Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Auto Addict on 24 December 2006, 17:38:42
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My PC is connected to broadband with a ADSL modem.
If I want to make a wireless connection to my laptop, do I need a modem router on my PC and a USB adaptor on my laptop, or can I just plug in a USB adaptor on my PC and another on my laptop?
PC runs XP home edition, laptop run 2k professional.
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You can setup a WAP (wireless access point) on your PC using your wireless adapter, and share the internet connection. A wireless USB dongle or PCIMA card on the laptop will be able to connect to that no problem.
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Yes you could do it that way, use a peer to peer wireless network from you laptop to your desktop, and let the pc route for internet.
Or i think a better way is a wireless ADSL router and a 54g card in the laptop (pcmcia preferable to USB)
and a 54g pci card in the desktop.
Doing it the firstway the pc always needs to be on for the laptop to access the internet
Nice to see your back AA :y
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Thanks for the info guys, the USB dongle seems to be the cheapest way, I'm not bothered about the PC being on.
Another question, do the dongles have encryption capabilities?
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Thanks for the info guys, the USB dongle seems to be the cheapest way, I'm not bothered about the PC being on.
Another question, do the dongles have encryption capabilities?
I would have thought 64 bit or 128bit was possible.....tho never tried computer to computer connecting!
Another advantage of using an ADSL wireless router.....depending on make of course....you usually get a decent firewall as part of it as well :y
How much are usb 54g wireless? £20-£25 each?
You could have a adsl wireless router, 1 pcmcia 54g card and a pci card for around £100
Ask Mrs Santa Claus ;D
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AA - do not use WEP (so any reference to 40bit, 64bit, 128bit encryption). WEP is very broken and entirely insecure.
Most PC adapters in Ad-hoc mode (ie PC to PC) cannot do WPA (a more secure form of encryption, not yet hacked).
My recommendation would be a wireless ADSL router that can support WPA or WPA2. Make sure the client device supports WPA as well (can't remember if your laptop will take a mini pci card such as Intel 2200BG or 2915ABG, as this would be neatest solution).
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AA - do not use WEP (so any reference to 40bit, 64bit, 128bit encryption). WEP is very broken and entirely insecure.
Most PC adapters in Ad-hoc mode (ie PC to PC) cannot do WPA (a more secure form of encryption, not yet hacked).
My recommendation would be a wireless ADSL router that can support WPA or WPA2. Make sure the client device supports WPA as well (can't remember if your laptop will take a mini pci card such as Intel 2200BG or 2915ABG, as this would be neatest solution).
Thanks for the info, yes the laptop will take a mini pci card.
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I would say swap the ADSL router with a unit that has built-in 4-port Hub and WiFi, then hook-up the desktop PC directly to the new Router using a standard network patch lead, and use a USB WiFi adapter for the laptop.
See for example:
http://www.misco.co.uk/ssinfo/~94912~WW~/
http://www.misco.co.uk/ssinfo/~94449~/
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I would say swap the ADSL router with a unit that has built-in 4-port Hub and WiFi, then hook-up the desktop PC directly to the new Router using a standard network patch lead, and use a USB WiFi adapter for the laptop.
See for example:
http://www.misco.co.uk/ssinfo/~94912~WW~/
http://www.misco.co.uk/ssinfo/~94449~/
As I do my banking online, will this solution provide me with total security?
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Yes it will.
And, at any rate, any potential hacker will have to be parked in your drive - unless it's your next door neighbour... The range on the WiFi devices is nothing like what is says on the box.
If you have concerns however, or if the location of the laptop will prevent good WiFi reception, you can also consider the more pricey option of Ethernet over Mains:
2 x http://www.misco.co.uk/ssinfo/~104749~WW~/
or
1 x http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=46494
This obviously means that the laptop will have to be positioned near a wall socket, so no working from the garden in the summer...
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Yes it will.
And, at any rate, any potential hacker will have to be parked in your drive - unless it's your next door neighbour... The range on the WiFi devices is nothing like what is says on the box.
If you have concerns however, or if the location of the laptop will prevent good WiFi reception, you can also consider the more pricey option of Ethernet over Mains:
2 x http://www.misco.co.uk/ssinfo/~104749~WW~/
or
1 x http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=46494
This obviously means that the laptop will have to be positioned near a wall socket, so no working from the garden in the summer...
Unless you filter at consumer unit, security of mains devices is not that special as it will be presented to other houses close by.
