networking newbie requires some assistance

[Big_al]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to pc mech, and new to networking and I could use some help.

I currently have one PC on the net using dial-up(boo!) but very shortly I'll be getting a half meg broadband line (yeh!)

To get rid of cables running through my house, I'm looking at getting a wireless router. Not a problem, lots to choose from and relatively cheap.

Problem is, I plan to begn building another PC in september. I want to have my two PC's networked together, wirelessly, but I cant find a sngle router that can do this! The majority of 'wireless' router I have seen, have only ONE wireless channel, and four nodes for cables!

Has anyone got/know of a router that fits the bill?

Also, my new ISP will allocate me one static IP address, will I need to get a second in order to run a P2P style network im my house?

I realise this is a petty big one, but any help for a networking newbie would be much appreciated

Cheers!

[scomac]

Hi, Welcome to PC Mech forums! I did some checking and the DI-624 has more than 1 wireless port. One computer will need to be hooked up via CAT5 cable, and you can have 2 computers wireless.

You shouldn't need to get a second IP address since you are sharing a connection between all the computers on the network. The only thing you need to do is just enable file and print sharing of the computers on the network. That is just a matter of finding the folders you want to share, right click, click on the sharing tab, and click the share this folder on the network tab.

If you have any more question, there are lots of friendly and helpful people that will be more than happy to help.

Scomac

[AlwaysUp]

Gotta say this quick, as GLC and I don't agree on MSoft products

Anyway look at the Microsoft MN-700 802.11g wireless base station/access point. I can't say enough about how happy I have been with it's performance and ease with which to manage. With this router, wired and wireless networking are integrated into one package. You have your choice of wireless adapters, pci internal adapter or pcmcia for laptops and also add wireless capability to any PC with a free USB port. I believe you are limited to 32 devices on the wireless LAN. I personally have 2 PC's and 1 laptop that are wireless and 2PC's that are wired. They all share cable internet connection with no perceived slowdown. This router has a commercial grade firewall that cannot be disabled and WEP, WAP security. I swear this hardware is a gem.

[U-Toast]

the dlinks are nice, i have one, which has 4 wireless channels, and can also be use to use wired neworks. I personally hate wirelss, which is y i put a 100 ft long cable to my room, but yea the dlinks got multichannel wireless. But beware, wireless can be a pain, but it always depends, my room was furthest from router, etc.. Plus the new 802.11g or w/e is different, i have a 802.11a. man it was a pain to get connected, had to unplug, replug,...