Any quick ideas -- thanks!

Relatively simple question (for those in the know) from a relatively simple questioner (because he's not in the know.)

Three computers in our Victorian three storey mid-terrace property. Two are desktop PCs old enough not to be wireless enabled. One is a notebook, young enough to be wireless enabled.

Two desktops are on top floor. One in daughter's bedroom, the other in study. Notebook is in mid dle storey lounge or kitchen or wherever.

Current connection: a solitary ADSL modem which gets lugged around when someone wants to use the Internet.

We have what BT describe as long line length from exchange so have a 512 line strength. BT also told us last year they were thinking of making available a router (probably) which until then had only gone to busines customers with similar long length lines.

We are now understandably fed up of our modem situation and wish to do what presumably this forum is all about, install a home wireless network. We know enough to know that this won't tune into Radio 2 every day as it is not that kind of wireless.

What we don't understand is what we need to buy so that all three computers can connect wirelessly to the Internet (not at the samer time, the maximum would be two, one of the desktop PCs and the notebook.)

I imagine this is the simplest of things to sort out but we are lost amidst routers dongles ethernets widgets and internets. Rather than anyone wasting their time with a long reply we wondered if there's a "simple" website we could click on which might shed light on this?

Thanks!

Can't help with a web-site.

Buy a wireless ADSL router, e.g. http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=4YY4

and two dongles, e.g. http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=52XT

If you can connect with an Ethernet cable otherwise use the wireless.

John:

Many thanks for your post: greatly appreciated. Sorry for delayed response butminor family emergency meant I've had to shoot off out for a couple of days.

Thanks again, I'll follow your links immediately!

Might be worthwhile checking with BT regarding their lastest packages. If you take out a new contract you may be able to increase your line speed and get a free wireless ADSL modem/router as well. The 2Wire kit supplied to BT Business users are very good indeed and are now being supplied to domestic users with certain packages.

Hi Mick:

Just a quickie -- the router you refer to, is it the 2Wire 1701HG Wireless Router ????

Thanks!

Hi, buy a sealed brand new BT Business Hub 2Wire BT2700HGV router version 2 on eBay, you will find they go for a considerably lower price than what BT charge.
This is considered a very good router for poor long lines and is probably the router BT was referring to. The only disadvantage with this router the wireless range is only average (it has no external antennas) so may give a low signal strength on the top floor.

http://www.btbroadbandoffice.com/broadband/router-information/2700hgv-product-details

For the two desktop PCs use the Edimax Wireless PCI or USB Adapters.

Preferably PCI Adapter (here) It comes with a 'remote' antenna on a cable so it can be positioned on the desk or somewhere with better reception than the back of your base unit.

USB Adapter (here)

If you do find the wireless signal strength inadequate on the upper floors, to extend the reach of your LAN (Local Area Network) install Delovo HomePlugs or Hawking Technology Wireless-G Range Extender.

Hi, the BT Business Hub BT2700HGV Dual SSID version2 (BT Fusion) router I use, has the old style case with hardware Version 2701-100589-005. Have not seen any with the new style case only pictures of it.

Model: BT2700HGV
Serial Number: 16071XXXXXXX
Hardware Version: 2701-100589-005
Software Version: 5.29.117.6
Key Code: 52AN-2374-WHE2-22AZ-B27S

http://www.2wire.com/index.php?p=408

http://www.2wire.com/index.php?p=266

Edit. Sorry I misread the model number on your post, the 2Wire 1701HG Wireless Router is an earlier model.

Edited by deleted (Thu 14-Aug-08 11:57:43)

I would suggest that you consider buying a HomePlug-based wireless access point like the Solwise PL-85PEW and a HomePlug-Ethernet bridge as well as a decent-grade wireless router. The HomePlug setup will work over the wires of your Victorian hous and the access point, once set up properly, will extend wireless coverage past those thick walls and back-to-back fireplaces.

Each access point must be set with the same SSID and security parameters (WPA-PSK key) as the wireless router but the channels must be diffrent. Further information about a multi-access-point network will be in a feature article that I had posted in my networking blog ( http://homenetworking01.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!D6F5A17F1E518E37!389.entry ).

With regards,

Simon Mackay

http://homenetworking01.spaces.live.com/

Sincere thanks to e7er and Simon for the fantastic posts: having asked for some 'quick ideas' I'm really very grateful for posts that were anything but quick to put together (and embarrassed at my own inability to make a 'quick reply' due to unforeseen absence.)

Back home again now and I'll work through all the ideas, specs, and info so generously provided: it's a tremendous help so, again, many thanks indeed!

(Mick: sorry, I should've said before, we've only recently quit BT as our ISP in protest over the Phorm affair, so we won't be going back there.)

All best to all.