Wireless advice needed
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: 3rd bedroom on the right
Wireless advice needed
Ive just acquired a laptop with built-in wireless and its convinced me that I too can live vicariously 
Ive decided that the 512/128 12+12gb deal with iinet is the best for me (read:cheapest) after researching whirlpool.net.au and before I sign up for it I wanted to scope it up.
FYI here is a link to the choices available that meet my rough criteria....
Plan choice
Firstly I'll just clarify what my setup is and what I need, then I need some advice as to what the optimal set up would be for my situation, please
I have a desktop PC set up in my bedroom which I also use as a TV and DVD player. I also have an old laptop that I dont use too much anymore which is just about 300mhz and 32mb so not much chop really only that if I needed to carry on with some uni work when I was going away then it done the job nps. My new toy is a 1.7Ghz P4M HP with 512mb and about a 64mb video card I think. As I mentioned it also has a wireless network card on board so no need for a PC card.
As I mentioned, I currently use my desktop for tv and obviously for the internet but also for some games and uni work so it isn't becoming redundant by any means. I was thinking that the new laptop could possibly take over the internet duties and also allow me to lounge around whilst I was surfing but the games would most likely have to remain on the desk due to the video card in the laptop.
So now onto my questions. What would be the best hardware set up for me wrt an adsl modem and wireless connection to the laptop? The IT guy that I spoke to today went a little too quick but mentioned that I should just get a switch and an access point but Im not too clued up on how each item works for me and what I would achieve with it. Also I dont think that I really need to worry about neighbours leeching because my brother lives next door and the other neighbour wouldn't be an issue.
I'd like to be able to leave d/ls running o'night but having the PC fan running in my room isn't the best when you're trying to sleep, is there any way around this? I could put the desktop pc upstairs but that would mean no more TV
Is there any way that I could have the screen in my room and run leads? (Im thinking that's the silliest question in this post but
) Or could I have it setup so the desktop is turned off and the laptop is d/ling o'night and then just transfer the files later?
Does the other computer just appear as a drive on "MY Computer" or does it give me unlimited access to all the files through "MY Network Places"?
I also wanted to learn a bit more about how hot spots work, specifically how the usage gets charged. Is it related back to my adsl provider through an authentication check?
If iinet uses a dynamic IP address am I able to connect to any other locations or should I keep my dial-up for when Im on the road?
That should do it for now I think but feel free to add any more information that any of you may feel I need or split this thread up and answer whatever parts you like/can.
Of course any help is appreciated, but please try and pretend that you're explaining everything to a two year old because the IT guys at work just send me spinning
Thanks everyone
Ive decided that the 512/128 12+12gb deal with iinet is the best for me (read:cheapest) after researching whirlpool.net.au and before I sign up for it I wanted to scope it up.
FYI here is a link to the choices available that meet my rough criteria....
Plan choice
Firstly I'll just clarify what my setup is and what I need, then I need some advice as to what the optimal set up would be for my situation, please
I have a desktop PC set up in my bedroom which I also use as a TV and DVD player. I also have an old laptop that I dont use too much anymore which is just about 300mhz and 32mb so not much chop really only that if I needed to carry on with some uni work when I was going away then it done the job nps. My new toy is a 1.7Ghz P4M HP with 512mb and about a 64mb video card I think. As I mentioned it also has a wireless network card on board so no need for a PC card.
As I mentioned, I currently use my desktop for tv and obviously for the internet but also for some games and uni work so it isn't becoming redundant by any means. I was thinking that the new laptop could possibly take over the internet duties and also allow me to lounge around whilst I was surfing but the games would most likely have to remain on the desk due to the video card in the laptop.
So now onto my questions. What would be the best hardware set up for me wrt an adsl modem and wireless connection to the laptop? The IT guy that I spoke to today went a little too quick but mentioned that I should just get a switch and an access point but Im not too clued up on how each item works for me and what I would achieve with it. Also I dont think that I really need to worry about neighbours leeching because my brother lives next door and the other neighbour wouldn't be an issue.
