PDA

View Full Version : Desktop PC, NTL Broadband Modem, Wireless Laptop, PS2 (online)


lisauk
05-12-2004, 00:51
Basically I would like to know what hardware I need to purhcase to be able to do the following:

I want to be able to network the following together so that I can play online with my PS2. I do not have a clue about PS online gaming but I have read in other posting about not having to pay ntl for there PS2 service.

Desktop PC
NTL Broadband Cable Modem
Wireless Laptop
PS2

At present the only network setup I have is

Desktop PC connected to the NTL Cable Modem.

I then have a wieless dongle plugged into my Desktop PC and I access the internet on my Laptop via its wireless connection. (This network does not always work, I think i definately need to replace the dongle in the PC)

I also have my PS2 but I have not used it online at and do not know the first thing about networking it - let alone wirelessly.

Thank you for all help in advice.

Lisa

Tezcatlipoca
05-12-2004, 01:59
You need:


- A wireless router. This is to share the connection between the PC, laptop, & PS2. They generally have wired ports, as well as a built-in WAP (wireless access point), so you don't have to connect everything wirelessly (but obviously you can if you want).

e.g. a wireless B (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005ARK3/qid=1102207698/sr=1-5/ref=sr_1_3_5/026-8855436-3426865) router, or a faster wireless-G router (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DOYO/qid=1102207698/sr=2-2/ref=sr_2_3_2/026-8855436-3426865).

Do your PC & laptop have "B" or "G" connections?


- A PS2 Network Adaptor. This is to give the PS2 an ethernet port (as it does not have one built-in, unless you have one of the new slimline PS2s).


And, to take the PS2 wireless, you also need:

- A wireless bridge. This will connect to the PS2's network adaptor, & enable the PS2 to wirelessly communicate with the router.

You can get "B" or "G" bridges, what you need depends on what type of router you have.

Linksys wireless B bridge - http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000066JQU/qid=1102208103/sr=1-23/ref=sr_1_2_23/026-8855436-3426865

Linksys wireless G bridge - http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004Z6ZG/qid=1102208103/sr=1-27/ref=sr_1_2_27/026-8855436-3426865

Linksys also do console specific bridges, called "wireless gaming adaptors" (B or G).


I would also recommend having a read of this thread, about wireless stuff - http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=16296


Do you actually need the PS2 to be wireless?

lisauk
05-12-2004, 14:54
Thank you for your help.

Firstly how do I find out if my laptop has a B or G connection.

I would need to get a network card for my PC as I don't know if my wireless dongle that is connected to my PC is much good as it takes me ages to connect my laptop to it.

I think I do need my PS2 wireless as my modem is upstairs and my PS2 is downstairs.

Kind regards Lisa

Tezcatlipoca
05-12-2004, 16:49
Firstly how do I find out if my laptop has a B or G connection.

You should be able to find out by looking at the device properties of the connection. e.g. my PC's wireless card says it's an "802.11g wireless adapter", which is wireless G. A wireless B card would be "802.11b".

Most "g" adapters (& routers etc) are also able to operate at "b" speeds, so you can have a mixed network of G & B devices.

But, it's probably best to just get a wireless G router anyway, IMO. They don't cost much more than wireless B routers, & it gives you a bit of future proofing incase you don't currently have all G devices but may upgrade to solely G later on.

I would need to get a network card for my PC as I don't know if my wireless dongle that is connected to my PC is much good as it takes me ages to connect my laptop to it.

If the PC is in the same room as the modem & (upcoming) router, then it does make sense anyway to use a wired connection for it. Network cards are very cheap, & are quite easy to install. Plus it's always good to still have one thing wired even if everything else is wireless (easier for setting up & setting the security etc).

What you could do.....

Modem > the router's "WAN" port, using an ethernet cable (you can use the one which ntl supplied, or the router may come with a short cable. I can't honestly remember if it matters whether the cable is straight-through or crossover for connecting the modem....I think it may depend on the modem and/or router, some can use either type & some may need to use a specific type).

One of the router's four "LAN" ports > PC's network card, using a straight-through ethernet cable (not crossover).

Router >....> Laptop, wirelessly connected.

Router >....> wireless bridge, wirelessly connected, & wireless bridge > wired to the PS2's network adapter.

I think I do need my PS2 wireless as my modem is upstairs and my PS2 is downstairs.



If you don't mind having a long cable run, you could save money by getting a long straight-through ethernet cable to go from the router upstairs to the PS2 downstairs. No need for a wireless bridge then.

lisauk
05-12-2004, 17:49
I have just remembered that I already have a network card in my pc that is how the modem is currently connected so i guess i just connect that to the router and the router to the modem then I can just use the wireless on the laptop.

