Wireless broadband

[splodge24]

I want to set up wireless broadband at home for my laptop but don't know where to start. I have a normal pc downstairs and there are two of us with laptops. We currently have BT Broadband with the BT Voyager 105 USB ADSL modem (2.2mbps) and two card things for wireless broadband that we got free with our laptops. What do i need to buy so we can access the internet without having to keep moving things around and plugging in? Also when we have the wireless broadband does that mean we can all use the internet at the same time?
Please help!
Thanks

[KebabMeister]

You need a Wireless router.  The ADSL modem will plug into the router and then you can connect the router to the downstairs PC by cable (if it's close to it) or by installing a wireless card inside the PC.  You don't describe what type of wireless cards came with the laptop (internal, USB, PCMCIA card?) but they will need installing and configuring.

You'll need to connect one of the computers to the router by cable (perfect if the PC is already connected this way) and access the setup of the router.  This is how you can configure the router to setup the security aspects and also connecting to your ISP etc.  Once all configured you should then have a wireless network.  The instructions that come with a wireless router are very helpful and you should also get an installation disk as well which will talk you through the procedure.

[KebabMeister]

Oh, and yes, you can all use the internet at the same time.  Since you will have a network you should really take care with the security side because you will be able to access each others hard drives.

[splodge24]

What sort of router do you reccommend? i've had a look on the net but i really don't understand the technical stuff!
what are the key things i need to look for?

if i go wireless does it affect the speed of the broadband?

[bobjim1705]

I'd recommend anything that has 802.11G somewhere in the description. It allows for a wireless transfer speed of up to 54mb/s.

Generally, a wireless router shouldn't affect the performance of your internet connection.

[KebabMeister]

As bobjim mentions, 802.11G is currently one of the best standards for wireless networks (household).  You should have a look at the cards you received with your laptop because they may have a 'letter' that will denote which version it can connect too.  There's several different letters with the most popular being 'b' and 'g'.  Have a look at ebuyer and see what's on offer.  I think I use a Linksys router.  I can't say whether it's the best because I haven't tried others.  Some come in more powerful formats, i.e. will transmit longer ranges.  I wish I got the next one up from mine that'll transmit a bit further.

[Dagman]

Hi splodge24, I've just bought a 'Netgear 802.11g'. I'm on a BT line and it works spot-on. It was a case of following the instructions, and putting your passwords for your connection back in (you get rid of your old modem) I can't help with the wireless cards tho as my laptop has it built in already.

Once done, you don't even need the master computer to be on for it to work. Price range is around �85-00. I went to a small local computer repair/supplier and took the laptop with me, saying I would like to buy a router but don't know if the laptop was set up. He knew he'd get a sale and was very helpful, even updating the lap for me making sure it would work. He didn't charge for that! Bet PC world would!! Give it a try. Good luck.  

[Dagman]

Oh by the way, you can use several laps etc at the same time but remember the speed drops for each user that's online as you're splitting the connection. Gameplay may slow but browsing should be ok.

[KebabMeister]

As Dagman mentions you can have an Wireless Router with a modem built in, but that's rather expensive if you already have an ADSL modem.  A Wireless Router without the modem is all you need and vastly cheaper.

[quickthinker]

Yes but the BT Voyagers are USB I believe and a peice of crap.

Best bet is to Buy an ADSL Wireless Modem Router all in one, fewer cables and easier to manage. Solves all your problems in one go, ( choose either D-Link, Netgear, 3Com/USRobotics, (Belkin - Pre-N series only)) and as the others say you need a wireless PCI-Card for your PC.

Trust me, bin the voyager !