Educate me on Wireless Internet
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Post Fiend
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From: 21791
Educate me on Wireless Internet
As my graduation present from highschool, my parents are buying me a laptop of my choice. I need a new computer, i chose a laptop over a desktop because i am going to buy AutoEnginuity software. I have a old-school Dell Dimension 8200 (yes, THAT old) and comcast high-speed internet as my ISP. Now my question for the wireless internet, how do i convert it to wireless from my wall? This may sound lame to those who know the answer, but do you just attach the cable coming out of my wall to the wireless router, that then sends a signal to the wireless card in my new laptop? Is it that simple, it sounds too easy. I'd like to place my order on my new laptop today, and i am at the place where i can select a wireless card, even buy a router. That sounds like all i would need if i am able to attach my cable internet to the router. Thanks in advance FTE. 
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: oxon hill, MD U.S.A
congrats
all new notebook comps come with wi-fi already installed with B, G, or higher. a used notebook you will have to buy a card.
my question is what kind of wi-fi router do you plan on getting? if a wireless B, or G(B is backwards compatible with G and vice versa) will work fine if you plan on streaming HD video you will need something more powerfull like wireless N or higher and will have to buy a type 3 wireless N compatible card
all new notebook comps come with wi-fi already installed with B, G, or higher. a used notebook you will have to buy a card.
my question is what kind of wi-fi router do you plan on getting? if a wireless B, or G(B is backwards compatible with G and vice versa) will work fine if you plan on streaming HD video you will need something more powerfull like wireless N or higher and will have to buy a type 3 wireless N compatible card
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Post Fiend
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From: 21791
Well, i'd like you and FTE to help tell me what to buy. I haven't bought anything as of yet, and thats why im asking, what is best. I just llooked on Dell's page and all they offer, all of them are the N wireless. Is that the best? Im not wanting to skimp on anything here.
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From: MA
Originally Posted by strokin_it7.3
Now my question for the wireless internet, how do i convert it to wireless from my wall? This may sound lame to those who know the answer, but do you just attach the cable coming out of my wall to the wireless router, that then sends a signal to the wireless card in my new laptop? Is it that simple, it sounds too easy. I'd like to place my order on my new laptop today, and i am at the place where i can select a wireless card, even buy a router. That sounds like all i would need if i am able to attach my cable internet to the router. Thanks in advance FTE.
The line from Comcast goes into the internet port on the router.
Then the wireless signal just gets transmitted into the air.
Your New laptop should have wireless built in, so no need for another card.
Remember to shut down the Comcast modem for 2 minutes before connecting the router.. This will reset the modem to recognize the new router.. If you don't the internet will not work except on the pc or router you currently have connected.
Also remember to set the wireless security (WEP or WPA)..
Most people take the router out of the box and it works so they never set the security or change the router default password..
After you get your laptop you will be able to see who in your neighborhood does not have a secure network.. You will be able to connect to them..
I would just get a wireless G router.. In my opinion N is to expensive.. It does offer greater distance, but most people do not need it..
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
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From: Enjoying the real world.
A standard 54 or 108 Mbps router is going to deliver more bandwidth than your ISP (Comcast) is going to give you. As a matter of fact 10Mbps is going to deliver more bandwidth than many high speed Internet connections. Uncompressed, raw HD video is 37MBits. But... no one serves raw uncompressed HD video. If you had several computers on a wireless network that moved huge files frequently then higher speed might be in order by N is beyond overkill for Internet access.
I recommend you get a tri-band router that supports 5 GHz. Too many people use 2.4 GHz for wireless Internet, wireless home phones, etc. Too high a likelihood for interference (even from microwave ovens). With 5 Ghz you'll have more stability with connections.
I recommend you get a tri-band router that supports 5 GHz. Too many people use 2.4 GHz for wireless Internet, wireless home phones, etc. Too high a likelihood for interference (even from microwave ovens). With 5 Ghz you'll have more stability with connections.
Last edited by FTE Ken; Jul 1, 2007 at 11:23 AM.
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From: MA
Originally Posted by strokin_it7.3
Well, i'd like you and FTE to help tell me what to buy. I haven't bought anything as of yet, and thats why im asking, what is best. I just llooked on Dell's page and all they offer, all of them are the N wireless. Is that the best? Im not wanting to skimp on anything here.
The brand of router is insignificant.. They all work pretty much the same..
I have used Belkin, Linksys, netgear, and No Name brands and all work fine..
