OK Wireless newbie here with some questions

1. I currently use Internet Connection Sharing with 1 other pc using a
crossover cable, if I ditch the cable for a wireless hub, W/L PCI card
and 2 PCMIA cards for laptops, can they all use ICS?

2. Does the reception depend on the make/mode or is the 802.11b any
better/worse than 802.11g?

3. Are there any products that fit in the USB ports of my printer and
scanner that would allow them to receive files wirelessly?

4. Any stores in the US that ship internationally, ( I am in the UK) as they
seem to stock the Netgear WG602 etc
at 50% less than most stores here?

thanks

Top or bottom post reply I don't give a toss.

"TyQuAnDo" <(E-Mail Removed)> writes:

> 1. I currently use Internet Connection Sharing with 1 other pc using a
> crossover cable, if I ditch the cable for a wireless hub, W/L PCI card
> and 2 PCMIA cards for laptops, can they all use ICS?

What kind of internet connection do you have? If it's broadband and
you have an ethernet (not-USB) broadband modem/router, then a wireless
access point with a 4-port switch will eliminate your need to use ICS
at all.

> 2. Does the reception depend on the make/mode or is the 802.11b any
> better/worse than 802.11g?

An 802.11g capable access point will generally provide you the best
security, typically faster performance, and generally the same range
as an 802.11b access point.

> 3. Are there any products that fit in the USB ports of my printer and
> scanner that would allow them to receive files wirelessly?

There are wireless print servers, yes.

--
Todd H.
http://www.toddh.net/

"TyQuAnDo" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>4. Any stores in the US that ship internationally, ( I am in the UK) as they
>seem to stock the Netgear WG602 etc
> at 50% less than most stores here?

The problem is that the really good deals in the US come after mail in rebate,
which would not apply for sales to UK addresses. The other issue is the power
cube. You would have to obtain a 220 cube or adapter, either of which would eat
up any savings.

1. If you go wireless you may as well get wifi/router and do away with ICS
(which uses up resources).

2. The latest reports suggest that 802.11g has shorter range then 802.11b at
the (theoretical) 54Mbps but can
manage a longer range at it's lowest 1Mbs speed. Unless you want to stream
video between your computers there is no real need for the 11g extra speed.
However you are more likely to find the0 new and more secure WPA encryption
on 11g kit.

3. Wifi printer servers are available, but expensive (not regular home kit).
You can get a wifi equipped 'all in one' HP printer (broadbandbuyer.co.uk).
The latest Draytek Vigor 2600G adsl-modem/router/wifi has a printer port.

4. US broadband uses PPPoE mode while UK uses PPPoA. US kit may well only
have PPPoE and won't work here. Almost certainly the case with Netgear who
even sold PPPoE only kit in UK by mistake !
If you want to save yourself time and strife stay away from any Netgear kit.
Draytek is highly recommended, reliable, has all the features, but isn't
cheap.
Regards,
Martin

Thanks all - most welcome advice.

"Martin²" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:ReqJb.8213$(E-Mail Removed)...
> 1. If you go wireless you may as well get wifi/router and do away with ICS
> (which uses up resources).
>
> 2. The latest reports suggest that 802.11g has shorter range then 802.11b
at
> the (theoretical) 54Mbps but can
> manage a longer range at it's lowest 1Mbs speed. Unless you want to stream
> video between your computers there is no real need for the 11g extra
speed.
> However you are more likely to find the0 new and more secure WPA
encryption
> on 11g kit.
>
> 3. Wifi printer servers are available, but expensive (not regular home
kit).
> You can get a wifi equipped 'all in one' HP printer
(broadbandbuyer.co.uk).
> The latest Draytek Vigor 2600G adsl-modem/router/wifi has a printer port.
>
> 4. US broadband uses PPPoE mode while UK uses PPPoA. US kit may well only
> have PPPoE and won't work here. Almost certainly the case with Netgear who
> even sold PPPoE only kit in UK by mistake !
> If you want to save yourself time and strife stay away from any Netgear
kit.
> Draytek is highly recommended, reliable, has all the features, but isn't
> cheap.
> Regards,
> Martin
>
>