Anything supporting WPA is deemed secure, and get double encrypted again as soon as you go https on your bank's site...
I personally use Linksys Access Points, and Intel mini PCI cards in laptop (neater solution than USB or PCMCIA devices, but relies on the laptop manufacturer already running aerial inside machine (usually a balck and a white wire in mini pci slot cover))
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This is true.
However, while Ethernet over Mains is not encrypted/protected in any way, this solution does remove the element of risk from an opportunist hacker with a laptop standing under your window, and pretty much limits it to actual neighbours with a similar AC modulator device… which for home banking is pretty secure.
I do agree that WiFi is a secure solution as pointed at the beginning of my post, and at any rate the Ethernet over Mains solution works-out more expensive so not my first recommendation anyway, but some people are uneasy about WiFi and the Ethernet over Mains does resolve worries regarding hackers with laptops.
Also, when coverage is not enough due the location of the WiFi devices in the house (new houses tend to have more bricks than wood for internal walls), the options are either using Range Extenders (which from my experience do not always work that well), or looking at an alternative to WiFi which is either wired Ethernet or Ethernet-over Mains.
Soon this will all be history though as we will all be on Wimax…. ;D
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This is true.
However, while Ethernet over Mains is not encrypted/protected in any way, this solution does remove the element of risk from an opportunist hacker with a laptop standing under your window, and pretty much limits it to actual neighbours with a similar AC modulator device… which for home banking is pretty secure.
I do agree that WiFi is a secure solution as pointed at the beginning of my post, and at any rate the Ethernet over Mains solution works-out more expensive so not my first recommendation anyway, but some people are uneasy about WiFi and the Ethernet over Mains does resolve worries regarding hackers with laptops.
Also, when coverage is not enough due the location of the WiFi devices in the house (new houses tend to have more bricks than wood for internal walls), the options are either using Range Extenders (which from my experience do not always work that well), or looking at an alternative to WiFi which is either wired Ethernet or Ethernet-over Mains.
Soon this will all be history though as we will all be on Wimax…. ;D
Now you're starting to do my head in..... ::)
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Now you're starting to do my head in..... ::)
A wireless router is the way to go, and with encryption will also be safe for Internet banking...
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Now you're starting to do my head in..... ::)
A wireless router is the way to go, and with encryption will also be safe for Internet banking...
Cheers MJ :y
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Indeed.
Either good old IEE8E02.3 UTP CAT5 or 5e, or if you are running over area with high emi or chance of it, use STP cabling with an RJ45 at the end or decent encryption on the Wireless device and your sorted.
Don't worry to much about reliability, as most Wireless device use DSSS, which is prefered over FHSS.
FHSS however does have a hidden security benifit, but is slower, hence why most home systems use DSSS to overcome midband interferance.
Most modern houses are built from bricks on the outside, and plasterboard on the inside from my experiance, and TBH I have had FAR more issues with old houses having thick stone walls than flimsy new flat pack houses.
Traditional Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) is the most secure, like I say use Cat5e, and that is secure and easier to setup, doesn't require a signal( ofcourse it requires a signal, normally encapsulated using NRTZ, for those Boffins amonst us who will pick me up on it) or any type of keys, it just works.
Wireless on the otherhand is very handy for people who hate cables, and is generally far slower, 58Mbps if your lucky.
Some claim 108Mbps, but TBH, I've never seen this, and I think it's just the theoretical speed you could get if you where in an interfereance free environment.
I used to be paid to install this kit, and 9 times out of ten I would end up selling the customers a wired solution. It just works far better, is easyer to troublshoot, and is more secure.
If you do want to go the Wireless way though, and are concerned about signal strength, you can by plate directional antenners, that work quite well, and allow you that bit extra mobility.
My 2 pence worth.
Cheers
Matt
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Now you're starting to do my head in..... ::)
A wireless router is the way to go, and with encryption will also be safe for Internet banking...
Cheers MJ :y
Whatever you go for AA.....DO NOT use an wireless keyboard and mouse like i do on my desktop.....your neighbour might be holding a receiver upto your window and reading your keystrokes ;D
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Indeed.
Either good old IEE8E02.3 UTP CAT5 or 5e, or if you are running over area with high emi or chance of it, use STP cabling with an RJ45 at the end or decent encryption on the Wireless device and your sorted.
Don't worry to much about reliability, as most Wireless device use DSSS, which is prefered over FHSS.