I'd like to be able to leave d/ls running o'night but having the PC fan running in my room isn't the best when you're trying to sleep, is there any way around this? I could put the desktop pc upstairs but that would mean no more TV
Is there any way that I could have the screen in my room and run leads? (Im thinking that's the silliest question in this post but) Or could I have it setup so the desktop is turned off and the laptop is d/ling o'night and then just transfer the files later? Does the other computer just appear as a drive on "MY Computer" or does it give me unlimited access to all the files through "MY Network Places"?
I also wanted to learn a bit more about how hot spots work, specifically how the usage gets charged. Is it related back to my adsl provider through an authentication check?
If iinet uses a dynamic IP address am I able to connect to any other locations or should I keep my dial-up for when Im on the road?
That should do it for now I think but feel free to add any more information that any of you may feel I need or split this thread up and answer whatever parts you like/can.
Of course any help is appreciated, but please try and pretend that you're explaining everything to a two year old because the IT guys at work just send me spinning
Thanks everyone
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,875
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From: Sydney
Wow, lots of questions!
In terms of a wireless, I use a Netgear DG824M at home and it serves me well although it is only an 802.11b wireless network (11Mbps), I wish I had waited and got the 802.11g (54Mbps) one but it wasn't out at the time.
The advantage of the DG824M is that it is a combined ADSL modem, router and wireless access point, all in one neat box with one power supply. This gives you wireless and the ability to plug in a network cable so you can connect your desktop or old laptop to it too.
It has all the security you need and you can lock it down to just the IP addresses of your computers so that passers by can't hop on your internet connection wirelessly.
You can get the Netgear combined product for around $499 or probably less if you shop around.
www.netgear.com.au
Some will say that seperate components are better but for me the idea of a wireless unit is to have less wires around not more!!
BTW, the 108Mps unit on the Netgear site is a router and wireless access point, does not have the ADSL modem ... yet!
HTH
- Adam
In terms of a wireless, I use a Netgear DG824M at home and it serves me well although it is only an 802.11b wireless network (11Mbps), I wish I had waited and got the 802.11g (54Mbps) one but it wasn't out at the time.
The advantage of the DG824M is that it is a combined ADSL modem, router and wireless access point, all in one neat box with one power supply. This gives you wireless and the ability to plug in a network cable so you can connect your desktop or old laptop to it too.
It has all the security you need and you can lock it down to just the IP addresses of your computers so that passers by can't hop on your internet connection wirelessly.
You can get the Netgear combined product for around $499 or probably less if you shop around.
www.netgear.com.au
Some will say that seperate components are better but for me the idea of a wireless unit is to have less wires around not more!!
BTW, the 108Mps unit on the Netgear site is a router and wireless access point, does not have the ADSL modem ... yet!
HTH
- Adam
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,936
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From: Sydney
Have you considered an ADSL modem with built-in access point? I've seen them for a little over $100 lately. Personally I have a separate modem and access point but that's only because Telstra gave me the modem like 3 years ago.
Regarding neighbours leeching - the security is pretty good if you turn on all the features - WEP, MAC address filtering, not broadcasting SSID etc. I doubt even the CIA could get past all that without inside knowledge.
For your long downloads, just use the laptop. You can transfer later at 11Mbps later (or 54 if your hardware supports it, but I doubt your Centrino chipset will).
How your PCs appear to each other depends on how you share your resources and your OS. You can make various directories appear as network drives or just connect to them via "My Network Places" (XP) and they ought to be remembered. You just need to make sure each one is shared appropriately.
You generally can't connect via ADSL at someone elses place. I would imagine that your user ID is locked to a particular piece of hardware on a particular copper pair at a particular exchange. It is nothing like dialing up.
Regarding neighbours leeching - the security is pretty good if you turn on all the features - WEP, MAC address filtering, not broadcasting SSID etc. I doubt even the CIA could get past all that without inside knowledge.
