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Wireless Desktop Guide

Written by Alecia Benjamin

American InterContinental University Online

Visual Communication

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The Jenkins have a desktop computer (300MHz or faster processor; Windows 98 SE, 2000, ME or XP; 128MB RAM, with an available PCI card slot, and CD-ROM drive) that everyone uses and is the main source of internet using a cable modem. Ms. Jenkins just bought a new wireless laptop which will be needing access to the internet.  And dad just bought a new desktop for his upstairs office and will need internet access. The Jenkins are not interested in putting holes in their wall or paying an electrician to come in to run CAT5 cable through the wall, under the house or anywhere else. It is just too expensive for the Jenkins after buying 2 brand new computers. The Jenkins only have an additional $150-$300.00 total to spend on a solution to solve their dilemma.

Question:

Should they install a dial-up solution such as AOL or MSN to establish the internet connection for the desktops? Does that resolve the problem? Does that keep the Jenkins in their elected budget range?

Solution:

In order for the Jenkins to gain internet access on both the desktop and the wireless laptops, there has to be a shared connection point established. How will that connection point be established? Mobility would appear to an issue, however, the convenience and affordability of wireless technology not only allows for mobility, but accessibility to hardware solutions.  Since both computers are new, it is safe to assume that they meet the minimum requirements for a Linksys Speed Booster 802.11g Wireless Desktop Card or Netgear Desktop card for both systems. Cost approximately $75.00 for each. However these wireless desktop cards will only work if you have a wireless router. Wireless routers can be obtained from www.bestbuy.com as low as $30.00 on sale.  Shop around!

The router converts the signals coming across your Internet connection into a wireless broadcast, sort of like a cordless phone base station. Be sure to get a wireless router, and not a wireless access point.

Network adapters wirelessly connect your computer to your wireless router. If you have a newer computer you may already have wireless capabilities built in. If this is the case, then you will not need a wireless network adapter. If you need to purchase an adapter for a desktop computer, buy a USB wireless network adapter. If you have a laptop, buy a PC card-based network adapter. Make sure that you have one adapter for every computer on your network.

First, locate your cable modem or DSL modem and unplug it to turn it off.

Next, connect your wireless router to your modem. Your modem should stay connected directly to the Internet. Later, after you've hooked everything up, your computer will wirelessly connect to your router, and the router will send communications through your modem to the Internet.

Configure your router, use your operating systems networking tool to establish a small network in your home or office and follow your routers documentation to complete the process.  Contact www.yvisa.net to get advanced documentation.