Should I or Shouldnt I?

[ESCAPEMAX]

Heres the issue.
I have a PC thats currently in my living room. Next to the tv. I want to move it. Put it in the dining room. Thinking about upgrading to a wireless network.
Heres what concerns me:
I live in an Apt complex and Security is a major concern. Also I have read that people are finding other networks where they live.
Currently I use a Cat 6 cable to connect to the hub. I have to stretch the wire from the living room to the hub each time I use it. Which is a problem since I have Rabbits. The one likes to chew wires. Except for the vinyl covered wires. So I have to put her away each time. If anyone raises rabbits, Knows that can be a chore. Chasing after them.
So I am considering using a hybrid system.
These would be wired to the Router/Hub.
Main PC Windows XP Pro
Coolmax NAS
Then I would need to get wireless cards for my
AMD 64 system
Laptop (Has a PCMCIA Slot)

I have never set up a Wireless system. Let alone a Combo wired and wireless system.
What do you think?
Thanks
Chris

BTW, I dont have Broadband Internet.

[mbossman2]

if security is a concern, put up some MAC filters, turn on and use encryption in your wireless card and AP, and change your workgroup name to something none standard.

Most wireless networks are combo's. wireless is an extension of wired networks.

in addition to what you have indicated that you have, you will need some sort of wireless AP/router.

[ESCAPEMAX]

I undestand that I would need:
Wireless Router
Wireless PCI card
Wireless PCMCIA card.

What should I use? 108 or 54. Problem is I use the NAS for Back-up files. And I also use the network to update my AMD 64, laptop with the latest Adobe readers, OBDII scanner files, Etc.
Chris

[mbossman2]

11g maxes at a (nominal) 54mbps, there are proprietary enhancements that give you more than 54mbps (but generally nowhere near 108mbps, generally you'll see 10-40% increase). to do the 108mbps, you need to use the same manufacturer for all the wireless components.

I would buy a 54mbps router from Linksys (here) and the matching cards (PCMCIA & PCI). All 3 of these components support Linksys' version of 108mbps wireless

[ESCAPEMAX]

I would be using the same brand components. This way its all on the same bandwith.
I ordered a Netgear WGT624 Router from Amazon. $59.99 and theres a $20 Rebate. Also ordered a WG811T for my laptop. $49.99 and theres a $10 Rebate.
I couldnt afford to get all 3.
Chris

[ESCAPEMAX]

I think it would give the best range to place the Router on top of my desk/Hutch. problem is I only have the 1 7' cable. So for experimenting purposes, I will attach the Router to my current hub. Then I will remove the hub when I get a 2nd cable.
Chris

[mbossman2]

just make sure that there are no sources of interference/absobtion/blockage near or between the sending and receiving stations (wireless phones, big hunks of metal, micrwave ovens etc)...unless you have a huge house an 11g radio pumping out the legal max wattage of 30mW should give you pretty good coverage (not sure what the power output of the netgear is, they don't indicate one)

[ESCAPEMAX]

Thanks.
I cant wait till I get the units. Anxious to see how it works.
My Apt is Small. Probably about 500 Sq Ft.
Chris

[ESCAPEMAX]

I just read something on NetGears website. They dont have drivers for XP64 Pro. I might have a problem setting this up. If so, Then I guess the only work around would be to get another Router? And have it attached to the AMD 64 system.
Chris

[glc]

You don't need drivers for the router - just the wireless adapter in the computer.

[ESCAPEMAX]

GLC, You misunderstood me. I was referring to the wireless adapter. And that NetGear states they dont have drivers for XP64 Pro. I do have an onboard Lan on my mobo. I might have to use a second router or an AP. But Netgear only shows a 54 not the 108 on their website.
Chris

[glc]

No, you do not need a second router or an AP. The only thing you need in an x64 XP computer is a network adapter with driver support, whether it be wired OR wireless. It doesn't HAVE to be a Netgear card - it can be ANY 802.11g card if you want to run that computer wireless. It's just matching cards to the router is best, that's all.