I think I will get this working and then I will think about adding the ps2 to the network. I dont think it would be very safe to have a long wire running through the house I can just see someone falling over it but perhaps this would be worth thinking about.

My partner has said he will buy me the router for Christmas I just need to order it so should I order the one you mentioned before?

Cheers Lisa

lisauk
05-12-2004, 17:51
In device manager it says that my wireless connection on the laptop is.

Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2000BG Network Connection

Does that mean it is a B & G connection?

Tezcatlipoca
05-12-2004, 18:01
I have just remembered that I already have a network card in my pc that is how the modem is currently connected so i guess i just connect that to the router and the router to the modem then I can just use the wireless on the laptop.

I think I will get this working and then I will think about adding the ps2 to the network. I dont think it would be very safe to have a long wire running through the house I can just see someone falling over it but perhaps this would be worth thinking about.

My partner has said he will buy me the router for Christmas I just need to order it so should I order the one you mentioned before?

Cheers Lisa



I'd definitely recommend the Linksys WRT54G wireless-G router I mentioned earlier. I use one myself, as do a lot of other people here. Cheap, reliable, & easy to set-up. http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DOYO/qid%3D1102207698/sr%3D2-2/ref%3Dsr%5F2%5F3%5F2/026-0584759-2324430



In device manager it says that my wireless connection on the laptop is.

Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2000BG Network Connection

Does that mean it is a B & G connection?


Yes, I think it is. I've just Googled it, & it does sound like it supports both B & G.

lisauk
05-12-2004, 23:22
Will the Linksys WRT54G wireless-G router - http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...0584759-2324430 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DOYO/qid%3D1102207698/sr%3D2-2/ref%3Dsr%5F2%5F3%5F2/026-0584759-2324430) work on with my NTL Broadband connection as I understand some routers do not work with different ISP's.

Also just so I am look into it where would be the best place to by the PS2 network adapter from? I guess the adapter will be connect to the wireless bridge with a ethenet cable.

Cheers once again Lisa

Tezcatlipoca
06-12-2004, 00:27
Will the Linksys WRT54G wireless-G router - http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...0584759-2324430 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DOYO/qid%3D1102207698/sr%3D2-2/ref%3Dsr%5F2%5F3%5F2/026-0584759-2324430) work on with my NTL Broadband connection as I understand some routers do not work with different ISP's.

Yep, it will definitely work with your ntl broadband connection. I have ntl broadband, & I use a WRT54G.

Most "broadband routers" or "cable/dsl routers" should work with an ntl cable broadband connection.

Routers which are of no use for an ntl cable broadband connection are ones which are ADSL specific (ADSL specific routers contain a built-in ADSL modem, so are no good for cable).

Also just so I am look into it where would be the best place to by the PS2 network adapter from? I guess the adapter will be connect to the wireless bridge with a ethenet cable.

Cheers once again Lisa

I had a look on Amazon for the PS2 network adapter when I got the links for the routers & bridges in my earlier post, but they didn't have any in stock.

GAME have them in stock, for £19.99 - http://shop.game.net/ViewProduct.aspx?cat=10314&mid=321116

And Gameplay have them in stock, for £17.99 - http://shop.gameplay.co.uk/webstore/productpage.asp?productcode=PT0802&title=ps2_online_network_adaptor


I believe you can also buy the network adapter bundled together with some of the PS2Online games, which may make a better buy, if you can find a bundle with a game you would get anyway.

lisauk
06-12-2004, 13:44
Does the http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...0584759-2324430 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DOYO/qid%3D1102207698/sr%3D2-2/ref%3Dsr%5F2%5F3%5F2/026-0584759-2324430) have any internet security features such as firewall or virus secruity. As I have said before I don't really know anything about networking let along wireless or routers.

Also, by doing this setup with the

1) PC connected via Ethenet to the router
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...0584759-2324430 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DOYO/qid%3D1102207698/sr%3D2-2/ref%3Dsr%5F2%5F3%5F2/026-0584759-2324430)

2) The the laptop connected wirelessly to the above.

3) The PS2 connected wireless to the router via the http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...8855436-3426865 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004Z6ZG/qid=1102208103/sr=1-27/ref=sr_1_2_27/026-8855436-3426865)

Will i be able to play games online or will I have to register with NTL for onine gaming?

Cheers Lisa

Neil
06-12-2004, 18:42
Does the http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...0584759-2324430 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DOYO/qid%3D1102207698/sr%3D2-2/ref%3Dsr%5F2%5F3%5F2/026-0584759-2324430) have any internet security features such as firewall or virus secruity. As I have said before I don't really know anything about networking let along wireless or routers.

Also, by doing this setup with the

1) PC connected via Ethenet to the router
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...0584759-2324430 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DOYO/qid%3D1102207698/sr%3D2-2/ref%3Dsr%5F2%5F3%5F2/026-0584759-2324430)

2) The the laptop connected wirelessly to the above.

