Wireless network help (very easy)!!!

Question

so far, this is my understanding of Ethernet...please correct...

my home computer, the desktop, has internet access already, meaning it has a router from COX. If i get an ethernet cable for my new laptop (compaq) i will be able to connect to the internet through that router...right?

now, my questions:

if the above is true, how far can i go without internet connection being lost?

how do people travel with wireless internet? does the wireless card just tap into the nearest router?

Answer 1

http://ciscotutorials.info/

Answer 2

certifications-

http://ccnptutorials.com/

Answer 3

You need to see if you have a ROUTER or a CABLE MODEM from Cox.  If you have both a router and a modem, this should allow you to connect an ethernet cable from your laptop to the router.   If you simply have a cable modem and no router, you need to go buy a router or residential gateway in order to connect both computers at once.  

If you want to go wireless instead of ethernet, you need a router with wireless support.  If the desktop is on ethernet and the laptop on wireless, there are wireless routers with built in ethernet ports, too.  As  far as signal range wise, you can usually go about 150 feet on wireless and about 300 or more on ethernet.  There are ways of extending the range, too.   If you do decide to go wireless, make sure that you get one that is compatible with the wireless card in the laptop (usually most laptops have either 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n depending on when they were made).  There may be some add on cards that use 802.11a, but these are rarer.  I would recommend enabling security if you go wireless.

Answer 4

Ok, if you get an ethernet cable for your laptop, you will not be able to access wireless UNLESS you have a wireless router.  If you have a wireless router, the ethernet cable for the laptop is not needed.  The wireless doesn't really tap into a router, it just communicates with it to gain access to the network.  Some wireless networks are secure and therefore you would need to know the security settings in order to connect.  A lot of times, in an average size city setting, there will be a number of open wireless connections for free!

As for the distance, it will vary depending on the number walls and other obstructions but a good estimate would be 100 - 150 feet under NORMAL conditions.  If there are no walls or anything, obviously it will reach farther and maybe you will get the max of 300 feet!

Answer 5

Well usually about 100 feet max from the router before the signal is lost (note the max). And no unless you are in a hotel or airport you cannot access your wireless as it is yours as does not travel, you would use there free WIFI as it is everywhere now. And yes if you get an ethernet cable it will connect to the internet.