FHSS however does have a hidden security benifit, but is slower, hence why most home systems use DSSS to overcome midband interferance.
Most modern houses are built from bricks on the outside, and plasterboard on the inside from my experiance, and TBH I have had FAR more issues with old houses having thick stone walls than flimsy new flat pack houses.
Traditional Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) is the most secure, like I say use Cat5e, and that is secure and easier to setup, doesn't require a signal( ofcourse it requires a signal, normally encapsulated using NRTZ, for those Boffins amonst us who will pick me up on it) or any type of keys, it just works.
Wireless on the otherhand is very handy for people who hate cables, and is generally far slower, 58Mbps if your lucky.
Some claim 108Mbps, but TBH, I've never seen this, and I think it's just the theoretical speed you could get if you where in an interfereance free environment.
I used to be paid to install this kit, and 9 times out of ten I would end up selling the customers a wired solution. It just works far better, is easyer to troublshoot, and is more secure.
If you do want to go the Wireless way though, and are concerned about signal strength, you can by plate directional antenners, that work quite well, and allow you that bit extra mobility.
My 2 pence worth.
Cheers
Matt
I have seen some clever equipment that can read data off a cat5 cable without breaking into it....
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Indeed.
Either good old IEE8E02.3 UTP CAT5 or 5e, or if you are running over area with high emi or chance of it, use STP cabling with an RJ45 at the end or decent encryption on the Wireless device and your sorted.
Don't worry to much about reliability, as most Wireless device use DSSS, which is prefered over FHSS.
FHSS however does have a hidden security benifit, but is slower, hence why most home systems use DSSS to overcome midband interferance.
Most modern houses are built from bricks on the outside, and plasterboard on the inside from my experiance, and TBH I have had FAR more issues with old houses having thick stone walls than flimsy new flat pack houses.
Traditional Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) is the most secure, like I say use Cat5e, and that is secure and easier to setup, doesn't require a signal( ofcourse it requires a signal, normally encapsulated using NRTZ, for those Boffins amonst us who will pick me up on it) or any type of keys, it just works.
Wireless on the otherhand is very handy for people who hate cables, and is generally far slower, 58Mbps if your lucky.
Some claim 108Mbps, but TBH, I've never seen this, and I think it's just the theoretical speed you could get if you where in an interfereance free environment.
I used to be paid to install this kit, and 9 times out of ten I would end up selling the customers a wired solution. It just works far better, is easyer to troublshoot, and is more secure.
If you do want to go the Wireless way though, and are concerned about signal strength, you can by plate directional antenners, that work quite well, and allow you that bit extra mobility.
My 2 pence worth.
Cheers
Matt
I have seen some clever equipment that can read data off a cat5 cable without breaking into it....
Never seen it myself, but I am sure MI5 have it...
What does AA have there in his bank account I wonder? ;D
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Indeed.
Either good old IEE8E02.3 UTP CAT5 or 5e, or if you are running over area with high emi or chance of it, use STP cabling with an RJ45 at the end or decent encryption on the Wireless device and your sorted.
Don't worry to much about reliability, as most Wireless device use DSSS, which is prefered over FHSS.
FHSS however does have a hidden security benifit, but is slower, hence why most home systems use DSSS to overcome midband interferance.
Most modern houses are built from bricks on the outside, and plasterboard on the inside from my experiance, and TBH I have had FAR more issues with old houses having thick stone walls than flimsy new flat pack houses.
Traditional Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) is the most secure, like I say use Cat5e, and that is secure and easier to setup, doesn't require a signal( ofcourse it requires a signal, normally encapsulated using NRTZ, for those Boffins amonst us who will pick me up on it) or any type of keys, it just works.
Wireless on the otherhand is very handy for people who hate cables, and is generally far slower, 58Mbps if your lucky.
Some claim 108Mbps, but TBH, I've never seen this, and I think it's just the theoretical speed you could get if you where in an interfereance free environment.
I used to be paid to install this kit, and 9 times out of ten I would end up selling the customers a wired solution. It just works far better, is easyer to troublshoot, and is more secure.
If you do want to go the Wireless way though, and are concerned about signal strength, you can by plate directional antenners, that work quite well, and allow you that bit extra mobility.
My 2 pence worth.
Cheers
Matt
I have seen some clever equipment that can read data off a cat5 cable without breaking into it....
Never seen it myself, but I am sure MI5 have it...
