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Can someone please help me understand this stuff (wireless network related)

post #1 of 7
9/6/05 at 2:04am
Thread Starter 
Ok I'm looking to get a Laptop (duh... ) and I've never delt with wireless networks before...

I'll tell you a bit about my setup... and what I wish to do...

I'll mostly just be using it around the house, and maybe in hotspots... not really sure how those work, and maybe Dial up as a last resort... (I can still do IM and check websites with dial up right? (by the way that wasn't REALLY a question... I know the answer is "yes))

I have A broadband connection, and a network of 2 computers, so I have a router, with 2 extra spots open. Now is there any way I can just attach an antena or something to my The router and have it send and recieve stuff to/from my laptop? I'd prefer at least a 20 kb/s down/upload rate at least, faster would be better, I've seen my PC near 1000 before on a few occasions...

Anyway This stuff confuses me... what are the benefits of bluetooth I may not have thought of? ( I may be interested in a Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard... but I'm not sure why I couldn't just use the USB... and sending a note to my PDA would be slightly cool if I had one...) Also whats the range? if I had a Blootooth mouse... and I put the S-Video out on so the screen was my TV, could I sit across the room and operate the computer?

I just want a fast, reliable connection to my router, and I'd like to leave my computer's "wired". I hope I'm doing an ok job of explaining...

These are my 5 "Choices" although #1 is pretty lame...

Networking
Create a wireless network or add a PC to your existing network
Choices:

1) Integrated 56K Modem + 10/100 Ethernet LAN

2) 54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster(TM)

3)Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG WLAN

4) 54g(TM) Integ. Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN & Bluetooth

5)Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG & Bluetooth(TM)
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post #2 of 7
9/6/05 at 2:47am
As long as you get a Wireless G Router you should have almost no prob with File trans, I'm guessing your conserned with download rates from internet to your laptop, normal networks have a 10/100 speed for hard CAT5 lines, the Wireless G router does 54 on wireless and normally your network runs about 100 if all your computers arn't dinosaurs. When your network is pluged into a high speed net usually like Cox, sprint whatever the line from the Cable Modem to Router is usually at 10 so don't worry about bottle neck speeds from the net, that should take care of you at home. On the road I put Netstumbler on my laptop and that program will let you know when a network is near by and if you can connect to it. That's what I do when I'm not home, as for Dialup that's like an extra $10 a month, save it for something else. Netstumbler will help you with away from home connections. if I missed anything let me know. but that should cover ya! as for bluetooth I've got a Inspiron 9300 and a Bluetooth Mouse from Microsoft, it's pretty fun to show it off. but keep a pack of AA with you incase it starts freaking out. Other than that I've used my bluetooth to send pics, sounds, and games to my cell phone that's all I ever use it for.

www.netstumbler.com
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post #3 of 7
9/6/05 at 10:57am
Thread Starter 
ok.. so I should go with choice #2? Its cool that I'll have fast speeds, and I'm just gunna go without bluetooth this time.. maybe by the time I get my next laptop I'll have a reason to get it. I still don't know how I'm going to get my network up and running, although the idea of leaching off of other peoples makes me happy...
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post #4 of 7
9/6/05 at 11:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wanuva_Kind
ok.. so I should go with choice #2? Its cool that I'll have fast speeds, and I'm just gunna go without bluetooth this time.. maybe by the time I get my next laptop I'll have a reason to get it. I still don't know how I'm going to get my network up and running, although the idea of leaching off of other peoples makes me happy...
You'll only get the high speed 125 HSM /SpeedBooster(TM) to work with one brand of router. Anything that is non standard like that has to be paired with a specific router. It will still work fine at 802.11b/g speeds. And why would it 'make you happy' to 'leach off of others' ??
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post #5 of 7
9/6/05 at 12:43pm
You'll need to replace your router with a wireless model. Don't worry, you can still keep your two desktops wired; wireless routers have Ethernet ports too, and wireless routers are cheap.

SpeedBooster, and things like it, are a waste of time and money. A standard 802.11g connection is so much faster than your cable connection (possibly by a factor of ten) that it won't slow you down in the slightest.
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post #6 of 7
9/6/05 at 2:20pm
If the bluetooth option is only like $15 or so go ahead and get it, always nice to have something around you can play with. I've impressed many friends with my bluetooth on my laptop. and don't worry about olyteddy he's just being a grouch in a can, when I'm out leaching internet from someone with an open network it MAKES ME HAPPY. I get my jollies from finding open networks and using them.
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post #7 of 7
9/6/05 at 2:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Entropius
SpeedBooster, and things like it, are a waste of time and money.
This is true if you only use your network to "connect to the internet." Networks have many other uses aside from "connecting to the internet." The faster your network is, the better off you will be in the future if you decide to use your network aside from "connecting to the internet." For example, if you need more space but prefer not to mess around with firewire or USB cables, you could get a NAS (network attached storage) then connect it to your network. You can then create a permanent network drive mapping to it so that you can access it anytime you want when you are connected to your network. You can use your NAS like a DVD jukebox or create automatic or scheduled backups to it to protect your data. You can install wireless web cams to monitor your house or business. etc. etc. just use your imagination....
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