What do I need?

[Girdag]

Currently, in my house, there is one broadband access point. This is your basic BT 'phone-line' broadband, at 1MB/s, running through a Speedtouch USB modem. I want to set up a wireless network to allow me to access the internet through another PC. A few quick caveats:

1) This PC will be up a floor, and through several (4-5) fairly solid walls (the house is an old farmhouse). It'll probably be about 10-15 metres from the broadband access point (the only one in the house). So good range is a priority.

2) Consistancy is the most important thing here - I don't want a rapidly fluctuating signal.

3) I'll need a card/usb thingy/whatever as well for the PC upstairs.

4) Idiot-proof setup would be very handy.

5) The PC upstairs will be running Vista, the one downstairs (by the broadband point) is on XP, if that'll be a problem, tell me.

Budget - The cheaper the better, but ideally I wouldn't want to spend more than about £80 as an absolute maximum.

So, what do I need?

 

[Zefan]

There is a lot to be said for the network through power cables system. I'm not sure what it's commercially known as but more or less you get adaptors and run it through your mains. I suggest you look in to it.

As for Vista-XP, I don't think that should be a problem.

 

[Girdag]

There is a lot to be said for the network through power cables system. I'm not sure what it's commercially known as but more or less you get adaptors and run it through your mains. I suggest you look in to it.

As for Vista-XP, I don't think that should be a problem.

I've looked at it, but the problem I see is that not all the wiring in my house is on the same circuit - it's old, the wiring's been redone god knows how many times, so it's basically a complete mess. I might try it, but it also seems fairly expensive from what I've seen.

 

[Zefan]

Clicky

That's a good example of it.

Wireless should be fine aswell, all you should need is a Wireless router and either a USB dongle or PCI card as you've said. There are many reliable manufacturers (Personally I favor Linksys), but I'll let someone with a clue recommend specifics