For your long downloads, just use the laptop. You can transfer later at 11Mbps later (or 54 if your hardware supports it, but I doubt your Centrino chipset will).
How your PCs appear to each other depends on how you share your resources and your OS. You can make various directories appear as network drives or just connect to them via "My Network Places" (XP) and they ought to be remembered. You just need to make sure each one is shared appropriately.
You generally can't connect via ADSL at someone elses place. I would imagine that your user ID is locked to a particular piece of hardware on a particular copper pair at a particular exchange. It is nothing like dialing up.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,875
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From: Sydney
Originally Posted by naishou,Aug 10 2004, 05:54 PM
You generally can't connect via ADSL at someone elses place. I would imagine that your user ID is locked to a particular piece of hardware on a particular copper pair at a particular exchange. It is nothing like dialing up.
I use 3 computers on my wireless network, a desktop iMac, an Apple Powerbook and a Dell laptop running XP. All have different users.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Melbourne
I don't keep up with what the latest is on the pricing of ADSL plans, so I can't tell you if iiNet is a good deal or not.
Keep your desktop connected to the internet too, once it's gone you'll miss it.
As far as connecting it all together, you'll need three things...
An ADSL Modem - this is kinda like your regular modem, it connects to your phone line and provides you internet (albeit at a much higher speed and 24/7).
A switch/hub/router/bridge - this connects all your computers together in a network. If you want to know the subtle differences between them, go here...
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/networ...ridge_types.htm
A Wireless Access Point - this is used in conjunction with the built-in wireless card in your laptop instead of physical wiring to connect your laptop to your switch/hub.
Your best bet would be to get all three in the one unit, it saves a lot of confusion.
i.e. http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-hw.cfm?id=7
Netgear is probably one of the most expensive brands, but they're the best.
Just my two cents worth. Hope it helps some.
Kuraz.
Keep your desktop connected to the internet too, once it's gone you'll miss it.
As far as connecting it all together, you'll need three things...
An ADSL Modem - this is kinda like your regular modem, it connects to your phone line and provides you internet (albeit at a much higher speed and 24/7).
A switch/hub/router/bridge - this connects all your computers together in a network. If you want to know the subtle differences between them, go here...
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/networ...ridge_types.htm
A Wireless Access Point - this is used in conjunction with the built-in wireless card in your laptop instead of physical wiring to connect your laptop to your switch/hub.
Your best bet would be to get all three in the one unit, it saves a lot of confusion.
i.e. http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-hw.cfm?id=7
Netgear is probably one of the most expensive brands, but they're the best.
Just my two cents worth. Hope it helps some.
Kuraz.
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,809
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From: Sydney
The nice thing about the modem/access point/router/switch combo is less hardware and wires. The nice thing about separate components is that if one dies you only lose part functionality. Personally I recommend using the modem supplied by the DSL provider and then your own AP/Router/Switch off the back of that. That way you won't get the dreaded "Unsupported hardware" excuse from the provider when it goes down.
Whether or not you can use your modem on someone elses connection depends on a few factors. If they are on the same provider and that provider allows it then you can do it. For example, Ozemail allows it. I can take our AP and modems to any Ozemail connection and it will recognise my U/P and let me through. I assume other providers may not allow this type of roaming. And if the DSL is provided by a different carrier I am pretty certain you won't be able to use the connection that way.
But the idea of WiFi is that the AP establishes the connection and account and you just hang off it as an ethernet client usually with an IP assigned by the access point. So if you go to a friends place and they have a similar set up to you and an open Wifi network you should be able to get online. But they get charged for your access. We have driven all over the place and found totally open networks that we can use for access freely.
Commercial hotspots use 'Captive Portal' technology to stop you using their pipe until you are authorised. When you try to access a web site through their hotspot you are diverted to a web page and asked to enter your account details, credit card details, or in Telstra's case your mobile phone number. Once authenticated you can continue to surf the web, email, ICQ etc. I have developed CP software for our APs that accepts account details or card codes given out as sales incentives.
