Want to go wireless (internet)

[HDGator]

I currently have my internet connection hard-wired with a cable modem. My family has added a second PC, and we would like to go wireless. B.H. wants to charge $150 to come out to install a home wireless network. Is this something I can do on my own by purchasing my own wireless router?

[FTBoomerIII]

This really is very simple. You can buy a nice Wireless "N" router for araound $100 and depending on the 2nd computer, you may also need a wireless adapter for the 2nd computer (go for a USB connector for more ease).

After you get set up, if you need some more advise, jump back in here.

BTW, the linksys and Belkins have both been good for me.

[Trekboy]

Indeed, don't let BrightHouse overcharge you for this. You can get a wireless "G" setup including router & wireless adaptor for less than $100. "N" is the latest / greatest and you'll pay more money for it, but G is all you really need in my opinion. The G setup will still be faster than your cable modem speed so it should be more than adequate. N will give you greater range, so if you have a big house or a lot of walls / equipment between where your router will be located and where the wireless PC will be, that may be the way to go.

[galbicka]

The N spec is still draft. I wouldn't buy N equipment until it is final or else make sure it is upgradeable when it becomes final. As stated G is fast enough for internet speeds but if you are going to transfer large files between machines you will want wired speeds. When you do set up a wireless router usually out of the box they are not secure. Make sure you set up security so you aren't the neighborhood open access point.

[pilotbob]

The N spec is still draft. I wouldn't buy N equipment until it is final or else make sure it is upgradeable when it becomes final. As stated G is fast enough for internet speeds but if you are going to transfer large files between machines you will want wired speeds. When you do set up a wireless router usually out of the box they are not secure. Make sure you set up security so you aren't the neighborhood open access point.

I've had no problem with my Draft N router (Belkin Vision N1) connecting to my Draft N devices (iMac, Macbook) and all G and B devices also.

I am sure that a firmware update will be available once the draft is ratified. There really will be no major changes anyway.

Actually, many people said that the "pre-N" stuff was faster. Not sure if that was true though.

BOb

[FTBoomerIII]

The N spec is still draft. I wouldn't buy N equipment until it is final or else make sure it is upgradeable when it becomes final. As stated G is fast enough for internet speeds but if you are going to transfer large files between machines you will want wired speeds. When you do set up a wireless router usually out of the box they are not secure. Make sure you set up security so you aren't the neighborhood open access point.

I too have had a Draft N Belkin for well over a year with nothing but great performance. If you have the money I would highly recommend "N" It's not all about speed, it's about transmission distance as well. I more than doubled my effective signal distance.

[Kendo]

I’ve always liked the Linksys G and have had good luck with them. As said previously, this is something you could undertake yourself or maybe ask a friend or relative to help (who may have done it already).

FYI – I believe Verizon FiOS provides a wireless router for FREE (ActionTec) when you subscribe for their Internet service.

[JamesD]

i take it you guys are in tampa...

fyi, orlando division doesn't charge $150 to set it up, it's $49.99 for the setup, includes a free usb wireless adapter, and the rental is either $9 if you are in a rr 7.0 combo or higher, or $15 if you have no combo or use RR lite.... unless they changed it again, but that is what it was last week

[Trekboy]

If you want to get REALLY fancy, check out www.dd-wrt.com. It's an alternative firmware for many routers (especially Linksys routers but includes many popular makes) that gives you a router with many more features than the stock firmware that comes with whatever you'll purchase yourself. Be warned though, it can "brick" your router if you're not careful / don't know what you're doing.

[rossinfl]

off topic but who has hooked up their comp to their hdtv?


im about to try it and just wondered how it worked for you all.

thanks

[galbicka]

off topic but who has hooked up their comp to their hdtv?

I have and use Boxee to watch all of the internet content I am interested in. Between that and OTA my wife and I are very satisfied but our TV interests were never that involved to begin with. Live sports events not on the major networks can be a problem though.

Advantages - scheduling, less wasted time with ads, cost
Disadvantages - not all content is available, HD picture quality not as good

The Boxee software is still a little buggy and I am wondering if it will ever get out of beta but for the most part I am happy with the 10 foot interface it provides, the remote control support (I use a Logitech 520 in WMP mode) and the content they have available (Netflix is important for us).