3) The PS2 connected wireless to the router via the http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...8855436-3426865 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004Z6ZG/qid=1102208103/sr=1-27/ref=sr_1_2_27/026-8855436-3426865)

Will i be able to play games online or will I have to register with NTL for onine gaming?

Cheers Lisa

Both of those items will do the job just fine. :tu:

mick70
06-12-2004, 19:37
A word of warning, all this wireless stuff may sound wonderful but I know from experience that you can not beat 20 m of good old CAT5 ethernet cable to link things up!;)

Tezcatlipoca
06-12-2004, 22:27
Does the http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...0584759-2324430 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DOYO/qid%3D1102207698/sr%3D2-2/ref%3Dsr%5F2%5F3%5F2/026-0584759-2324430) have any internet security features such as firewall or virus secruity. As I have said before I don't really know anything about networking let along wireless or routers.

No anti-virus stuff, but it has a built-in firewall, to protect against external attack.

Although, even though a router is very good protection against anyone trying to get *in*, it is still useful to have a software firewall (such as ZoneAlarm, or something similar), as that will give you control of any applications trying to connect *out*.

Also, by doing this setup with the

1) PC connected via Ethenet to the router
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...0584759-2324430 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DOYO/qid%3D1102207698/sr%3D2-2/ref%3Dsr%5F2%5F3%5F2/026-0584759-2324430)

2) The the laptop connected wirelessly to the above.

3) The PS2 connected wireless to the router via the http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...8855436-3426865 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004Z6ZG/qid=1102208103/sr=1-27/ref=sr_1_2_27/026-8855436-3426865)

Will i be able to play games online or will I have to register with NTL for onine gaming?

Cheers Lisa

Yep, you will be able to play online without needing to pay ntl extra for their "broadband & console service".

ntl's console service simply provides a second IP address, so that you have one IP address for the PC & a 2nd IP address for the PS2/XBox. But, if you have a router, there is absolutely no need for it, as the router is able to share the normal single IP connection between many devices, with no need for a 2nd IP address.

Something to add, to the wireless stuff - Security. Wireless security is *very* important. There is a very useful Article here all about how to set-up the security if you have a wireless network - http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/article.php?a=12

lisauk
06-12-2004, 22:29
I'm not sure if I am allowed to add this to this thread but I am not sure where else to put it.

I have been unable to connect my PC and My laptop on a network this evening using my wireless dongle and my wireless connection no my laptop.

I have the service pack 2 installed on both and all has been working on a off but i do not seem to be able to find any available networks on my PC. The laptop find a availble network fine.

Any ideas?

Cheers

Neil
06-12-2004, 23:03
I'm not sure if I am allowed to add this to this thread but I am not sure where else to put it.

I have been unable to connect my PC and My laptop on a network this evening using my wireless dongle and my wireless connection no my laptop.

I have the service pack 2 installed on both and all has been working on a off but i do not seem to be able to find any available networks on my PC. The laptop find a availble network fine.

Any ideas?

Cheers

Start a new thread here: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/forumdisplay.php?f=19 :)

lisauk
16-12-2004, 23:43
Can anyone tell me if I buy a network adapter for my PS2 is there a special cable i need to buy or will a normally ethenet cable work?

Just the cable I have found forsale http://shop.game.net/ViewProduct.aspx?cat=10314&mid=324869 is only 10m and i would need one longer than that.

dchhui
18-12-2004, 20:33
Can anyone tell me if I buy a network adapter for my PS2 is there a special cable i need to buy or will a normally ethenet cable work?

Just the cable I have found forsale http://shop.game.net/ViewProduct.aspx?cat=10314&mid=324869 is only 10m and i would need one longer than that.

Normal ethernet cable should work.

kewlsol
09-01-2005, 02:27
to connect your ps2 to modem u can use the lead that comes with it but if you link it through your pc / router you need to buy another lead it looks exactly the same but the plugs are black, its a "DAT 5 Crossover lead" 10m is the longet i have found but try CEX.com they have allsorts of plugs, leads n stuff

lisauk
27-02-2006, 13:32
Please can someone tell me does this wireless router that I purchased back in 2004 have a built in firewall?

helendavis88
30-05-2007, 17:22
Hi,

you said you have a wireless dongle to connect your desktop to your laptop making it wireless (i think) do you still need a internet card in the desktop to do this?? also i have been looking for dongles but can't find where to buy them...

basically i have just move in with some one (maybe only part time) and they have a desktop i dont think it has a wireless card in it, they have an ntl broadband modem and i want to access the internet on my laptop, wireless and as cheap as possible as this may only be a part time thing.. whats the best way to do this??

thanks in advance
x