Computer hardware/ Network guru's?

[Rainer Feyer]

Yes, I know, this is a marine forum. But, I've been trying to read and, with my dial up, researching LAN's is a never ending task!

Need to replace my current 10/100b Ethernet Network with something a little more UTD - faster!

I have 3 PC's which will be cabled ( CAT5 ) and 3 Laptops which should be Wireless.

Any suggestion of good equipment plus which way to go? I don't think I need a router? I do NOT have broadband ( yes, we still exist in the boonies where no broadband is available).

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Nammy]

you could buy two wireless routers. Set up the second one to repeat the signal (i.e. disable the router functionality) and you will have 8 wired ports and more wireless coverage for your home/office.

 

[partagas]

Running a 10/100 with Cat5 is industry standard. (Was when I left the IT field.) The only thing higher is wireless and fiber. But since you are on a dial-up, that is llike have a Ferrari and running it on a dirtroad. You can stay with what you have. A router or hub will make it easier to share information from one PC to another. Other wise you do not need to do anything with your network. If you get DSL or Broadband you will still be fine. I have Cable and I am running 10/100 on all my PC's and Laptop.

 

[tye_c]

You could go to Cat6 and Gigabit. The only reason to do this is if you have a server onsite or you are moving a ton of files between the pc's. If you have dialup there is no reason to change the current setup unless its a hub and not a switch.

 

[Nammy]

I was assuming you were talking speed between pc's. Your dial-up speed won't change. But the router (wire & wireless) is cheap enough and alot faster between pc's.

 

[Rainer Feyer]

Thanks to everyone for replying! Great to have such an abundance of knowledge around ( certainly can't get the info at a local computer store).

I should have been more clear on my initial question, though: I don't necessarily need more CAT5 (wired) speed, I need more Wireless speed - currently running 11b harware, I believe. Yup, that info would've helped initially, yes?

I did a little research and found that the current available standard is 11g? Do any of you have experience, and, most important, examples of good Wireless adapters ( models, makes) and hubs?

Also, is there an advantage of router vs. hub when one does NOT have broadband?

Thanks again,

Thanks agin

 

[sbertomen]

Rainer,

When I set up home networks, with or without broadband, I think the easiest is a router just so you don't have to fool with static IP addresses. I have had good luck with the linksys routers, just make sure you secure them - I like to use MAC addresses to limit access along with encryption.

The last router I put in was a WT54g - it was a snap. The last access point I put in was a WAP54GX. Again easy. I have used linksys, belkin, netgear and built in wireless cards. Esthetically netgear are my favorites (besides built in)- no other real reason.

btw - I have an old B router if you want to try before buy.

sara

 

[Rainer Feyer]

So,

is g ( 54Mbs ) the best option currently? SOunds fast enough, though I do a bunch of video processing which chould use all it can get.

Also, I am lost when it gets to securing the routers - ? MAC address?

Again, thanks for the help, I should be set soon with my questions

Oops - couldn't get a hit on the router, WT54g - is that the correct nomenclature?

 

[Rainer Feyer]

Sara,

is this the router? Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router - WRT54G

If so, I will order it todady - I will not need a seperate access point, correct?

Rainer

 

[tye_c]

Currently G at 54Mbs is the latest standard. The 802.11 committee is working on 802.11n. This should be in the 100Mbs neighborhood. Linksys and others sell some Pre-N wireless devices. Dont waste your money on them. The prestandard stuff is never compatible with the actual standard that is yet to be finalized.

A WRT54G is a Linksys router. It will handle your broadband (if you ever get it), DHCP and wireless. I have some 3rd party firmware for that router that gives you some enhancements for that router. I could send it to you if you want to try it. If not I would at least upgrade it to the latest firmware.

Tye

 

[Nammy]

How big of an area do you plan to cover with the router?

 

[sbertomen]

Yes Rainer it is a broadband router - sorry I got the model wrong WRT54G is the one I have. It should cover a home - if all your nodes are wireless you should not need an access point. BUT, say you want to put several non wireless nodes on the network, you could use an access point to get to it. I just looked on the linksys site and there are some diagrams on how you may set up a network. I can help you with security stuff - I should be in Albany next Sunday just coming back from vacation - I can't wait!

 

[Rainer Feyer]

You guys are great!

Sara, will order the router today as well as a few PCMCI cards.

Nammy,

my home is 30feet x 50feet having two floors and a full basement. My current LAN has a hub in the cellar but I will see if I can place the router in my 1st floor office - hope the CAT5's are long enough.

This saves me a TON of research, thank you both,

 

[upstatedave]

If you want get bulk cat5...I have the stuff to make up your own cabling....

 

[Rainer Feyer]

Hey Dave,

thank you very much for the offer - I actually have all the CAT5 layed out and active with my current b setup.

Thanks for the offer!

 

[scorp1on]

Target just started carrying some Linksys items. Let me know if you check that option out, I get a discount if you see anything you like.

 

[Rainer Feyer]

Hey Scorpion,

thanks for the great offer - already ordered the components which are being delivered today!

But, if I need 3rd card for my laptops I will gladly take you up on the offer!