Wireless router advice please

[Just Gillian]

I currently have a non wireless broadband router for my desktop computer.

OH now wants internet access on his PC upstairs, and my daughter wants it on her laptop.

My service provider is PlusNet. I've had a look on their site and can order a wireless router from them.
PlusNet  |  Home & Business Broadband Internet Access & Phone Services UK

Am I right in assuming I would need to order the 4-port wireless router and does ordering the PlusNet one guarantee it would work with my existing system, or do I need information about the other two computers?

The PlusNet page states

Wireless network adapter needed for each computer you want to connect

Do I need specific information about the other two computers when I shop for these adapters, or are they standard items?

Edit - I've just learned a visitor is on the way over so I'll post this now I've typed it, but won't be back on here for a bit.

[vicky taylor-bradbury]

hi Gillian
i use a BT wireless router as i am on BT(bit obvious really!) i used to use a netgear router which as far as i know works with any network- have now given it to a friend and she was on a different network to me. on neither of my two routers has it mattered what type of computer i have had and have used quite a few on the netgear in particular(both big computers and about 6 different laptops). if your laptops are wireless all you have to do is search for the router on the wireless bit. for your big computer and laptops if not wireless you will need either a card fitted of more easy a USB dongle thing to make them wireless.

hope this helps
vicky
ps if i can make the thing work anyone can!!!!

[dave pusey]

Although any wireless router should work (I would recommend http://www.ebuyer.com/product/52244/), your best bet is probably to get the 4-port wireless router that your ISP is offering. Does it say what make/model it is?

With regards to wireless network adapters, you only need these for machines that are going to connect WIRELESSY (ie your daughter's laptop) but if it is a fairly recent laptop (last couple of years) then it would likely already have one built-in.

EDIT: For the already hard-wired PCs, there is no point converting them to wireless.

------

An alternative option, and this is what I have done, it to install a seperate wireless
access point (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/45025/). It has a single network port that is connected to your existing router via a standard network cable.

With this option, you not only have more freedom of placement to get better signal coverage, but you also have the fact that they are seperate components meaning if wireless access point dies, at least the wired router is still in service.

[Guy]

I would recommend that wireless routers are only used in emergency when hard wired connections are not available.
They are a potential massive security risk.

Yes I know it is possible to use protection but most individuals no not have the capabilities of setting such protection up effectively or ensuring there are not security leaks once the network has been set up.

Even some high powered security organisations have been breached due to their wireless connections.

Hard wired takes more time and effort but is the far safer option.
Cheers
Guy
PS If you use Dave's suggestion unplug the wireless connection when not in use.

[dave pusey]

I would recommend that wireless routers are only used in emergency when hard wired connections are not available.
They are a potential massive security risk.

Yes I know it is possible to use protection but most individuals no not have the capabilities of setting such protection up effectively or ensuring there are not security leaks once the network has been set up.

Even some high powered security organisations have been breached due to their wireless connections.

Hard wired takes more time and effort but is the far safer option.
Cheers
Guy
PS If you use Dave's suggestion unplug the wireless connection when not in use.

I agree that Wireless connections do have there Security concerns, but with careful setup of strong encryption (currently WPA2) there is less chances of possible breaches.

Encryption will never stop the most determined/skilled of attackers, but at least it will keep the casual ones from trying to read your data or connect to your network.

Intruder detection is more useful, but this is targeted at business rather then domestic setups.

[Just Gillian]

Vicky - thank you for all the information about the netgear router. As far as I am concerned, the more straightforward any kind of computer bit is, the better!

Dave - thank you. I think I shall have to re-read your first post several times before I am sure I have understood it.

Guy - thank you. I find your information re the security risks quite alarming as I would certainly have no confidence in my ability to set up effective protection.

Presumably, and at the risk of sounding like an idiot, hard-wired means running a cable from my computer to the others?

[littlemoo]

Or you could go for Network plugs They plug into your Electric sockets.
Ok you have to plug ethernet cable into the network plug, but they are
better than wireless. We have them installed in our new home

Netgear XE104 85mbps 4 Ports Wall-Plugged Ethernet Switch - Ebuyer

Clare

[Just Gillian]

Clare - thank you. I've had a quick skim through that link, but will have to read it properly when I get back from work tonight.
If I understand it correctly then - I would need a wireless router for my own PC and then a Network plug in any room where the other PCs were being used.

Ok you have to plug ethernet cable into the network plug,

Does the ethernet cable go from the network plug to the extra PCs, or to my own PC?

[Guy]

A network plug is a sort of halfway house between a hardwired system and a wireless system.
It uses the mains wiring circuit of the house to distribute signals.

There are sometimes problems with this if used at the same time as high load switch on/off the signal (data) may be lost.
There is also the minor consideration in the UK every third house share the same circuit (one phase of a three phase system). This could lead to potential security leaks.
There were instances in the 80s of videos being "shared" due to this.
Cheers
Guy

[Just Gillian]

Thanks Guy.

This is turning out to be a more difficult decision than I had expected!

[Chipesh]

The four port wireless router is your best bet.

Any adapter should connect but as has been said most new laptops should have it inbuilt.

All new devices should support WPA at least which, with a sufficiently long password, is very secure.

If you can run Ethernet cable to the other desktop you should.
Wireless is inferior to Cable in every way except for the absence of wires.

The wired computers just connect to the router ports. One cable for each.

Bob

[Just Gillian]

Bob - thank you for your advice.

[llamedos]

DON'T be frightened by security, or set up problems. I got myself a Belkin router with a GOOD range - don't go for the smaller range one. Set-up and security was a doddle with Belkin. Security is a MUST - using WPA2. This makes your connection 'invisible' to other users nearby your home. Many do not use the security provided, and just set-up and go! If you have a wireless laptop - try putting in on your passenger seat, switch on and drive around any residental area!!!

[Just Gillian]

Hello llamedos and welcome to the forum! Thanks for your advice.

Since posting last month, I bought a 4 port router from the local computer shop. He set the router up but unfortunately I must have gone wrong with connecting it to my PC as I was denied access to IE and could only access the internet via firefox. I am currently waiting for a friend to find time to come and show me exactly which bits I should plug where and to check that security was in fact set up as requested!

[llamedos]

Gillian, Glad to hear you have bought your router - I'm sure you will be up and running as soon as your friend sorts it out for you. You can see if your security is 'ON' by right clicking the little PC icon with wireless waves - just left of the time - bottom right of your screen......then click 'view available wireless networks' you will see yours, and it will say secured, or not. Hope this helps you.

[Just Gillian]

llamedos - thanks for that information.