What does AA have there in his bank account I wonder? ;D
Probably a lot less than you MJ ;)
Remember, I'm a poor old pensioner ;D
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You can get a decent WPA enabled wireless ADSL router for about £45 and a WPA enabled USB dongle for around £19.99.
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a WPA enabled USB dongle for around £19.99.
Or a mini PCI card for his laptop (assuming antenna fitted, normally is) for around £10 - £15 brand new from fleabay. Neater solution.
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haven't looked at the auction prices - probably cheaper, and a card for the lappy is indeed a neater solution. USB ones are usually rubbish - the one I have is belkin and is utter crap. wont pick up a wireless signal unless it is within about 2 meters. Same goes with my wireless belkin internal PC card.
More reasons not to buy Belkin.
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haven't looked at the auction prices - probably cheaper, and a card for the lappy is indeed a neater solution. USB ones are usually rubbish - the one I have is belkin and is utter crap. wont pick up a wireless signal unless it is within about 2 meters. Same goes with my wireless belkin internal PC card.
More reasons not to buy Belkin.
Belkin ain't that good ;)
As I'm sure Allenm will confirm, 2wire USB dongles are pretty crap as well.
For USB, I've found the best adapter to be the Linksys ones (the blue and black ones). In fact, the older blue and black Linksys stuff is very good imho. The silver linksys stuff seems to be less resilient - if I were a cynic, I would say Cisco are trying to make the consumer lines (linksys) less suitable for business use (instead tell people to use cisco branded wifi).
The 3Com stuff ain't too bad, but avoid the routers and access points (security issues)
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Indeed.
Either good old IEE8E02.3 UTP CAT5 or 5e, or if you are running over area with high emi or chance of it, use STP cabling with an RJ45 at the end or decent encryption on the Wireless device and your sorted.
Don't worry to much about reliability, as most Wireless device use DSSS, which is prefered over FHSS.
FHSS however does have a hidden security benifit, but is slower, hence why most home systems use DSSS to overcome midband interferance.
Most modern houses are built from bricks on the outside, and plasterboard on the inside from my experiance, and TBH I have had FAR more issues with old houses having thick stone walls than flimsy new flat pack houses.
Traditional Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) is the most secure, like I say use Cat5e, and that is secure and easier to setup, doesn't require a signal( ofcourse it requires a signal, normally encapsulated using NRTZ, for those Boffins amonst us who will pick me up on it) or any type of keys, it just works.
Wireless on the otherhand is very handy for people who hate cables, and is generally far slower, 58Mbps if your lucky.
Some claim 108Mbps, but TBH, I've never seen this, and I think it's just the theoretical speed you could get if you where in an interfereance free environment.
I used to be paid to install this kit, and 9 times out of ten I would end up selling the customers a wired solution. It just works far better, is easyer to troublshoot, and is more secure.
If you do want to go the Wireless way though, and are concerned about signal strength, you can by plate directional antenners, that work quite well, and allow you that bit extra mobility.
My 2 pence worth.
Cheers
Matt
I have seen some clever equipment that can read data off a cat5 cable without breaking into it....
There is always Fibre!!! ;)
1000BaseFX, using Multimode fibre..... read that without breaking the cable smart arse... ;D :y
Cheers
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There is always Fibre!!! ;)
1000BaseFX, using Multimode fibre..... read that without breaking the cable smart arse... ;D :y
Cheers
Thats why high security places use fibre rather than cat 5e/cat6, though apparently it is still possible to read that if near enough the fibre card from the noise generated by card itself.
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Remember, I'm a poor old pensioner ;D
Theres no such thing :P
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Whilst you're on the subject I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 with wireless capability - what do I need to plug into my PC to access the net from my laptop? A dongle? If so which one?
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Whilst you're on the subject I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 with wireless capability - what do I need to plug into my PC to access the net from my laptop? A dongle? If so which one?
If it has 'wireless capability' then all you need on the laptop side is the correct drivers.
This will allow the laptop to communicate with a Wireless Access Point - and these are usually incorporated into ADSL Routers these days. So if your ADSL Router does not have wireless, you will need to replace it with one that does. They cost around £50-eesh.
However keep in mind that most wireless ADSL routers require that the initial configuration is done through a wired connection, so you will need a network patch lead and then to wire-up the ADSL router to the laptop and configure it. Once configured, you can disconnect the patch lead and use the wireless setup, but keep that patch lead handy, you will need it again when things go pear-shaped...