Planning for wireless - advice requested

I have a desktop PC that I want to connect wirelessly to my current
LAN. The LAN now comprises of 2 computers that have wired networking
using a router connected to a cable modem in standard fashion.
The additional computer is downstairs from the wired-network
computers, and has a LAN port, USB1.1 ports, and ONE PCI slot. I can
use any of these interfaces for wireless connectivity. I want to
provide such wireless connectivity in an optimum way. By optimum, I
mean (1)reliable connectivity, and (2) reasonable cost.
In my planning, I have determined the following:
(a) I can use the LAN port using a "Wireless Ethernet Bridge".
But this device is relatively expensive compared to a "Wireless USB
Lan Adapter". However, I would probably get a faster connection using
the Bridge (all other factors equal).
(b) The PCI slot is the only one available; if I use it I have
no more PCI slots for future use. But, IF the PCI slot were used, I
would have a wide range of choices -- including the plethora of PCMCIA
cards that I could use via a PCI-to-PCMCIA adapter. This seems to be
the only way I could get multimode (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g)
capability.
(c) I notice that 802.11a does not seem to be in great demand --
probably because of 802.11g. It's interesting that 802.11a access
points are quite cheap due to the lack of demand. Unfortunately, I can
not find comparatively cheap 802.11a hardware to install at the
"wireless" computer side. If I could, I would pursue this route
because of 802.11a's advantages in my environment (short distance,
interference immunity, highy connectivity speeds).
(d) Last, but not least, reliability. Some products work better
that others. Also, some products work better if connected to products
of the same mfgr.
Well, that's where I stand. I've spent time observing and thinking
Now I'd like some experienced opinion to help my decision. I am aware
that another computer may eventually replace the original one having
wireless connectivity --thus the network itself is of prime
importance.
I really would appreciate some suggestions. You may think that I'm
spending too much time planning, and should "get on with it". But I
often regret not having spent more time in the past in the planning
phase.
Thanx for listening.

I think a wireless access point to your current router and a wireless
usb module to your computer downstairs will make a gd combination at
reasonable cost.

tt's just my 5 cents worth.


Marty wrote:
> I have a desktop PC that I want to connect wirelessly to my current
> LAN. The LAN now comprises of 2 computers that have wired networking
> using a router connected to a cable modem in standard fashion.
> The additional computer is downstairs from the wired-network
> computers, and has a LAN port, USB1.1 ports, and ONE PCI slot. I can
> use any of these interfaces for wireless connectivity. I want to
> provide such wireless connectivity in an optimum way. By optimum, I
> mean (1)reliable connectivity, and (2) reasonable cost.
> In my planning, I have determined the following:
> (a) I can use the LAN port using a "Wireless Ethernet Bridge".
> But this device is relatively expensive compared to a "Wireless USB
> Lan Adapter". However, I would probably get a faster connection using
> the Bridge (all other factors equal).
> (b) The PCI slot is the only one available; if I use it I have
> no more PCI slots for future use. But, IF the PCI slot were used, I
> would have a wide range of choices -- including the plethora of PCMCIA
> cards that I could use via a PCI-to-PCMCIA adapter. This seems to be
> the only way I could get multimode (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g)
> capability.
> (c) I notice that 802.11a does not seem to be in great demand --
> probably because of 802.11g. It's interesting that 802.11a access
> points are quite cheap due to the lack of demand. Unfortunately, I can
> not find comparatively cheap 802.11a hardware to install at the
> "wireless" computer side. If I could, I would pursue this route
> because of 802.11a's advantages in my environment (short distance,
> interference immunity, highy connectivity speeds).
> (d) Last, but not least, reliability. Some products work better
> that others. Also, some products work better if connected to products
> of the same mfgr.
> Well, that's where I stand. I've spent time observing and thinking
> Now I'd like some experienced opinion to help my decision. I am aware
> that another computer may eventually replace the original one having
> wireless connectivity --thus the network itself is of prime
> importance.
> I really would appreciate some suggestions. You may think that I'm
> spending too much time planning, and should "get on with it". But I
> often regret not having spent more time in the past in the planning
> phase.
> Thanx for listening.