simple wireless question

I have a wired connection already, the linksys 8 port hub/switch with cable
modem. I would just like to add my laptop to the network using a wireless
connection. What do I have to buy? Also, these new routers that are
wireless, they say they are 802.11b or 802.11g (I think), are they backwards
compatible with the regular wireless pci cards? please advise. What card
should I get for laptop etc. I tried the practially networked site, but I
would prefer your expertise.

Thanks

"Stacey" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news3CQa.20785$(E-Mail Removed) et
>
> I have a wired connection already, the linksys 8 port hub/switch with
> cable modem. I would just like to add my laptop to the network using
> a wireless connection. What do I have to buy? Also, these new
> routers that are wireless, they say they are 802.11b or 802.11g (I
> think), are they backwards compatible with the regular wireless pci
> cards? please advise. What card should I get for laptop etc. I
> tried the practially networked site, but I would prefer your
> expertise.

There are a couple of options. You'll have to imagine flow chart graphics
around each of the following nodes, but you should get the picture...

Option 1:
Internet -> cable modem -> new wireless router ->
connected PCs

Option 2:
Internet -> cable modem -> current hub/switch ->
new wireless access point -> connected PCs

My preference is Option 1 using a wireless router with built-in switch (like
the Linksys BEFW11S4). This would replace your current hub and allow
currently wired PCs to remain wired, if you wish, while allowing new PCs to
join the net wirelessly. You could also replace current network cards with
wireless cards.

A lower cost solution would be Option 2, but you would not get the security
benefits of a router.

I've generally had good luck with Linksys and D-link equipment, but Orinoco
cards probably have the best reputation.

Wireless-G or 802.11g is the faster spec and is backward compatible with
802.11b equipment. However, 802.11g is more expensive. You can get an
802.11g router/access point and use an 802.11b card in your PC or vice
versa. Just remember that the network will operate at the lowest common
denominator. If you put an 11b device on the network, everybody - even the
11g cards - will operate at the lower speed. (At least this is my
understanding...

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/tknoFlyer
__________

"John T" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) ws.com...
> "Stacey" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news3CQa.20785$(E-Mail Removed) et
> >
> > I have a wired connection already, the linksys 8 port hub/switch with
> > cable modem. I would just like to add my laptop to the network using
> > a wireless connection. What do I have to buy? Also, these new
> > routers that are wireless, they say they are 802.11b or 802.11g (I
> > think), are they backwards compatible with the regular wireless pci
> > cards? please advise. What card should I get for laptop etc. I
> > tried the practially networked site, but I would prefer your
> > expertise.
>
> There are a couple of options. You'll have to imagine flow chart graphics
> around each of the following nodes, but you should get the picture...
>
> Option 1:
> Internet -> cable modem -> new wireless router ->
> connected PCs
>
> Option 2:
> Internet -> cable modem -> current hub/switch ->
> new wireless access point -> connected PCs
>
> My preference is Option 1 using a wireless router with built-in switch
(like
> the Linksys BEFW11S4). This would replace your current hub and allow
> currently wired PCs to remain wired, if you wish, while allowing new PCs
to
> join the net wirelessly. You could also replace current network cards
with
> wireless cards.
>
> A lower cost solution would be Option 2, but you would not get the
security
> benefits of a router.
>
> I've generally had good luck with Linksys and D-link equipment, but
Orinoco
> cards probably have the best reputation.
>
> Wireless-G or 802.11g is the faster spec and is backward compatible with
> 802.11b equipment. However, 802.11g is more expensive. You can get an
> 802.11g router/access point and use an 802.11b card in your PC or vice
> versa. Just remember that the network will operate at the lowest common
> denominator. If you put an 11b device on the network, everybody - even
the
> 11g cards - will operate at the lower speed. (At least this is my
> understanding...
>
> --
> John T
> http://tknowlogy.com/tknoFlyer
> __________
>

There is another advantge to option 2. It allows placement of the access
point where it will give the best coverage as opposed to where all the
network wires happen to be. Of course a network wire and some kind of power
is still required at the AP, but in many cases that's preferable to
re-routing all the other network cables to the point that gives best
coverage.

Don W.

"Stacey" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:ztIQa.23415$(E-Mail Removed) et...
> Thanks for your help, this will help me get started.
> But John said that if I get the access point and put it after my existing
> router (option 2), then it is not secure, isnt this protected by the
router?
> not sure.
>
> Thanks
>

Oops, I wasn't paying close attention. Your current setup has no router?
Is it possible there is a router built into the modem? If many PC's on your
local network are able to access the Internet, then SOMETHING is performing
address translation. I use DSL and I've never had cable Internet service,
so this is unfamiliar territory for me.

I'm guessing that if you have no router, then routing capability is built
into the modem. What model is your modem?

Don W.

"Stacey" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:ztIQa.23415$(E-Mail Removed) et
>
> Thanks for your help, this will help me get started.
> But John said that if I get the access point and put it after my
> existing router (option 2), then it is not secure, isnt this
> protected by the router? not sure.

I made the assumption that you do not currently have a router (you mentioned
a "hub/switch"). If you have a router now, then adding a wireless access
point on the LAN side of the router will offer as much protection from the
Internet as the router provides.

Of course, you'd have to configure the WAP to prevent unwanted wireless
access, but that step would have to be done regardless of network
topography.

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/tknoFlyer
_______________

Use a software firewall anyway, Zonealarm is free for home use(zonelabs.com)
even if you are behind a router, BUT especially if you use a WAP. With
wireless you may open a hole into your network, so it is best to have that
free firewall as additional protection.

As far as what WAP, what do you want feature wise?

"Stacey" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:an1Ra.33390$(E-Mail Removed) et...
> Thanks again.
> Yes, I do have the router. It is the linksys 8 port switch/hub/router.
So
> I think I will try for the access point, if I can get the same protection
as
> the router provides. It will be fun. Which wap should I get?
> Thanks again