New NewBee Needs A Recomendation

[therock]

Hi Folks, Never did the wireless thing before. Not helpless though, just a new thing for me. I build my own PC's from scratch so I can get with it I hope.
So I got a new Dell Inspion E1505. Only a 1.6 GHz Duo but lots of ram and a nice HD and 256MB Vid Card. Lucky enough to find one still having XP on it. Not pro though.
The wireless card is the Intel Pro 3945. I am not married to it though.

My needs are ever so humble with me living alone and just wanting to have the desktop and the laptop work together. Comcast internet is my ISP and I use a Motorola SB1500.

I have used forums to research for many years and have never been so overwhelmed by any item I was studying as I have with looking for a good router/adapter combo.
Please recomend a good router/adapter setup?
Lots of reliable range?
There will not be much expansion needed, just Speed and Range. My cable speed makes my eyes bleed it's so fast.

[wiltonh]

It sounds like most any 54G router would do you. I like the Linksys WRT54GL because you can add after market software that gives it lots of new features.

One feature that might interest you is the ability to go from 10 forwarded ports to about 40. Using DD-WRT software, the router has functions that would cost well over 10 times the initial price. The best part is that DD-WRT is FREE.

[therock]

Talk to me about an adapter? Is the Intel Pro 3945 optimal for this router?
I presume I can plug one in without opening the Laptop up and removing the Intel Pro 3945?

[M/Q]

I might suggest a step back here first. Everyone always gets to the hardware first. Wireless is quite a bit different than than the wired world. You need to plan a bit in order to have a successful wireless installation and have the wireless network live up to your expectations.

1. You mentioned speed and range, well, what speed and what range?
2. What is the RF and physical topology look like at your location?
3. Are there any other RF sources? Microwaves 2.4GHz phones?
4. Are there any other 802.11 wireless networks in the vicinity?
5. If so, what channels are being used?
6. If there are a great many and channels 1,6 and 11 are overloaded, is 802.111a an option?

I think you get the picture, you can not just locate the wireless router at the Internet demarc point and expect it to magically fill the exact shape of the facility and have great signal strength and quality throughout.

Sorry for the sermon, but I hear the same story so many times. Just a little preparation removes many problems. You may even want to use a wired router and plant an AP at a different location that will service your facility better and run a wire from it back to the router.

[therock]

I might suggest a step back here first. Everyone always gets to the hardware first. Wireless is quite a bit different than than the wired world. You need to plan a bit in order to have a successful wireless installation and have the wireless network live up to your expectations.

Now this is what I am looking for! This post could become a Sticky! I have already copied it so far in case there is another post like mine so I can past it in as my contribution.
I'll answer under you questions

1. You mentioned speed and range, well, what speed and what range?

OK, Speed and Range. I'll be wanting to access my internet and transfering files between my desk top and lap top. Some as large as 5MB. I also want to be able to access an internet connection when on the road? Legally. I have much to learn there.
I just want what I pay for in a router, basically. Not afraid to spend as long as it is not big over kill. I don't want to spend on training wheels only to spoend again for the real thing.
I am new and am not sure if "N" tech is for sure or MIMO is real and if it is I will want to set up for it. I don't mind getting a hotrod though.

2. What is the RF and physical topology look like at your location?

I am in subdivision of 1/2 acre lots were houses (wooden) are at least 75 foot apart. Kind of flat. I have no one in front of me for a long ways and the sides I know do not do wireless but for phones. Lots of elderly behind.

3. Are there any other RF sources? Microwaves 2.4GHz phones?

I have a microwave and only a cell phone CingularWirless. No house phone of anykind. No cell towers near by.

4. Are there any other 802.11 wireless networks in the vicinity?

I don't see my neighbors as high tech but it is possible there are some home networks in my area. No industry close enough to bother me.

5. If so, what channels are being used?

I'm sure I'll find out sooner or later? I'll try and get it scanned


6. If there are a great many and channels 1,6 and 11 are overloaded, is 802.111a an option?

Not sure what you mean at the end on the 802.111a. I'll have to scan with the adapter in the laptop allready?

Sorry for the sermon, but I hear the same story so many times. Just a little preparation removes many problems. You may even want to use a wired router and plant an AP at a different location that will service your facility better and run a wire from it back to the router.

Talk us friend! Your time and keystroke efforts here are greatly valued.
So based on my replies, do you have an opinon? Or more questions? Perhaps somthing I need to find out for you?