Moving to wireless

[SonicVanguard]

Hello all.

I've got a home network routed via a Linksys 8 port router. Two desktops, a file server, a HTPC, and two laptops (only one in use at any one time). I've this configuration for a while now but recently moved into beautiful older home within the city and running wires is becoming difficult - especially to my bedroom which is an add-on to the home and built in a slab. So I'm seriously considering wireless - I've done my research on keeping a wireless network secure (my biggest concern as why I've continued on a wired system so long) but I'm wondering about equipment. Since the house is pretty much wired where I need it except the one connection in the bedroom, can I add wireless capability and keep my existing router or am I looking at a new router? From what I've gleened thus far, I think I'm looking at a new router. If I am buying a new router, should I move to 802.11g completely or keep the wired connections and just go wireless for the laptop(s)?

Also, any suggestions on equipment? Everything I've read suggests Linksys and D-Link are the way to go - is this true? If I do end up with a new router, I'd like to get one capable being a printer server as well. Are there routers that can accomodate more than one printer?

TIA.

[thefultonhow]

If all you need to use wireless for is the connection to your bedroom, then I would buy a wireless router in a rebate deal, connect it as close to your bedroom as possible, and then select the option in the web configuration utility to use it as an access point (or turn off DHCP and the firewall). You can continue to use your current router. I would advise against D-Link as I have not found them to be terribly reliable from personal experience, but Linksys is definitely a good choice, and I have had very good experiences with my Belkin router. I have also heard that Netgear is good.

[glc]

If you are going to add a wireless access point to your existing router, I'd recommend a standalone wireless access point. Yes, I know it costs as much as a whole new router, but it's so simple to add it to an existing configuration. Converting a router to an AP is not so easy. I'd keep as much as possible wired for best reliability. Put the AP as close to the bedroom as you can as already said.

Here's a good AP:

http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Produ...82E16833124012

If you want a multiple printer print server, just get a Linksys print server and plug it into your router. This one has three parallel ports.

http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Produ...82E16833124035

If you need USB, here's one - and it also has a 4 port switch to extend your network if your router ports are all filled up.

http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Produ...82E16833124030

[SonicVanguard]

glc - will that access point handle just the one wireless connection or can it handle multiple connections at the same time?

Also, what is the range of 802.11g? My primary goal is to establish connectivity in my bedroom, but I've also got a third floor where I am finding it difficult to run a wire.

[glc]

It will handle about 30 simultaneous connections. Range is hard to predict. About all you can do is try it and experiment with placement and orientation - and worst case, addon antennas and/or repeaters. If wireless turns out to be bad, you can use powerline or phoneline adapters.

[WolfPac_Ite]

As has been said twice already, you just need an access point or a wireless router, but will take some confirguration to turn off routing for the router. If you have a Best Buy, Circuit City, or any other place that has routers around your area, then check out their sales ads, because they tend to have very nice rebate deals, and sometimes you find killer deals, like CC right now is having a clearance on the Linksys wireless B routers for 15-USD after rebates, of course they are supposed to be lemons from what I have heard...

If you are concerned about range(and assuming you don't have a iron walls or something), then you could try 108-G products, such as Linksys's SpeedBooster devices, or Dlinks 108-G Xtreme products. I think there is even faster technology around for a reasonable cost too. But keep in mind that if you get the ones with 108-G, that you can only use them with that same companies products, for example; Linksys's SpeedBooster router/access point can only be used at the 108 speed with Linksys brand SpeedBooster network cards, and the same goes for D-Link, and so on. Now in 54-G they can be mixed and matched, but not at 108 speeds. This is from an article I read, so things may have changed since then.

In my opinion I would keep as much of it wired as I could, for that it is cheaper, more reliable and faster for the money. Plus, you have less radio waves going through your head.