PC network advice please..

Posted by: Steveandkate on 26 April 2006

OK, I am a computer idiot in need of help - I am told I need to get an 802 11g network card.
It needs to have a good range, as I will be some way from the router (or whatever the thing is called). I have had a quick look at Dabs etc, and they have plenty, but I can't see which have the best kind of range (the router is in a basement, I am on the 2nd floor, soon to be in the adjoining basement)
I would rather spend a little more and get a good signal than loose a connection.
What do I need to buy, please..!
Many thanks

Steve

Posted on: 26 April 2006 by Steve Hall

If you need good speed of 802.11g from a basement, to the 2nd floor, I doubt you'll manage it with any quality of signal. What are your floors/walls made from, if they are stone/brick, if you make a connection it not the quickest connection.

A new network standard has just been released called 802.11n, which apparenlty has very good rates over bigger distances, and through walls, etc.

If you dont need the connection *now* then it would be worthwhile waiting for a little while to get this new standard, and benefit from the signal.

Posted on: 26 April 2006 by Steveandkate

Steve Hall - Thanks - floors are wooden, and it seems there is a good signal in the basement I will soon be in, so do I just buy any 802 11g card ?
I do need it pretty quick, though I have seen a pre 11n card claiming to be the bee's knees, but at £85,....

Posted on: 27 April 2006 by Steve Hall

Ah, sorry I didnt notice you already had the router. If you've already got it, then forget 802.11n

You dont say if you need a PCI card for a PC, or a PCMCIA card for a laptop.

I would check out a specialist wireless dealer, such as Solwise who will be able to give you the right advice with cards, antenna, etc to get the best signal away from your router.

Good luck

Posted on: 27 April 2006 by AV@naim

I use a Belkin Pre-n 8230 and 8010(?)PCMCIA card in laptop (Although the Pre-n is set to Access Point mode as I use a netgear router/modem DG834).

The range on this is quite frankly, staggering. I can sit in my 'local' across the road and still surf my own internet connection with reasonable speed!

Can you borrow one?

Posted on: 02 May 2006 by Chumpy

3 weeks ago I sought similar advice from local real experts who all got it wrong.

I went into Staples for a lark while awaiting opening of dreaded PC World and nice helpful chap there sold me for less than £35 Belkin Wireless G Router for setting up on ethernet/network enabled PC of any description, and for less than £20 USB widgettie(s).

As long as you have installed router etc etc on network ethernet broadband modem PC, and software on all other laptops/desktops (POST Win98 - SE is fine ...), you can after booting up main PC switch darn thing off and broadband (in my case Blueyonder cable) will work fine on all other USB-widgetted (USB 2 or earlier...) computers.