Re: Cheapest home network solution?

From: Chuck (none_at_example.net)
Date: 02/05/05 

Date: 4 Feb 2005 18:28:04 -0600

On 4 Feb 2005 05:42:21 -0800, joesamang@address.com (Joe Samangitak) wrote:

>"RWS" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com.invalid> wrote in message news:<#d4GgLnCFHA.624@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl>...
>> I sent this post earlier:
>>
>> Ad-hoc is really unreliable and will probably
>> end up being an exercise in frustration.
>
>Thanks to the both of you for shedding a >little< more light on
>the situation. Why do you think the 'Ad-Hoc' setup, where I
>don't need a router (but would presumably need 2 wireless PCI
>adapter cards) is not a viable option for me? My other computer
>is only down the hall... we're talking maybe 50 feet.
>
>My DSL provider's modem however is, I'm sure, not a wireless router model.
>(It's the Speedstream USB 3060, looks like a stingray). The first clue
>is that it has no jacks but for a regular telephone cable. I could have my
>provider give me a model with an Ethernet jack, but I'm pretty sure they
>don't offer wireless modem-routers, and I can't just put any modem I feel
>like on their line; its unlikely to be compatible with their service.
>
>So do I have this correct: If I (can) go "Ad-Hoc", all the equipment I
>need is: 2 PCI wireless adapter cards, and if I can't go Ad-Hoc
>(because, say, I need a wireless router/modem to use the Ad-Hoc method),
>then I would need: 1 wireless router and 2 PCI wireless adapter cards,
>one for each computer?
>
>(I'm still a bit confused because I can't figure out why the main computer
>with the wireless router would need a wireless PCI adapater card, since
>there are already antenna on the wireless router that can communicate with
>the wireless PCI adapter card on the remote computer).

Joe,

I never suggest a combined modem / router, for the same reasons which you're
implying.

If you go with an ad-hoc solution, and you connect the USB modem to the first
computer, then all you need is two wireless cards, one for each computer.

If you get an Ethernet modem from your DSL supplier, and you get a NAT router,
then you need a wired or wireless card for computer #1, and a wireless card for
computer #2.

You will need either a wired, or a wireless card, for the main computer. If you
use a router to connect the two computers, you will have to connect the main
computer to the router, either by wired or wireless - that's your choice. My
choice would be wired, because setting up a wireless router is better done thru
Ethernet.

Solution #1 - Ethernet Infrastructure:
Hardware Required:
1) Ethernet modem from your DSL supplier.
2) NAT wireless router of your choice.
3) Ethernet card for main computer, to connect it to the router.
4) Wireless card for second computer, to connect it to the router.
Pros:
1) Simple to setup.
2) More standard solution, easier to support.
3) NAT router provides internet security.
4) Main and second computers can be used independently of each other.
Cons:
1) DSL supplier has to provide an Ethernet modem.
2) Expense of buying a wireless router.

Solution #2 - USB/ICS Ad-Hoc:
Hardware Required:
1) Wireless card for main computer.
2) Wireless card for second computer.
Pros:
1) Cheap.
2) Simple hardware installation.
3) Uses the currently supplied USB modem.
Cons:
1) Requires ICS on the main computer (one time setup, plus a small ongoing
resources drain).
2) Requires the main computer powered on, whenever you wish to access the
internet from either computer.

It's your LAN, and your choice. Personally, if I have broadband, I'll always
use Ethernet and a router to connect, and to share services. 

-- 
Cheers,
Chuck 
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.
My        email         is          AT         DOT
   actual       address    pchuck       sonic      net.

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