computer. If I understand the technology correctly - which I don't think I do - I need to get:

1) a wireless ADSL modem/router eg Linksys WAG354G 4-Port Wireless-G Broadband Modem Router (NW-044-LS)

2) two wireless network cards - one for each computer eg Linksys WMP54G Wireless-G PCI Adapter (NW-003-LS)

Two problems though -

1) someone told me that to set up your wireless network you need to have the router hard wired to your computer as a security feature otherwise you're broadcasting to the whole world until you have the signal encrypted, and you can't encrypt it until you've set up the link between router and main computer (which needs a wire connecting the two)

2) wireless systems don't allow you to share files between computers, they only allow you to share your internet access.

Is this true? IF so, what is the best solution?

cheers

G
 
hardware 1 and 2 sound OK


Q1. you may need to connect to the router to do the intial config of the wireless link, normally you connect the ethernet port of the PC to the routers LAN port with a Cat5 cable. Once wireless is configured you can then connect using the PC's wireless card.

The routers manual will talk you through the security options, for your hardware pick WPA2. Configure the built in firewall later on if you like.

Alternatively, routers like WLA2-G54 let you autoconfigure the wireless link, letting you install the Wi-Fi card and press go.

Q2. Wireless systems DO allow you to share files, look up "sharing files on XP"


hth :)

.
 
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