Wireless a beginers guide.

[texol]

We would like to go wireless with our broadband but i am very wary about how much things should cost and how easy it is to set up, what we need and anything else we should know, we have heard so many horror stories, we want to check everything before we dive in.

[MVP]

Wireless networking equipment (routers, etc) have settled down a lot over the last two years. I was impressed with how simple the current Netgear DG834G modem/router/firewall setup has become since I bought my first unit a couple of years ago. It's pretty much fool-proof - as long as you know your user-name and password, as provided by your ISP, it's plain sailing. Most ISPs send a single e-mail that contains all the configuration that is necessary. Expect to pay about between �45 and �60 for a modem/router/firewall device, depending upon whether you need additional bits like a wireless USB dongle, etc. Check out places like Amazon, broadbandbuyer.co.uk and ebuyer.co.uk for stock/prices - look out for bundle deals whereby you get the router and a USB dongle or a wireless card for a laptop.

HTH

[fo3nix]

Major thing to note:

Do you have ADSL broadband (down your phone line, from BT or Tiscali or someone), or cable broadband (from NTL or Telewest etc.)?

If you have ADSL broadband, then get a router with ADSL modem built-in, like this one:
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/52244/rb/2520 6904245

If you have cable, then just get a router on its own, like this one:
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/48546

This connects straight from your phone line, or straight from your cable modem respectively. Then you connect your computer(s) from the router, either with a wired connection or wireless. If you can connect with a wired connection, then do this (i.e., try and put the router near your main computer).

Then you need to make sure that your computers that you want to be wireless have wireless capability. Most new laptops now do have this, but older ones and desktop computers may not. If not, you'll need something like this:
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/60014

Or if you're feeling a little more adventerous and want to make a desktop PC wireless, something like this:
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/50127

[texol]

Thnks guys but ive plumped for KC putting me a new phone line in a darn site cheaper and a lot less fuss.