How to Set Up a Home Network

bang guy

Moderator
Any experts in here?
Do I just need a wireless router and Network Cards? Any Routers that are better than others? What should I watch out for?
 

clown boy

Active Member
You're reading a post written by a guy who sets up networks for a living.

Originally Posted by Bang Guy
Do I just need a wireless router and Network Cards?
That depends. Do you want a wireless network?
 

bang guy

Moderator
I'm thinking wireless would be the easiest for me. It would fist only contain my main desktop, my laptop, and then an older PC used only for schoolwork. My internet connection is through a cable modem if that makes a difference.
 

ruaround

Active Member
if you go wireless don forget to encrypt it...
i ran over 2500 feet of CAT 5 through my house when it was being built about 4 years ago... had an ethernet port in every room and some have 2 ports... now i am completely wireless (except for my PS2)...
that was $$$ well spent... NOT...
 

emmitt2

Member
Originally Posted by Clown Boy
Well, here are the products that I would recommend:
Wireless Router
A Wireless Card for your Laptop (You may not need this if your laptop has it built in)
A Wireless Card for your Desktops
Let me know if you have any other questions.

I just got that exact router 2 weeks ago and it has had a few problems. Since going wireless, i lose connection about 1 time a day, not to big a deal. BUT, we were told it had a 500 foot range, our computer is only about 30 feet away(just a bathroom between rooms). If the door where the router is is closed, the computer is SO SLOW!!! Open the door and magically, the computer runs at light speed again
Bellsouth thought i was crazy until they came and checked it for themselves. Considering taking it back and just getting the other room wired for DSL.
Noone else ive talked to has had this problem and Bellsouth cant figure it out but you may wanna save that receipt just in case.
 

clown boy

Active Member
Originally Posted by emmitt2
I just got that exact router 2 weeks ago and it has had a few problems. Since going wireless, i lose connection about 1 time a day, not to big a deal. BUT, we were told it had a 500 foot range, our computer is only about 30 feet away(just a bathroom between rooms). If the door where the router is is closed, the computer is SO SLOW!!! Open the door and magically, the computer runs at light speed again
Bellsouth thought i was crazy until they came and checked it for themselves. Considering taking it back and just getting the other room wired for DSL.
Noone else ive talked to has had this problem and Bellsouth cant figure it out but you may wanna save that receipt just in case.
Wow, we have used this router for years, and we have never experienced anything like that before.
 

emmitt2

Member
None can figure it out and we even returned the original for a new one but same problem. Literally, the lady on the phone for Bellsouth was LAUGHING at me for suggesting this was happening. The guy who came to the house wasnt laughing, he had the most perplexed look ive ever seen for the 2 hours he was at my house
 

rs1831

Active Member
I have that exact router at my house and the business that I run. I've never had a problem with either.
 

reckler

Member
I have heard that if you have metal studs or insulation with foil over it, it could affect the signal from and wireless transmitter. you must have something in the room blocking the reception from leaving the room. try moving the router outside of the room and take your laptop in the room to see if it is doing the same thing. if so you have something in the walls of the room that blocks the signal.
 

clown boy

Active Member
Originally Posted by Bang Guy
Works great!
Thanks Clown Boy.
Congratulations! :cheer:
Glad I was able to help.

Be sure to let me know of you have any future problems.
 

shogun323

Active Member
Originally Posted by emmitt2
None can figure it out and we even returned the original for a new one but same problem. Literally, the lady on the phone for Bellsouth was LAUGHING at me for suggesting this was happening. The guy who came to the house wasnt laughing, he had the most perplexed look ive ever seen for the 2 hours he was at my house

The 500 foot range is only with a clear line of site. Anything between you and your router/antenna will cause signal degradation such as doors and walls. There are other factors too that can effect your signal such as microwaves and cordless phones. What a pain in the butt!!!
 
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