USB WiFi devices

I have been active with PCs since the days of the XT but I have never
delved into networking at all. My knowledge re networking is zilch.

I recently became interested in networking my laptop with my desktop
so I can access to the broad band connection on my Desktop.

I recently purchased two wireless USB 802.11g 11MPS adapters. The
literature stated that they worked peer-to-peer so I made the
presumption that if I put one in the desktop and the other in the
laptop, I could establish a connection between the two. Device
managers indicate that both of the USB adapters are working.

It is not working. Neither one sees the other and no connection can
be established. I am assuming that the problem lies with the network
configuration with the two computers. (in other words, a software
configuration problem)

I am hoping that I can get some pointers here. Perhaps I do not need
two USB adapters. Perhaps just a USB adapter for the laptop and a
wireless router between the cable modem and the desktop ethernet card.

Before i go out and buy any more hardware I need some guidance
regarding the software.

All help appreciated.

Old_Timer

In article <(E-Mail Removed)>, Old_Timer
wrote:
>I have been active with PCs since the days of the XT but I have never
>delved into networking at all. My knowledge re networking is zilch.
>
>I recently became interested in networking my laptop with my desktop
>so I can access to the broad band connection on my Desktop.
>
>I recently purchased two wireless USB 802.11g 11MPS adapters. The
>literature stated that they worked peer-to-peer so I made the
>presumption that if I put one in the desktop and the other in the
>laptop, I could establish a connection between the two. Device
>managers indicate that both of the USB adapters are working.
>
>It is not working. Neither one sees the other and no connection can
>be established. I am assuming that the problem lies with the network
>configuration with the two computers. (in other words, a software
>configuration problem)
>
>I am hoping that I can get some pointers here. Perhaps I do not need
>two USB adapters. Perhaps just a USB adapter for the laptop and a
>wireless router between the cable modem and the desktop ethernet card.
>
>Before i go out and buy any more hardware I need some guidance
>regarding the software.
>
>All help appreciated.
>
>Old_Timer

There are two types of wireless "peer-to-peer" networks, and you need
to configure each wireless network adapter to use the proper type:

"Infrastructure" networks use a wireless router or wireless access
point. This is by far the most common setup. The router or access
point determines which wireless channel the network uses.

"Ad-Hoc" networks have no router or access point, just computers. You
need to configure each computer to use the same wireless channel.

If you want to share a cable modem connection, then an Infrastructure
network using a wireless router is the best way to go. If a computer
is near the router, it can connect to it using a wired Ethernet
adapter.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional - Windows Networking
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Steve Winograd's Networking FAQ
http://www.bcmaven.com/networking/faq.htm