Purchasing a wireless router and card

[svenkill]

In the near future I am going to purchase a wireless router and a wireless networking card. I have an XP system that I am just going to plug an ethernet cable directly into the router, then I have a 98 system which I am going to use a wireless network card to connect to the router. I am planning on sharing my DSL and have a private network between these two computers. I am aslo planning on purchasing a laptop soon that will be added to this network. My question is would these items be good purchases, or should I get something a little bit nicer? The router http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1051384663529 and the wireless card: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1051384697890 I would also like to know if it would be necessary to have a software firewall on both computers as well with this router?

Thanks for all your help!

[Computerguy2]

You could try the Linksys WRT54GX Router with SRX it is a 4 port router and wireless access point in one and for security it has Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) Firewall, TKIP, AES, 802.1x, WEP, Wireless MAC Filtering. I have read it comes with WPA encryption but I am not sure if it does or not. I have never tried the linksys WRT54GX but I read a lot of reveiws and people seem to like it.

They also have a wireless card that goes with it to if you are intrested it is called LINKSYS WPC54GX and if you use it with the WRT54GX I read that you can be almost a football field away and still get a strong signal.

[svenkill]

I may look into those, if the price is decent. I'm trying to stay way under $100. Even though it has a hardware firewall, should I still use a software firewall such as ZoneAlarm for added protection? Or is this just overkill?

[glc]

The WRT54G/WMP54G combo is a very good choice, and you may save some money ordering them from Newegg instead of buying them at Best Buy. The SRX models are a lot more expensive, but are only really needed if you have reception issues. Even the standard models have SPI firewall and WPA now. Your 98 box must be 98SE to be compatible, there's no driver for that card (or most wireless cards any more) for 98FE. The router firewall is adequate, but a software firewall in addition would give you more security.

What model is your DSL modem? You may need to switch it to the bridge mode if it's a multimode modem. You get best results when you store the PPPoE login into the router.

[svenkill]

I will probably buy that router and wireless card soon, Bestbuy currently has the router $30 off and the wireless card $20 off. I have windows 98se on the older system, thank God. My modem is a SpeedStream 5100, the login is stored in the modem. I talked about my modem model/attributes and the problems I had with trying to share my internet connection and that it never worked here: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=146168

What about antivirus programs, I use Norton antivirus, that program would still be necessary wouldn't it? I am trying to get by with as little background programs as I can on the 98se box to save RAM because all I have is 256mb and I still want to be able to games and play over the LAN through it.

[glc]

You will want to switch the Speedstream to bridge mode. You definitely need an antivirus, but Norton is not a good choice, its footprint is too big. Use AVG Free.

[svenkill]

Do I switch the Speedstream to bridge mode in its configuration? I will check on AVG Free. Thanks again for your help!

[glc]

http://www.dslreports.com/speak/slid...Fyayw5NDY1ODkz

Log in, hit Advanced, then PPP Location.

Put it in Bridged Mode.

This will disconnect you - so when this is done, hook up the router and set it up for PPPoE.

[svenkill]

Are you sure I should put it in Bridged Mode? It says that this mode is used if you are using a non-PPPoE network, and you told me to set up a PPPoE network once I get it in Bridged Mode. I'm a little confused.

[glc]

The ROUTER will handle both the PPPoE *and* the NAT. Bridge it.

[svenkill]

Ok.

Thanks again for all your help!