[ESCAPEMAX]

Thats what I am Trying to do. Stay with the same brand and series.
My first goal is to get the laptop connected. Then I can worry about the AMD64 system. I can continue to use the cable for now. Just getting ready for when I find a home for it.
Chris

[ESCAPEMAX]

Just got the Router today. I should have the PCMCIA card tomorow or so.
I am flipping through the paperwork. What is this about having all computers configured to obtain IP and DNS via DHCP? I set mine manually. Do I need to reassign them?
Thanks
Chris

[mbossman2]

for most people it is much easier to set it up this way...but you can set them manually...

[ESCAPEMAX]

I probably shouldnt have bothered. Switched from the Hub to the Router last night. Now I can access the NAS. Then I coulnt access the Router. I try to access the Coolmax CN550, It wants to go online. I tried Resetting. Now the NAS is unresponsive. Even attached to the PC through the Ethernet cable.
Chris

[ESCAPEMAX]

Heres my latest attempt.
I performed a Reset on both the Router and NAS. Then I set the PC Ip address for Auto DHCP. Now I can access the Router. I took the NAS to another computer. Reset it. Tried logging in. Wont connect. But will go through the USB.
I am already having problems and havent gotten to the wireless end. This is all wired. I want one PC and NAS wired tio the router. Then I would use the wireless for the laptop and AMD64 system.
Help!!!
Chris

[mbossman2]

your collmax box has the ability to do DHCP as well and having 2 of those on a LAN is not the best move. Make sure that you have 1 of the DHCP servers disabled.

My guess is that depending upon which DHCP server you're pulling your IP address from will dictate if you can see the router or the coolmax box, so make sure every network asset pulls from one and only one DHCP service.

[ESCAPEMAX]

I tried running the Coolmax off another PC. Cant access it. Even after I press the Reset button.
I figured that much lastnight. The DHCP server on the Coolmax was Disabled. I checked the Automatic IP box. I think the default settings got hosed up. I cant get it to do anything through the Ethernet.
Chris

[ESCAPEMAX]

Got off the phone with Netgears Tech. Spent an hour with a rep. Couldnt solve this one problem. The Laptop now has the WG511T card. Stated the Card was installed and Enabled. But couldnt access the network. Finally got through to a Senior Tech. Gave him the summary. He laughed. Said he can get me running. Turns out that one of the settings in the Router needed to be Unchecked. Took 2 minutes. Then we BSd for about 3.
Now If I can get my Coolmax working, I'll be a happy camper.
Score one for NetGear Tech (Rather Senior Tech)
Chris

[ESCAPEMAX]

I did a little experiment with the Coolmax.
Plugged it into my AMD64 system. Ran the Old IP address. Set-up showed up. Didnt prompt me for a Password. OK.
Then I pressed the Resest button. Nothing happened.
Opened the unit up. Did a slight NO-NO. Used a pair of Hemostats and jumped the reset terminals behind the switch. Nothing happened.
My theory is that something is Bad on the board. Not Restting. Even when I bypassed the switch. I am still waiting for Coolmax to respond to my e-mail. Or should I contact NewEgg and see what they want me to do. My 30 days will be up on the 4th.
Chris

[glc]

RMA it to Newegg now.

[ESCAPEMAX]

Just RMA'd to Newegg. And sent via FedEx.
Yes I was smart enough to remove my HD first.
Chris

[ESCAPEMAX]

Just got an interestin message tonight.
I have Norton PF05 on my main PC. When I started it, I got a message about a Blocked Trojan Horse. The IP was 127.x.x.x I cant remember exactly. My network is on a 192.x.x.x setting.
I just enabled WEP at 128Bit on both the Router and Laptop. Should I be concerned? I doid notice my Wirless light blinks all the time.
Chris

[mbossman2]

was it 127.0.0.1? that'd be your localhost IP address.

[ESCAPEMAX]

Norton PF 05 says that each blink of light is an "Intrusion Attempt" on the Statistics page. I think it has bugs. I did change the Network settings on Norton from the old 168 to the new wireless settings.
Chris