WIFI configuration ?

[JaminJim]

I have an Asus motherboard that has a WIFI slot. I purchased a WIFI card and I am trying to configure it to may new Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop. I have a D-Link router (wired) networked with 2 computers which of course shares internet. Reading the user guide is somewhat confusing. From what I understand is that the computer with WiFi should be configured for adhoc mode since my cable modem feeds d-link which feeds my 2 computers. It don't appear I have infrastructure, I don't have a router going into a hub. So, I configured it for Adhoc Soft Access Point. When finished, It shows it connected but it is just sending signals not receiving. When I configure the laptop to Adhoc it shows no signal strength. When I change laptop to infrastructure it shows connected with excellant signal strength but again it is sending not receiving. Anyone have such a configuration? or SOLUTIONS? Could it be interferance?

[glc]

Exchange the WIFI card for a wireless access point and connect it to your router - or get rid of both the card and the router and get a wireless router. The only way you can use the WIFI card is if you remove your router, connect the cable modem directly to your wired NIC, and use ICS to share the connection to the WIFI card - and set it up with the laptop ad-hoc.

[JaminJim]

Thanks for info. It seems to make sense. What wireless acess point do you recommend? (D-Link?)

[glc]

D-Link is good, as is Linksys. For a standalone access point, I like the Linksys WAP54G. No need to match brands with your router.

Only thing is - access points cost as much as a new wireless router. You would be money ahead getting a new router, then selling the old router to someone.

[JaminJim]

I purchased a Linksys wireless acess point and it worked. The WAP had a certified sticker for Intel Centrino Moble Technology which is what my laptop is. Again thanks for info. I did a speed test to see how much slower the wireless download speed would be compared to wired connection. There wasn't much difference. I am impressed with the Linksys Wireless -G setup.

[glc]

That's a good access point. I put one in one of my customer's offices to service visiting salespeople's laptops, lots more convenient than trying to find an open wall jack and I can get on their network easily with my laptop when I go in to do maintenance. No problem getting on it with Linksys, D-Link, and Centrino cards.