Home wireless network - opinions

Lawdie · 08-10-2003 11:56am #1

Hi All,

I've ordered the line and now want to order the hardware.
The objective is to have a small home wireless network.
Two PCs and one Laptop

So my two questions are
Is the below order the best selection and value for money?
Does anyone suggust anything different from the below?

I appreciate all comments before I commit on purchasing!

Wireless router
SMC Barricade Wireless G 54 Mbps
802.11g, 4-port switch
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?action=info&sku=119947&p=&t=1735&l=3&AvdID=1&CatID=19&GrpID=16&cks=PRL

Laptop Card
SMC EZ Connect G Wireless PCI 54Mbps
802.11g
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?action=info&sku=117794&l=3&AvdID=1&CatID=19&GrpID=16&cks=ACC

PC Cards
SMC EZ Connect G Wireless PCI 54Mbps
802.11g
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?action=info&sku=117794&l=3&AvdID=1&CatID=19&GrpID=16&cks=ACC

Thanks, Lawdie

p.s. IS that all I need or is there something else I should look at pruchasing?

MarkR · 08-10-2003 12:21pm

That second card for the laptop, are those the type that will connect via pci and pcmcia? (Thought i heard of it before, never used one..) If so.. Cool!

Ripwave · 08-10-2003 12:25pm

Originally posted by Lawdie
I've ordered the line and now want to order the hardware.
The objective is to have a small home wireless network.

Does anyone suggust anything different from the below?

Wireless router
SMC Barricade Wireless G 54 Mbps
802.11g, 4-port switch
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?action=info&sku=119947
...
IS that all I need or is there something else I should look at pruchasing?

That router has an ethernet interface on the "WAN" side - that means that you'll have to plug it into an ethernet ADSL modem. If you've ordered DSL from UTVIP or IOLBB, they only provide a USB modem (to the best of my knowledge).

bk · 08-10-2003 1:14pm

As Ripwave has said, that Wireless router doesn't have a ADSL modem built in and you won't be able to connect the USB modems of IOL/UTV to it unless you use internet sharing software (not worth it, it is a pain).

See the following link for two packs that include an ethernet modem and Wireless AP that you can use together:
http://www.dsl-warehouse.ie/products.asp?pm=1517

rymus · 08-10-2003 2:06pm

what about this one? It's a wireless (G) router, 4 10/100 lan ports and one 10/100 wan port. To solve the USB ADSL problem it also has a usb port and can act as a print server. It's the business

Or at least I hope it is when I order it next week. Assuming your USB ADSL kit will talk to that router you shouldnt have any bother setting up.

for the record, it also has a firewall in it, uses DHCP, supports NAT and a whole motherload of other bells & whistles.

rob1891 · 08-10-2003 2:22pm

ever since komplett buggered their website links to products just go to the front page

Or they do in netscape/mozilla ...

Did you mean the asus router, I think that's quite a neat little piece of kit, didn't realise a usb modem could go into the usb port, that makes it even better.

Ripwave · 08-10-2003 2:41pm

Originally posted by rob1891
ever since komplett buggered their website links to products just go to the front page Or they do in netscape/mozilla ...

Just trip off everything after the SKU parameter, and it works. http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?action=info&sku=119415

Did you mean the asus router, I think that's quite a neat little piece of kit, didn't realise a usb modem could go into the usb port, that makes it even better.

You better check up on this before you shell out your money - it does have a type A port (the flat end of the USB cable), but USB modems require drivers on your PC to work - how do you install a USB driver on a router? Will it only work with ASUS modems?

(But yes, it is a nice bit of kit. And that's an excellent price).

Lawdie · 08-10-2003 3:07pm

Ye, I should of stated that I was going IOL broadband.

The Asus appears a better choice, I was trying to get the simpliest setup.

So that leaves Ripwave's questions unanswered.

Would Komplett be able to help advise if I gave them a call.

Does some one know or should I call.

Lawdie

rob1891 · 08-10-2003 3:11pm

had a quick glance over the manual, seems the usb port only supports usb storage devices, fairly broad selection of printers & usb webcameras. Details in the "plug-share" links at the bottom of this page:

http://www.asus.com/products/communication/wireless/wl-500g/overview.htm

that means you'll need an ethernet dsl modem

rob

Lawdie · 08-10-2003 3:12pm

On the dsl-warehouse theres two combo options

1. D-Link 802.11g
2. Netgear 802.11g

Which is the better choice?

GreeBo · 08-10-2003 3:19pm

I think its much of a muchness
I ve just ordered the DLink
DI-624 802.11G Wireless Internet Router
Will advise on how it works
Picked it up for $70 on ebay...

Nice.

Lawdie · 08-10-2003 10:24pm

So, if I go the SMC router option I'll need to purchase an ethernet router.

Has anyone got an further on the ASUS, which looks like a good choice minus the USB question

Or pick up the bundle as above and fair play to Redoxan for his wise purchase.

Is there any advantage with a ethernet modem over ADSL. The bundles at dsl-warehouse are ethernet modems.

Got the account setup today, so itching to put in the hardware order. However, common sense kicks in.

So can anyone clear the air a bit further. Appreciate the excellent knowledge and help so far all

Ripwave · 09-10-2003 10:45am

Originally posted by Lawdie
Is there any advantage with a ethernet modem over ADSL. The bundles at dsl-warehouse are ethernet modems.

From a DSL point of view, there's no difference in the USB and Ethernet modems. From a connectivity point of view, ethernet wins hands down, because you can only connect a USB modem to a PC (Windows definitely, Mac probably, Linux sometimes), whereas you can plug just about anything into an ethernet device, from a firewall, to a PC to a hub to a wireless router, to a fridge.

The only reason USB is even in the picture is that most PCs less that 4 years old have a USB port, but don't have an Ethernet port. There's no doubt that from a "i don't know anything about computers" point of view, USB is an easier sell.

STaN · 14-10-2003 11:16am

Originally posted by redoxan
I think its much of a muchness
I ve just ordered the DLink
DI-624 802.11G Wireless Internet Router
Will advise on how it works
Picked it up for $70 on ebay...

Nice.

Any updates?

If its good i'll get the same

rymus · 14-10-2003 11:40am

Originally posted by Lawdie
Has anyone got an further on the ASUS, which looks like a good choice minus the USB question

Err, it has a PPPoE client built in to it... I know I've said it before, but it should be a simple question of plugging in DSL & whacking the settings into the PPPoE bit in the setup of the router.

...Hopefully

squishey · 14-10-2003 12:35pm

For a cheaply priced all in one ADSL Modem/Router/Switch you could go for an E-Tech Wireless ADSL Modem/Router/Switch (forth from the bottom of the page) for 169 Euro incl Vat from Marx Computers.

I got one about 3 weeks ago and it has been working perfectly. Set up is a bit fiddly but for the price it is worth it! Then all you would need is the wireless cards for the computers.

Squishey

Lawdie · 15-10-2003 9:55am

Its a little high tech, butr SMC are putting our a all in in about three weeks on 802.11a
It will have additional items such as wireless video conferencing from TVs etc available. Price will be a little steeper.

I will post up more info when I get it

Home wireless network - opinions

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