Wii/DS/3DS connecting

[Nanook]

Hi, I want to connect a Nintendo Wii, DS lite & 3DS to the internet, but I only have a wired router.

I have an ntl: 250 modem & a Linksys BEFSR41 4 port wired router, 3 of the ports are in use for 3 PCs.

I don't want the PCs to go wireless & I don't want the PCs to have to be switched on to to get the consoles online.

What would be the easiest/cheapest way to get the consoles connected to the interweb?

Thanks

[Hom3r]

The DS can only connect via wireless.

The Wii can connect via a cable.

[Mr_love_monkey]

Originally Posted by Hom3r

The Wii can connect via a cable.

but you will need to buy an adapter for it

[Nanook]

Thanks for answers

I was wondering if there is some bit of wireless kit that I could plug into the empty port on the wired router, I can't be doing with yet another cable trailing around the house for the Wii & would still need something wireless for the 3DS etc. I know that I could get a wireless dongle but then the PC would need to be on at the same time.

If I were to get a wireless router & connect it to the empty port on the wired router, would that work & not compromise security on the three PCs?

I'm not sure what encryption modes can be uses with the Ninty consoles. Never done wireless stuff before..... I think my tin foil hat looks good on me by the way.

[Tezcatlipoca]

You could just get a Wireless Access Point & plug it into the router (into LAN port 1 IIRC). That way you keep your current router, & add WiFi for the Nintendos.

Dunno what the cost is though. It may be that it wouldn't be much different to just buy a brand new WiFi router & use one device instead.

Security... the Wii is fine, as it supports up to & including WPA2. The DS used to only support WEP, though... I'm not sure if that has changed. No idea about the 3DS, but you'd hope that Nintendo gave it WPA2, or at least WPA.

[Ben B]

I'd say a new WiFi router too because it has 4 ports on it so you could still have your PCs wired up fine but it's adding wireless functionality for the DS and Wii. I know that the DSi XL allows you to connect to a WPA2 network to access the DS store and Internet but if you want to use Nintendo WFC on games you need WEP security. Couldn't say for the 3DS but it may be the same when playing standard DS games on it.

You could always try a Nintendo Wifi Connector. Its means you have to have a PC powered on as its a USB and they're difficult to track down nowadays but they work well.

Originally Posted by Ben B

Couldn't say for the 3DS but it may be the same when playing standard DS games on it.

It is. Although the two new Pokémon games allow WPA2.

[Nanook]

OK, looks like the WAP thing is the way to go for me. I found this on amazon...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002YETVV...SIN=B002YETVVE

...for £18 delivered.

So if I free up ethernet port 1 in the Linksys & plug this in I should be good to go after the setting up kerfuffle.

Thanks very much for the information.