[blenky]

Originally Posted by Ceolmar

I currently have a Webstar DX100 Cable modem connected to my desktop PC using the USB cable. I also have a Fujitsu laptop.

I am considering installing a wireless network using a Netgear WGT624 router and a Netgear WG511T wireless card in the desktop with a USB wireless adapter in the laptop.

I have the following questions;

1) I would like to hide the router and modem away in the loft. Is it okay to leave it all permanently powered on or should I install a switch downstairs somewhere? Will the equipment have sufficient range to reach all the rooms in my typical sized 3 bedroom semi as well as allow me to work with the laptop in the garden (35 metres long)?

2) The reviews of the Netgear equipment have all indicated that they are easy to set up. Has anyone any contrary experience?

3) How reliable are wireless connections? Do they slow down or suddenly drop out very often?

Many thanks

Depends. If you have direct line of sight, albeit through floors, it should be OK. I have my PC set up in a loft extension and my wireless router is two floors below. However as it is DIRECTLY below I get 95% connection quality and strength. When I had it in the same room, but round the corner, it was about 60-70%. Although I connect downwards I don't know if connecting upwards would be. Some advice on positioning can be found here:

http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101318.asp


I keep my router on all the time the same as my modem.



I found setting up a wireless network reasonably easy, there are a lot of sites on the net giving instructions and advice. One thing i did find useful when setting it up was having a fall back cable connection into the router. I have Netgear wireless router which also has four physical port. If all else failed this meant I could still access the routers set up pages if the wireless connection went totally fubar.



However I've no longer got a physical connection set as I haven't had any issues with it for ages.



Overall I've found wireless to be very reliable. The only issues I've had are with the ntl connection, not the wireless one!