|
|
Quahappy
regular
Reg'd: Sat
Posts: 86
Loc: South Yorkshire
|
|
Hi all,
We currently have one PC (Windows XP and about 9 months old) connected to the Internet with Cable Broadband using their Webstar Modem and is 10meg+.
We are wanting to connect another PC to the Internet using either wireless or cable. This PC is new and has Vista Basic. Both PC's are situated downstairs except one is in the living room and the other in the dining room.
What would be the best equipment to get to enable us to do this? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
--------------------
If you don't ask.....
|
|
GMAC
regular
Reg'd: Sat
Posts: 536
Loc: Wales, UK
|
|
It depends which way you want to go really. Wired or Wireless. We'll call the XP computer 'A' and the Vista computer 'B' to differentiate.
Solution 1 - Wired
Assuming computer B has an Ethernet port (it should), you could purchase a wired router. Your cable modem would plug into this router, and cables would run from the router to Computer A/B.
The good things about this are that data speeds are very high. File sharing becomes much quicker when compared to wireless. It's also slightly more reliable, cost effective and easier to set up.
However, there is the obvious downside of having cables around the house. This can be sorted with a bit of creative work though (along skirting boards, under carpets etc etc).
The equipment you would need to buy would be 1xCable/DSL Router and 2xEthernet cable (Patch, not Crossover). Examples below:
Router
Patch Cables
Just measure to get the right lengths of cable
Solution 2 - Wireless
This would be similar to the above, except one computer (A or B, its personal preference here) would be plugged into the wireless router via cable, and the other would be equipped with a wireless adapter. The router used would have room for both wired and wireless connections, and have the cable modem connected to it.
Equipment here would be 1xWireless Router, 1xEthernet Cable (Patch) and 1xWireless Adapter (I recommend PCI over USB)
Wireless Router
Patch Cable
Wireless Adapter (PCI)
The obvious advantage of this is the lack of cable. Also, the wireless PC can be moved around if necessary, without having to reroute cables. This is the choice to make if you dont like the idea of having cables cables everywhere.
The downsides are plain too. Wireless does not offer the speed or the reliability that cable has. Sharing files will be slower, but light Internet use will not be affected. Furthermore, you must be sure to secure your wireless to stop intruders. Its a setup with slightly more hassle overall.
Finally
I hope you made some sense of that. I'm open to questions!
GMAC
--------------------
Toshiba Satellite P10-304
Dual booting Ubuntu Linux/Win XP Pro SP2
AntiVir Personal, COMODO Firewall, Ad-Aware 2006, Spyware Blaster, Spybot S&D, PeerGuardian 2
|
Quahappy
regular
Reg'd: Sat
Posts: 86
Loc: South Yorkshire
|
|
Firstly, thank you for the quick response! And secondly - wow - a very in-depth one too that answers any additional questions I would have had! Brilliant and thank you. 
I did read the Sticky topic givng advice on the advantages and disadvantages of wireless. I think this would had been a problem because of the amount of furniture and thickness of the wall. The PC's are around 15ft apart.
Well, after weighing up the two, wired option is definately the way for us to go. As you mention, wired is faster and a lor more reliable over wireless. It's not a problem with feeding the cable as that'll go up the wall (in a corner) and along the top of the picture rail, then out of the dining room into the living room.
And it's certainly not as expensive as I'd thought it would be either!
This PC (one in the dining room) would be regulated when it's connected as it's purely for our kids when they have research/homework to do (It'll also be like fort knox with parental controls on it too.
Once again, many thanks for your help.
--------------------
If you don't ask.....
|
GMAC
regular
Reg'd: Sat
Posts: 536
Loc: Wales, UK
|
|
Aight 
Don't forget to shop around and get the best deal. And just come back anytime if you need a hand setting up your new gear
GMAC
--------------------
Toshiba Satellite P10-304
Dual booting Ubuntu Linux/Win XP Pro SP2
AntiVir Personal, COMODO Firewall, Ad-Aware 2006, Spyware Blaster, Spybot S&D, PeerGuardian 2
|
Quahappy
regular
Reg'd: Sat
Posts: 86
Loc: South Yorkshire
|
|
Hi again,
I've done a little homework (good 'ol Google) lol. I understand it is possible to connect the two PC's via a crossover ethernet cable as the one connected to cable modem has a Fast Ethernet Network Adaptor in it (other words, two ethernet connectors). Well, I bought the correct ethernet cable, connected the two together, setup another internet network on the one connected to the internet but the other PC (also set up a network) just keeps coming up with "Little or no connection". What do I need to do next? Or is it a little more complicated?
Many thanks!
--------------------
If you don't ask.....
|
Quahappy
regular
Reg'd: Sat
Posts: 86
Loc: South Yorkshire
|
|
Ignore my above post. XP end was ok but Vista refused to talk the same language!
Anyhow, have bought and installed the Belkin router (wired) which was an absolute doddle to install. Connected PC with Vista to Router... and both PC's have Internet through cable modem with no slow down at all!
One very pleased Web User member! Thanks again GMAC for all your excellent advice and help. 
--------------------
If you don't ask.....
|
GMAC
regular
Reg'd: Sat
Posts: 536
Loc: Wales, UK
|
|
Huzzah. Great stuff and just check back if theres ever more troubles.
GMAC
--------------------
Toshiba Satellite P10-304
Dual booting Ubuntu Linux/Win XP Pro SP2
AntiVir Personal, COMODO Firewall, Ad-Aware 2006, Spyware Blaster, Spybot S&D, PeerGuardian 2
|
|
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
