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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Alarms, Phones, Aerials, CCTV & Datacomms >> Wireless internet question https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1260713552 Message started by JerryD on Dec 13^th, 2009, 2:12pm

Title: Wireless internet question
Post by JerryD on Dec 13^th, 2009, 2:12pm

My house has a hard wired internet network going to four RJ45 sockets for four fixed desktop pcs in various rooms. My eldest has now got a laptop and wants wireless in her bedroom (where there is one of the four RJ45 sockets).

Her laptop has the required 802.11b/g wireless gismo built in.

Her room at Uni also has just one RJ45 socket so a similar situation arises there.

I do not want to change my home hard-wired router and of course I cannot change the University hard wired system either.

What do I need to buy to get her laptop fully functioning wirelessly?

Title: Re: Wireless internet question
Post by Lectrician on Dec 13^th, 2009, 2:40pm

You just need a wireless access point that you can plug into the network port.

Not sure if you should be adding anything to the UNI network though - it is probably forbidden.

Something like this is good for simple domestics, although you can likely find cheaper. There is a little configuring required, but you can get the advice easily here. Don't use the setup CD's to configre - it actually makes it a little harder IMO!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-WPN802-RangeMax-Wireless-Access/dp/B000BSRUFY

You can also use a cheapo Netgear DG834G router/switch/accesspoint combo - You just need to disable the LAN/DHCP in the router and ignore settings for the ADSL.

Title: Re: Wireless internet question
Post by JerryD on Dec 13^th, 2009, 7:18pm

These seem a bit pricey Lec, what's available (but still good) that will do the basic job. Does this gadget have to be plugged into the router or can it be plugged into the RJ45 socket?

The wireless laptop will always be in the same room as the wireless access point so range is not important.

Title: Re: Wireless internet question
Post by Lectrician on Dec 13^th, 2009, 7:35pm

The access point can be plugged into the router or the RJ45 outlet.

A DG834G can be picked up cheaply on Ebay as they are given free with many deals when you sign up, and people then flog them. I use two of the DG834G's as access points at home - one upstairs and one down, although one would probably cover all bases with ease.

Does your current router definantly not have one built in?

The netgear white range (home range) is a budget but reliable product.

There is one for a tenner plus £5 postage in the first link, but no aerial or PSU is included, so watch that one.

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=wg602&_sacat=0&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_dmpt=UK_Computing_Networking_SM&_odkw=wireless+access+point&_osacat=0

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=DG834G&_sacat=0&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_dmpt=UK_Computing_Networking_SM&_odkw=wg602&_osacat=0

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=wireless+access+point&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Title: Re: Wireless internet question
Post by CWatters on Dec 13^th, 2009, 8:30pm

Ask if the university has a wireless LAN. They might already have one she can connect into. If not chances are other students have already set up wireless access points. In fact there might be too many to add another. Have her ask around to see if she can connect into theirs.

Title: Re: Wireless internet question
Post by Lectrician on Dec 13^th, 2009, 8:46pm

It is usual for the uni's to stop you from connecting them as it can compromise security if you set yours up incorrectly. One poorly configured access point could open up the entire campas network. There may be a single network for access in dorms which is not part of the actual uni network, but even then you could inadvertently put everyones computers in the dorms at risk.

I would have thought there would be a wireless network in operation - you would have thought so.

Title: Re: Wireless internet question
Post by JerryD on Dec 15^th, 2009, 8:06pm

When she goes back in the new Year I'll get her to find out what her friends there are using. Thanks so far. :)