I wouldn't buy from the Dell page.. You will be able to find a better deal on the net or local computer/staples store.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: DELAWARE, The First State
First off, why haven't you guys, Kris & 351911, joined your Maryland Chapter?
My Comast setup is fairly simple. Comcast modem to Linksys wireless G router. You will still need a base computer to stay connected to the Comcast modem, or at least that is what the comcast tech guy told me.
A wireless G router is probably all you need.
I have had several Linksys products over the years. All have been very reliable.
My Comast setup is fairly simple. Comcast modem to Linksys wireless G router. You will still need a base computer to stay connected to the Comcast modem, or at least that is what the comcast tech guy told me.
A wireless G router is probably all you need.
I have had several Linksys products over the years. All have been very reliable.
Last edited by glruff; Jul 1, 2007 at 11:33 AM.
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From: MA
Originally Posted by glruff
If you are buying you laptop from Dell, I would call their order line or do an online chat with a sales person to get their opinion. Buy the laptop and wireless router from the same company so you will have support installing and getting the router to work.
Originally Posted by glruff
My Comast setup is fairly simple. Comcast modem to Linksys wireless G router. You will still need a base computer to stay connected to the Comcast modem, or at least that is what the comcast tech guy told me.
Originally Posted by glruff
Cat 5 cable gives the most reliable hookup as you probably know.
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Southern Louisiana
When you install your router, make sure to WPA protect it. Dont use WEP as it is becomming very easy to hack. Also, if you are going to want to file share with your desktop or share a printer wirelessly, this is a good program to use. Easy to understand and it moniters your network so that you know exactly what computer is using or trying to use your wifi.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: 21791
WOW guys thanks for the inputs, keep them coming if anyone has more info to share!
....I rarely creep out of my hole in the 1999.5-03 7.3 Powerstroke Forum, however i now see that the rest of the FTE site is just as willing to help and nice as my bros in the 7.3 Forum. This site rocks. 
....I rarely creep out of my hole in the 1999.5-03 7.3 Powerstroke Forum, however i now see that the rest of the FTE site is just as willing to help and nice as my bros in the 7.3 Forum. This site rocks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Montana Territory
If you get the Draft N, you'll have to upgrade your Mini-PCI card... its not worth it, G is plenty fast enough.
You can usually find a good Linksys or D-Link router from a local office supply or electronics store, for a much better price than Dell.
Dell does have one nice thing though, hop on their page and go to notebooks, and look on the top banner for Dell Outlet... they sell customer new returns, refurbished, and scratch and dent computers for 2-300$ less than new. I've bought three scratch and dent laptops, with nothing more than a scratch on the top cover not affecting anything but outside appearance.
Good luck!
You can usually find a good Linksys or D-Link router from a local office supply or electronics store, for a much better price than Dell.
Dell does have one nice thing though, hop on their page and go to notebooks, and look on the top banner for Dell Outlet... they sell customer new returns, refurbished, and scratch and dent computers for 2-300$ less than new. I've bought three scratch and dent laptops, with nothing more than a scratch on the top cover not affecting anything but outside appearance.
Good luck!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Not hijacking here, just a question along this subject line.
If I have a base computer, and it is not turned on, but I am on my sattelite computer, and on the internet, will that compromise my network security?
This is a perfect thread, since I just set up my first wireless network two days ago.
If I have a base computer, and it is not turned on, but I am on my sattelite computer, and on the internet, will that compromise my network security?
This is a perfect thread, since I just set up my first wireless network two days ago.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Southern Louisiana
Originally Posted by smokestone52
Not hijacking here, just a question along this subject line.
If I have a base computer, and it is not turned on, but I am on my sattelite computer, and on the internet, will that compromise my network security?
This is a perfect thread, since I just set up my first wireless network two days ago.
If I have a base computer, and it is not turned on, but I am on my sattelite computer, and on the internet, will that compromise my network security?
This is a perfect thread, since I just set up my first wireless network two days ago.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,448
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From: CA Central Coast
We got a great deal awhile back on a HP laptop from Newegg.com. $489 after all the rebates. Had to up the RAM though, for a little extra. Office Depot around here has some amazing "limited quantity " deals from time to time.
After going through many hours of calls over several months time of customer service hell (it turns out they knew all along their Inspiron laptop motherboards were defective, they were just trying to deflect responsibility), I will never buy Dell again.
After going through many hours of calls over several months time of customer service hell (it turns out they knew all along their Inspiron laptop motherboards were defective, they were just trying to deflect responsibility), I will never buy Dell again.