Re: How to start?

Hi. Easy question. I'll chime in;

Modem end:

You'll need a wireless router connected to your modem to distribute
the Internet by cable and wireless. As Jeff said, a good safe bet for
a router is the Buffalo WHR-HP-G54. Everyone knows it, as good or
better range than most and can add that firmware later. Has a
removable antenna if you need to put something stronger on it, but
comes with a better than average antenna anyway.

For now, replacement firmware is going to be too much for you. Just
use what the Buffalo comes with.

On the computer(s) end you need an adapter that has it's own radio,
and converts the wireless signal into one of the three:

1) ethernet (called ethernet client adapter) and connects by ethernet
cable to your pc. This cable can be run up to 400'
2) USB cable into your pc - 15' limit
3) PCI or Pcmcia, which go directly into the computer. - no cable to
the PC needed, but for that reason it's antenna might need one to get
in a good position. Antenna cables suck...signal strength.


So, agreed that PCI cards have that problem, I'd say skip those too.
However, I think that the USB client adapter is perhaps the best
choice in your case. You can get one or two cheap USB wireless
adapters one for the computers nearby and perhaps get one of the USBs
adapters that has a higher gain antenna for the computers that are
farther away. Put it on a USB extension and then place it where the
signal is best.

3 walls. There is another system called powerline networking. If you
can't pick up your wireless signal after going through so many walls,
then you drop another $100 plus on a pair of these guys and plug one
into your router and the wall socket and the other plugs into you
distant computer and the wall socket.

To start with, get one router and one simple USB adapter for your
closest pc. You could buy the matching Buffalo USB adapter, but you
could also go to Fry's or wherever and buy a $20 cheapo and it should
work. Learn how to set up your router, then use that one for testing
your reception (once the router is in place) to help decide what your
other two pcs need.

Cheers,
Steve


.

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