Wireless Router or PCI Card

I have a well established wired nework sharing a single analog 56K
dialup connection, using a host PC and an unmanaged 8-way switch.
(mixture of various flavours of Windows)

I am *not* using ICS on the host (XP) but am using Kerio WinRoute.

If I want to add wireless connectivity, do i need a wireless router,
or can I just put a PCI wireless card in the host and use the PC
as the router?

Is there any benefit in terms of broadcast power in using a
wireless router, or is the RF output of a PCI card the same.
(would consider a higher gain extension antenna).

Thanks for any help / ideas.

Alister.

On 29 Jan 2006 15:32:04 -0800, Alister wrote:

> I have a well established wired nework sharing a single analog 56K
> dialup connection, using a host PC and an unmanaged 8-way switch.
> (mixture of various flavours of Windows)
>
> I am *not* using ICS on the host (XP) but am using Kerio WinRoute.
>
> If I want to add wireless connectivity, do i need a wireless router,
> or can I just put a PCI wireless card in the host and use the PC
> as the router?
>
> Is there any benefit in terms of broadcast power in using a
> wireless router, or is the RF output of a PCI card the same.
> (would consider a higher gain extension antenna).
>
> Thanks for any help / ideas.
>
> Alister.

The best option is probably a wireless access point plugged into the existing
LAN wiring. Make sure it's secured with WEP at the very least (WPA preferred).

Doz

Doz wrote:

>
> The best option is probably a wireless access point plugged into the existing
> LAN wiring. Make sure it's secured with WEP at the very least (WPA preferred).
>

Thanks for that.

Any particular reason for using an AP?

(Cheapskate here doesn't want to spend money on expensive gear if a
Card will do.)

Alastair.