Network query!

[_pb_boi]

Hey everyone,

My uncle wants to get an 11mbps network in his house. He only wants the network so he can use his e-mail wirelessly, for his business; he doesn't need to fileshare with the desktop or anything, so it doesn't need to be networked.

He's using a Windows laptop, which he currently connects via USB to an Alcatel Speedtouch 330 (http://speedtouch.com/prod330.htm) broadband modem. This modem also serves the desktop computer, though, so basically, the cable needs to be switched between computers, at this point in time.

Is it possible to connect a plain 11mbps wireless router to the broadband modem, and then use a PCMCIA 11mbps wireless card for his laptop? Both computers won't be on the internet at the same time, so there's no worry about conflicts, I think. Better yet - will the cable have to be swapped if he wants to do this? If it does - is there a solution that doesn't involve having to take out cables - basically, one that let's him use the desktop wired, then finish and use his laptop wirelessly?

Hope I said that clearly enough - I'm new to networks!

Thanks for any help :)

andy.

[monkeydo_jb]

Most Cable/DSL wireless routers also have at least a 4 port switch built in.

I recommend the Linksys wireless routers, as I've never had any problems with mine.

The set up will go:


Broadband modem -> Wireless Cable/DSL Router -> Desktop PC via straight through patch cable and the laptop via a PCMCIA wireless card.


802.11b should be plenty fast for what he's looking to do.



-jeff

[_pb_boi]

Thanks very much for your help :):)

So it's OK to share the modem between the two then; the wireless router will have a cable jack to connect to the desktop, as well as wirelessly to the PCMCIA card?

By straight through patch cable - do you mean just a regular Cat 5/E cable?

Thanks again for your help :)

andy.