Confused about Router/Wireless stuff

14 years ago

i have a new computer in my dell cart and am going to order a laptop too, but i am stumped on a couple things. We want our whole system to be wireless. My current computer is an old Dell with XP probably about 7 years old, or right when XP came out whenever that was. I do not know if it is wireless capable. How do i find out and what would i need to buy to make it work with the wireless network? Which computer needs to be plugged into the DSL Modem/router or doesn't it matter?

Anyway, to make my new computers wireless, do i have to order the wireless PC-NCLe card for an extra $60.00 or will a router be enough to use at home? If i want to use the laptop for wifi at a motel would i then need this wireless integrated card?

For my router, i am confused whether i want a G a G+ or an N router. I noticed that the wireless printers come in G or N- so i am assuming if i order the N printer then i need to also have the N router, but how do i know if my computer itself will be compatible with either router?

Do i need a separate router for my printer or will they all be compatible together? I am assuming they will be?

I realize i can probably find the answers to all of these questions on this forum, but i am at work so have to make this quick. Thanks

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Comments (6)

mikie_gw
14 years ago
Basicly you ask too much at once..... but;

You want a wireless router. N is current technology - better range and speed than G. Your isp might give you one with the modem built in, or the modem you have now maybe is a router, maybe even is wireless.... so you may have some other considerations. Don't know what you got.. so cant say.

You probably want a network printer, network cable wired to the router or wirelessly connected to the routher.

One computer should be wired to the router at all times to make like easy for you .. however even if all computers are wireless its not a big deal to wire up a laptop to the router if you preconfigure or keep that in mind when setting up the router initially,,, want to think abou tthat before the next needed day comes for a needed wired connection to configure your wireless part of the router.

I think any laptop you buy should come with a wifi network adapter as standard.

Any desktop you buy, wifi will be an option.. or you can simply add usb wifi network adapter after its sitting there on the floor going nowhere.
kudzu9
14 years ago
This is one of those situations where there is a lot of compatibility of equipment even when they use different standards. Basically, here are the main things to know:

1) You need one, and only one, wireless router. An N router is probably the best choice for you, and would typically be backwards compatible with older technologies. It will handle your computer connections, printer connections, and other wireless systems, if you have any, like game players, or streaming video boxes like Roku players.
2) If you want the old Dell to connect wirelessly, it would likely need to have a wireless card added to one of the slots...not very expensive. Or you could continue to have it connected with an Ethernet cable to the new router.
3) You will need one computer hooked up by Ethernet cable to the new router to set up your system. Then it can be disconnected and used wirelessly afterwards if you want.
4) Your printer should be compatible with your router, and that varies among printers. If you have an N router, it would also likely interface fine with a b/g standard as well as N printer.
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polarprincess
Original Author
14 years ago
ok thanks for the help! I appreciate it!
puzzlefan
14 years ago
I'd highly recommend the purchase of Wi-Fi Home Networking; Just the Steps for Dummies. It costs about 13.00 and is worth it. As you add equipment, questions are sure to come up and the answers are there. Whatever you do, concentrate on security! You are legally responsible for the use of your equipment even if you don't it is being used by neighbors, etc.
lpinkmountain
14 years ago
Find out if you have a wireless modem on your old Dell. That should be listed under the Hardware menu. If not, buy a wireless card, which is what I did for my old Presario, which I bought about 7 years ago and did not have an internal wireless modem. If I'm not mistaken, the router you buy should list some recommended wireless cards. I set up my network the other way around, my brother knew I wasn't wireless so got me the wireless modem for my birthday and I bought the router so I could go wireless at home. (That's sounds so risque!). The card had a recommended wireless router listed on the back of the box, so I just ordered that one. You can do the same thing for your old Dell, if it doesn't have a modem already. Check that first.
polarprincess
Original Author
14 years ago
ok, well on this network we will have my current computer, a new laptop with an N card a new desktop, an XBOX 360 Arcade, a wireless printer,(G) and an ipod touch. It was recommended to me to get a Linkseys (sp) D link router- is this something that should be compatible with all the above mentioned? I heard that not all routers are compatible with XBOX.
I cannot remember where to find the hardware menu to check if i have a wireless modem, can you remind me where to look?

Confused about Router/Wireless stuff

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mikie_gw

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