super_si

Just got a lappy and now i want to setup a Wireless LAN so i can used Broadband in the garden etc.

Can i do this without buying a new router? So just plug something in the lap top and hub/router it works?

Or is it a little more complex

cheers

Si

ScoobyDuck

iTrader: (1)

you either need a wireless access point, or a wireless enabled router & of-course a wireless enabled laptop (internal , or card)

if you have an adsl modem, then easiest to buy a wireless enabled router
Steve

super_si

Dont know much about this. SO can the access point just come off any Router? As in its a plug in device?

Cheers

Si

ScoobyJawa

Yes, it just plugs in to the port on the router.

Thing is, they cost just about as much as a new router so not much point IMHO.....

DrEvil

As Neil says, they can cost near enough the price of a new router.
One word of advice, check the current reviews in the PC mags, there has been a break down of best wireless routers recently, for maximum range its worth checking this out.

I've got a belkin one, its ok(read cheap), but quite a few others perform better if you require long range usage.

Rgds, Alex

Leg@cy

iTrader: (2)

I've just done this myself........


that is... bought a laptop..... and bought a wireless modem router and a wireless Pcmcia card for the laptop...

I went for the Netgear modem/router/firewall with pcmcia card...... £105 delivered from ebuyer

I have never done any networking before....... followed the insructions....... hey presto.... piece of pi$$

it took me about 45mins, coz i hit a little hiccup....

it told me to put in my user name and password........ i was entering the wrong one..... HA HA HA


edited to say, forgot how good the hardware firewall is.....

I have mcafee av/firewall...

the firewall used to register a few hungred attempts........ i've checked mcafee since the hardware firewall..... and a handfull of attemps...... one night (an evening of surfing......1 attempt.....) don't know the technicalities...... but it's cool


realised my mistake....... voila!!!

surfing in the garden...

you can also enable WEP.... which i beleive is a bit more secure..... no one else can use you connection....

thumbs up for wireless surfin'

phil

Fatman

WEP is easily cracked. Make sure you use MAC-address filtering, soo. You can also swiitch off the "SSID" broadcasting, which ceases the network advertising its presence.

super_si

For £100 i think ill just make a big **** cable

Leg@cy

iTrader: (2)

yep....... done thatn'all!!!!!

it's not cheap.......... but cool and the gang...........



by the way.....i believe you can find cheaper wireless options other than netgear......

I had a 20m cross over cale running from my main pc..... but missus kept tripping on it (it DOES work)...but she got wise to me and said the wire had to go .....

Chris L

64bit WEP is in theory not overly secure. But a) you need to know what you are doing to crack b)it still requires a fair amount of processing power c)are your neighbours really going to be that bothered, or actually know what they are doing?

In theory WEP could be cracked in 15 mins with a powerful computer (and a busy network), but you would still need to capture several million packets (which is probably longer than most people can be bothered to wait). For casual surfing at home it is more than sufficient. It is certainly worth using it rather than not using it.

Make sure the SSID is not broadcast, turn off DHCP and use statically assigned IP addresses and MAC filtering and you'll be fine.

Chris

bigman

I always secure wireless access points by MAC address's filterng.
i.e the devices to be used are the only ones that can access the network.

I would also recommend disabling the SSID broadcast to prevent casual scanners.

I wouldnt bother with WEP as it is pretty much a waste of time, unfortunately the key is transmitted it the network packet and there are numerous programs that can work it out mega quick.

super_si

Cheers for help,

Any surgestions on parts? Just so i dont get uncompatable stuff.

ideally 1-8 users + is it compatable with PS2?
also is it still possible to get routers with RJ45 ports?
Cheers

Si