How do I setup a wireless network...and best equipment to use?

Question

I want to set up a wireless network in our apartment to two desktops and a laptop (from time to time).

How do I make it secured?

What routers are recommended, what cards, etc? The laptop has a built in card, but the desktops need cards...or whatever to pick up the signal.

I'm totally new to this. We have Hi speed cable that goes to a box that outputs a USB and Cat5 lines.

I want high quality, not cheap. Thanks for keeping it simple and helping out.

Answer 1

Well, first of all, you will need a wireless router, I suggest a Linksys Draft-N Router (~$100), and try to get your hands on some CAT6 cables for fast transfer rates. And to go with that router, for your other computers, purchase a couple of Wireless-N adapters. I also suggest Linksys Wireless-N adapters (~$60-70). To set up a proper security code, after purchasing your router, go to the default IP link 192.168.1.1, and type in ADMIN for both username and password (it's by default) and go to Wireless settings and set up either a WPA or WEP passcode.

Answer 2

I have a "linksys" router hooked up to a desktop and my cable modem and it gives wireless for 2 laptops. the router comes with an easy install disk to setup. you can plug in the 1 desktop into the router and the modem and configure the other 2 once they pick up the signal. you can also put on a password to secure it. the disk expalins everything you will need. If you goto a place like best buy the could help you out and help you with the desktop cards etc.

Answer 3

I will start off with router recommendations. The best routers are made by Linksys, and the model I recommend is the Linksys WRT54G, about $70. It's very reliable, has 5 Cat5 ports, and draws very low power. The program for setting it up is on the CD, which also has a porgram for securing the network. You will probably need to read the manual (also on the CD) for more on securing the network. By the way, if your desktops have Ethernet cards (Ethernet = Cat5), you can just use the Ethernet ports on the back of the router to hook the desktops up to the wireless network. You can also hook the Internet box up to the wireless network to enable web surfing.

Answer 4

avoid linksys equipment like the plaque, lots of problems with them. and if you already have a cable modem, get rid of it because the cable modems cable companies provide are garbage. Get the following equipment from amazon.com: D-Link DIR-655 Extreme N Wireless Router, D-Link DCM-202 DOCSIS 2.0 USB/Ethernet Cable Modem, Hawking HWDN1 Hi-Gain Wireless-300N Network USB Dish Adapter.

Make it secure by setting a unique SSID network name, turning off SSID broadcasting, enabling MAC address filtering, setting a password for your router, enabling WPA2 with a 64 bit key of random numbers, letters, and symbols. Configure the router over a wired connection for initial setup to ensure security before switching over to wireless.