What do I need to go Wireless

[Smiler]

I get my broadband through my STB.

I have 1 PC currently running 2K Pro, but this will shortly be upgraded to XP Pro.

I have a (rather old) Laptop running Win 98

STB is in Lounge.

PC is in 1st floor bedroom. Laptop tends to be used in lounge or 2nd floor bedroom (with 25m of Cat5 cable.....).

Time to go Wireless.

I've heard good reviews regarding Netgear hardware, and ideally want to use the PC and Laptop on the 'Net at the same time but this isn't essential.

What kit do I need? And whats the best way to configure it all?

[Charlie_Bubble]

Netgear kit for the fastest network:

For the desktop: http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=59397

For the laptop:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=56198

The router:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=52450

[Bifta]

I personally wouldn't go for netgear, not if you expect any kind of support, their DM602 is a great example of the worlds worst router, I'd go for Belkin, lifetime warranty.

[Chris W]

to the site!

I have heard good things about netgear, but personally i have always favoured linksys.

router: http://www.linksys.com/international...oid=6&ipid=452

for laptop: http://www.linksys.com/international...oid=6&ipid=362

for desktop: http://www.linksys.com/international...oid=6&ipid=232

[Bifta]

Originally Posted by monkeybreath

to the site!

I have heard good things about netgear, but personally i have always favoured linksys.

router: http://www.linksys.com/international...oid=6&ipid=452

for laptop: http://www.linksys.com/international...oid=6&ipid=362

for desktop: http://www.linksys.com/international...oid=6&ipid=232

Some netgear routers have a maximum connection limit, if you online game and it needs to ping a lot of servers, the way their firmware is set up causes the routers to down the internet connection for a few minutes, and it's a real pain in the ass. I spoke to dsl-warehouse recently and they said they didn't recommend the linksys "wireless ready" router for gaming either, not sure why, they could have been talking crap and were trying to get me to spend a fortune.

[Chris W]

Originally Posted by Bifta

I spoke to dsl-warehouse recently and they said they didn't recommend the linksys "wireless ready" router for gaming either, not sure why, they could have been talking crap and were trying to get me to spend a fortune.

hmm... that is weird... i don't see why they wouldn't recommend it, i use the linksys wrt54g... i play sof, wolfenstein and c/s and haven't had any problems with it.

[Charlie_Bubble]

Originally Posted by Bifta

I personally wouldn't go for netgear, not if you expect any kind of support, their DM602 is a great example of the worlds worst router, I'd go for Belkin, lifetime warranty.

Each to his own. I have the router in the link I provided and think it's a pretty good piece of kit. Had no problems with it. Online software updates have all gone fine.

[Bifta]

Originally Posted by monkeybreath

hmm... that is weird... i don't see why they wouldn't recommend it, i use the linksys wrt54g... i play sof, wolfenstein and c/s and haven't had any problems with it.

I think they were trying to talk me into buying a £200 business router. I've seen quite a few people with complaints about various Netgear routers, what annoyed me the most was the absolutely crap support you get from their "Indian Callcentre"

[Marge]

I was recommended to buy this router and this card for my laptop. Thats all I bought and after help from Stuartbe I've never looked back Total cost was £62.95 including delivery