Posted by PB_CA on 1/16/06 4:43pm
Msg #88693

Wireless Internet

I have heard many different thoughts on the use of the wireless internet conncetions and thought I would ask for some of your thoughts on the subject. I am getting a second computer and I need to decide on the router spliter or the wireless connection. Any input would be appreciated.
TIA

Reply by Raimond_CA on 1/16/06 4:47pm
Msg #88694

Go wireless...

No cables laying around... and if you have a laptop, you can take it everywhere in the house and outside if it is still close (200-400 feet depending).

Just be sure you have a password protected wireless network. Not hard to do at all.

There are people who drive around looking for un protected networks and attempt to do all sorts of bad things.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 1/16/06 4:56pm
Msg #88696

Wireless is the way to go although I still download docs and programs most of the time on my desktop which is plugged into the router. On very few occasions, a nearby cell phone or a neighbor with a ham outfit or a CB running a power booster or even a cordless phone can interfear with the download and may cause an error. I have had this happen a couple of times, but I have a lot of radio transmissions going on around my house. With most users, this will never be an issue.

Make sure you make it a secure network. Whatever router you get will have instructions or your local geek shop will help. It's easy to set up.

Reply by MsRobbo on 1/16/06 6:55pm
Msg #88706

Definitely go for the wireless. We got it about a year ago and have no regrets. If you have a laptop, it's great for moving around the house. Security is always an issue so make sure that you use a secure network.

Reply by DellaCa on 1/16/06 9:12pm
Msg #88716

Re: What provider

do you use?

Reply by Raimond_CA on 1/16/06 9:54pm
Msg #88720

Re: What provider

Adelphia Cable with my own domain for website and e-mail....

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 1/17/06 9:15am
Msg #88750

Hi PB_CA,

Wireless is very handy. I just recommend not doing any banking and such on it. When you want to log in to your bank account, plug your computer directly into the router and disable wireless for the time being. Wireless leaves you very open. You will want to do the following:

- Activate encryption

-As for routers, leading brands include D-Link, Netgear, and Linksys. I would recommend sticking with the 802.11g. If you have range problems, depending where you live, they also offer 802.11n, aka MIMO, Super-G, or pre-n. There might be some compatibility issues there until late 2006. Also, other issues to consider with wirless are:

- Thick walls can reduce signal strength, which might vary in different areas of the home or even within a room.

- Wi-Fi networks might interfere with cordless phones, baby monitors, and other wireless devices.

- Only 25 percent as fast as Ethernet, but still fine for typical networking uses, such as Web surfing and e-mail.