I am moving in with a new roomate, and we want to setup wireless-G internet. Here is my situation: We are getting cable modem, I have a PC running Windows XP, and he has a Macintosh running G3 I belive (to be honest with you, I'm not sure), and our ISP stated that the cable modem service includes 4 IP addresses. I wanted to set up wireless so we have an access point in the living room that will send a signal to my computer in my room and another to his computer in his room, but I'm not sure if this is possible with only 2 computers (i.e. do we need to have a computer connected to the access point?)
I've been to many MANY sites and to many stores, and I receive conflicting advice. I would really appreciate it if someone could give me step-by-step advice on how to set this up. If not, I have these questions:
What equipment do I need? Is a router the same thing as an access point? Do I need anything else besides a router/access point and a PC card?
Will one of the computers have to be turned on all the time to act as the server?
Can wireless be set up if one computer is a Mac on the other is a PC?
Since we are trying to connect two computers, do I need to buy a hub?
I would really appreciate any advice at all, or you can email me at peterarra@aol.com.

Thank you

pma

Consider the 2wire 100w home portal. I got one based on info from a longtime wireless guru on another forum. With a 100W from 2WIRE, yyou will only need a wireless card for each computer. These cards can be bought online or at most walmarts. I use the Blitzz brand card because it is cheap and easy to install. The computers will "talk" wirelessly to the portal. It also has the option of connecting to it via a phone cord and/or eithernet cord and/or USB cable!! It is very easy to setup. Search online for 2WIRE or check eBay. Be sure to get 100W. I love mine.

well i am using an access point from buffalo 54g airstation which i can conect a mac and pc to or any other computer.

u can buy all the cards pcmcia and pci cards from buffalo

the ap is easy to setup as setup is in http with help boxs telling u what they do.

there is no need for any computer to be connected by cables and u can also run ur lan between a mac and pc for file sharing etc...

my friend....

what i suggest you to buy is two wireless adapter card for linksys....one linksys wireless router....that will be all and of course your modem...

now how to config. whole of the situation:
connect your cable modem with your router internet port or WAN port of it...
and physically place your wireless adapter cards in both of your pc's & install the necessary drivers for it....
once that is done you will be able to communicate with the wireless router wirelessly....

answers to your questions:
i think i have already answered the first question....
well, the answer for the second question is that...access point is something different from router...
and access point is an transmitter & router is an receiver...to be very specific...
well two access point can communicate to each other wirelessly but this is not possible in the case of the router.....

answer to your third question is that there is no need to turn on one pc acting as a server....the only thing you need is to turn on the router to communicate with wireless card...

answer to your fourth question....
hub can be option but there is no need for a hub if you want to make a wireless connection between router and pc's &yeh if you want to make pc hard-wired you can simply connect it to the router ...that will work...

-SAM



[Edited on 13/4/2004 by sam_patrick]