With regards to overnight downloads, remember that the download speed is 512k so it's much slower than your wireless connection or your hardware's capabilities so it really doesn't matter which device you download to. Or you could just get a quite fan for the PC.
Whether or not you can use your modem on someone elses connection depends on a few factors. If they are on the same provider and that provider allows it then you can do it. For example, Ozemail allows it. I can take our AP and modems to any Ozemail connection and it will recognise my U/P and let me through. I assume other providers may not allow this type of roaming. And if the DSL is provided by a different carrier I am pretty certain you won't be able to use the connection that way.
But the idea of WiFi is that the AP establishes the connection and account and you just hang off it as an ethernet client usually with an IP assigned by the access point. So if you go to a friends place and they have a similar set up to you and an open Wifi network you should be able to get online. But they get charged for your access. We have driven all over the place and found totally open networks that we can use for access freely.
Commercial hotspots use 'Captive Portal' technology to stop you using their pipe until you are authorised. When you try to access a web site through their hotspot you are diverted to a web page and asked to enter your account details, credit card details, or in Telstra's case your mobile phone number. Once authenticated you can continue to surf the web, email, ICQ etc. I have developed CP software for our APs that accepts account details or card codes given out as sales incentives.
With regards to overnight downloads, remember that the download speed is 512k so it's much slower than your wireless connection or your hardware's capabilities so it really doesn't matter which device you download to. Or you could just get a quite fan for the PC.
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From: 3rd bedroom on the right
thank you all so much, you've all done an excellent job in answering my barrage of questions in an understandable language.So if I understand correctly, the hardware that I require includes an AP, a router and an ADSL modem and these all run independent from the desktop so the desktop doesn't have to be running to access the net on the laptop via wireless.
So the best way to set the units up would be to have the AP/modem/switch all set up together and connected to the PC via the ethernet(?) using NIC cable and then the laptop connected wireless or if I wanted to spend up some more I could get a wireless connection for the desktop and connect to it through the AP which I think would be overkill since the desktop isn't going anywhere. I can d/l files to the laptop o'night at 50kbps and then transfer it over to the PC via the wireless connection at 11Mbps.
How am I going so far
So now I need to decide if I want to get the all in one hardware all seperate units....
Naishou, I have looked at the modem/AP combo and did a little research but I didn't want to cloud my original post any further by gibbering on about the half complete research that I'd done. The quick flick around that I done last night led me to either billion or Linksys but I wasn't really happy with the review on the linksys unit so I wanted to hear from you guys.
Im not overly concerned about a few extra wires because I have a pretty good desk that will be hiding everything once the setup is established. More of a concern is $$$. I dont want to blow a premium on a compromised combo unit when I could spend the same and get seperate units with better performance.
I guess tonight's assignment is to assess the different units available and decide which is the most efficient solution. Im also just working through kuraz's link on Router? Bridge? Switch? Hub? What's the difference? But Im struggling with it so some cliffnotes may help
The article that prompted me to ask about travelling connections was a "techie's survival guide" which talked about carrying hardware in the laptop bag so they can always access the internet.
Here's the link....
http://www.thetechzone.com/?m=show&id=59
Looking back over it I see that it does mention using the hotel's LAN to get a connection and not just a random phone line so no love I suppose.
Frisky I think that you misunderstood my question regarding using other accessing from multiple locations, or perhaps you misunderstood Aus' response. I wanted to know if I could take my laptop and adsl modem up the coast to my holiday house and get on there through the same contract as my home ISP. ATM when I go up the coast all I have to do is change the dial-up connection settings so that it dials a local number to avoid the std rate, but it goes under the same quota so no extra cost associated which is very convenient.
Another long post sorry guys
I appreciate the priceless help though Hopefully Ive been a good student and Im on the right track