Got a wireless networking question...

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Got a wireless networking question...
5
Mon, 08-16-2004 - 10:39pm

I have cable internet hooked up to my pc.  I have the modem and a wireless router.  I want to be able to access the Internet (with my laptop) using my cable modem and router.  I know I need a PCMCIA card in my laptop, but is there anything else I need?  I went to Office Max tonight and was told by a young salesperson that I also need a PCI card installed in my desktop pc.  Is that right?  I guess I was under the impression that the laptop card and the router were all I needed.  Please let me know.  If it's too much trouble I just won't do it.  I don't like the idea of having to install anything in my pc, other than software!  I don't have much faith in my abilities in that area.  LOL  And since it's strictly for pleasure and in no way a necessity, I don't want to spend a lot more money.


As usual, thanks for you help and advice.


Barb

 


 

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 08-17-2004 - 9:17am

Typically, the set up is like this:


Internet modem is connected directly to the router.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
Tue, 08-17-2004 - 12:55pm

I'm not sure if the CAT5 that Donna's talking about is the same as Ethernet or not?


From what I've seen, most cable modems will have an Ethernet port on them, so as long as you've got an Ethernet port on your computer to plug it into, you're set; it looks like a phone jack, only wider (if you've already hooked up your routher to your modem and computer, then you're already set)


You don't need a PCI card.

Karen
Mom to Kristen (17) Chloe (7) & Connor (6)

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Tue, 08-17-2004 - 7:45pm

Thanks Donna.

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-18-2004 - 10:58am

A surprising number of broadband modems ONLY have a USB connection - and not an ethernet port.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
Wed, 08-18-2004 - 4:54pm
Ah, I see.

Karen
Mom to Kristen (17) Chloe (7) & Connor (6)