Sharing internet connection

[Donmandy]

I normally share the broadband connection to my laptop in the next room using a cable. (I've been told it's a cross over cable?) I was wondering if there was anything that I could buy that did the same job but without the need for cables? and how much do they normally cost? Thanks

[Paulst30]

To gain a wireless environment you would need a wireless router/modem like a Netgear DG843 GT

Then in order for you to receive the wireless signal you would need a laptop with either a Centrino processor or a wireless adapter and a PCI slot in the laptop. Failing that there are plenty of USB receivers on the market like Netgears WG111

All in all its about �80-�100 for the router, and �40 - �60 for the dongle.

Most broadband companies supply all of this free when you sign up, so i would check to see if your due an upgrade on hardware.

:P

[hairygrape]

First of all, you need to find out if your laptop has a wireless network card installed. This card will allow it to connect with a wireless modem/router in the next room without a cable.

To find out if your laptop is wireless enabled, check in device manager in the control panel of the laptop, or better still, have a look at the manual.

If a network card is installed, you then need a wireless modem/router. Here's a good one assuming your Broadband Connection is ADSL and not cable:

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_pag e.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0484008228.1179569582@@ @@&BV_EngineID=ccgcaddkmemmhilcflgceggdhhmdgmi .0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=45 4365&category_oid=

Now normally, you would put this router near your main computer and connect the two via an ethernet cable. Your laptop on the other hand would be connected wirelessly.

If you want both computers to be connected to the modem/router wirelessly, you need a wireless "key" which is a small device that sits on a stand out of sight near your main computer. The key is plugged into the PC USB socket. This key will pick up the connection wirelessly from the modem/router just like the wireless network card in the lapop and connect the PC to the internet without cabling in sight.

Every modem/router comes with an ethernet cable in the box. Wireless keys are sold separately sometimes, but often you can buy a modem/router with the key included in the pack. Many of the Belkin modem/routers include a key virtually for free when you take into account special offers in the shops.

[hairygrape]

The dongle that paulst30 refers to is another name for the wireless key. Personally, I'd buy the kit myself rather than use the gear supplied by the ISP. I've seen five lots of kit supplied by different ISP's that have had to be changed by the owners. Some of them supply 54g equipment which is old hat nowadays and other stuff looks ISP branded mass produced rubbish and was knackered in no time. Look for a modem/router transfer rate of 108mbps

[hairygrape]

I should have made clear that for the ethernet cable to work with your main PC, the PC needs needs a wireless network card installed. This card costs around �10 and has a special type of connection on the back into which you plug the ethernet cable.