Home networking between desktop and 1 laptop
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 48
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From: Between the land and the sky
Home networking between desktop and 1 laptop
Hi,
I have BT Broadband using a BT Voyager 105 ADSL USB Modem. I want to set up a network at home where I can share this internet connection and also be able to use instant messenger services between the 2 computers on the network is this possible?
I am thinking of getting this wireless router:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...840806-9700726
Would that be compatible with my BT broadband internet connection?
I have a Dell desktop and Dell laptop and at present the desktop has the connection to the internet and the laptop doesn't.
How would I set up this wirless router is it is suitable do I just follow instructions and away I go or is it more complex? Also, will I still need my BT Voyager modem?
Cheers
I have BT Broadband using a BT Voyager 105 ADSL USB Modem. I want to set up a network at home where I can share this internet connection and also be able to use instant messenger services between the 2 computers on the network is this possible?
I am thinking of getting this wireless router:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...840806-9700726
Would that be compatible with my BT broadband internet connection?
I have a Dell desktop and Dell laptop and at present the desktop has the connection to the internet and the laptop doesn't.
How would I set up this wirless router is it is suitable do I just follow instructions and away I go or is it more complex? Also, will I still need my BT Voyager modem?
Cheers
Nice-but-dim
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 640
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From: Rural Yorkshire
If you get something like this package, you won't need anything else (or your existing modem).
Connect the router to the PC with an ethernet cable (probably supplied) - configure it as per the instructions which are usually quite straight forward. Once that's done, plug the USB adaptor into your laptop, again follow the simple (hopefully!) instructions and you are away.
Later on, if you wish to site the router away from the PC, you could install a wireless PCI card into your main computer. Not necessary, but sometimes convenient.
Connect the router to the PC with an ethernet cable (probably supplied) - configure it as per the instructions which are usually quite straight forward. Once that's done, plug the USB adaptor into your laptop, again follow the simple (hopefully!) instructions and you are away.
Later on, if you wish to site the router away from the PC, you could install a wireless PCI card into your main computer. Not necessary, but sometimes convenient.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 48
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From: Between the land and the sky
Thanks for reply.
So if I got that package would connect it to desktop and configure following the insturctions and then do the same to laptop and then it is ready to go? Would I need to keep the BT modem for the configuration or not?
Do both computers need network cards? I want the network to be wireless - I thought the router transmits and then network card in laptop receives the signal?
Would the desktop have to be connected to the internet for the laptop to be able to connect? Also, would instant messenging programs such as MSN work between the network?
Cheers
So if I got that package would connect it to desktop and configure following the insturctions and then do the same to laptop and then it is ready to go? Would I need to keep the BT modem for the configuration or not?
Do both computers need network cards? I want the network to be wireless - I thought the router transmits and then network card in laptop receives the signal?
Would the desktop have to be connected to the internet for the laptop to be able to connect? Also, would instant messenging programs such as MSN work between the network?
Cheers
Nice-but-dim
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Rural Yorkshire
So if I got that package would connect it to desktop and configure following the insturctions and then do the same to laptop and then it is ready to go?
Yes, but you don't need to physically connect the router to the laptop at any time.
Would I need to keep the BT modem for the configuration or not?
No
Do both computers need network cards?
No - in your case the router would be wired to the network socket in your PC - the USB adaptor does the same job as a network card in your laptop.
I want the network to be wireless - I thought the router transmits and then network card in laptop receives the signal?
It will be, and it does.
Would the desktop have to be connected to the internet for the laptop to be able to connect?
No. It wouldn't even have to be switched on.
Also, would instant messenging programs such as MSN work between the network?
Yes, using two different accounts.
Yes, but you don't need to physically connect the router to the laptop at any time.
Would I need to keep the BT modem for the configuration or not?
No
Do both computers need network cards?
No - in your case the router would be wired to the network socket in your PC - the USB adaptor does the same job as a network card in your laptop.
I want the network to be wireless - I thought the router transmits and then network card in laptop receives the signal?
It will be, and it does.
Would the desktop have to be connected to the internet for the laptop to be able to connect?
No. It wouldn't even have to be switched on.
Also, would instant messenging programs such as MSN work between the network?
Yes, using two different accounts.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 48
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From: Between the land and the sky
No - in your case the router would be wired to the network socket in your PC - the USB adaptor does the same job as a network card in your laptop.
Please can you explain this sorry! Do you mean the router can be wired by USB as well as wireless?
Thanks for help.
Please can you explain this sorry! Do you mean the router can be wired by USB as well as wireless?
Thanks for help.
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 140
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From: Ask Crewing
What timcat meant was that the desktop would be wired to the router - this is done by connection one of the 4 LAN (Local Area Network) ports on the router to your NIC (Network Interface Card) on the desktop. (This is of, of course, assuming that you have a NIC?)
The method described by timcat is the most logical. It is possible to connect the desktop using a wireless connection, however is uneccesary given that the router will be next to the desktop anyway.
The method described by timcat is the most logical. It is possible to connect the desktop using a wireless connection, however is uneccesary given that the router will be next to the desktop anyway.
Joined: Dec 1998
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From: .
EGKK931, I have just installed the same netgear wireless router on my home system. I also use BT.
The router connects to the main pc with a network cable (not usb).
Can we assume that the laptop already has wireless! If not then you would need the usb wireless adapter for that, other wise it's not needed.
If so, once you connnect the router to your pc, then fire up the laptop and it should find the wireless signal.
It literally took 5 mins to get them up and running (maybe less)
You would then need to configure the wireless security of the router so that only you and your laptop use you internet connection and not the whole street where you live.
The router connects to the main pc with a network cable (not usb).
Can we assume that the laptop already has wireless! If not then you would need the usb wireless adapter for that, other wise it's not needed.
If so, once you connnect the router to your pc, then fire up the laptop and it should find the wireless signal.
It literally took 5 mins to get them up and running (maybe less)
You would then need to configure the wireless security of the router so that only you and your laptop use you internet connection and not the whole street where you live.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 48
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From: Between the land and the sky
spannersatcx,
Do you plug the router into the modem wall socket on the BT internet? Fail to understand where the internet connection comes from if you get rid of the BT modem etc.
Thanks for telling me sounds easy and simple so will go for it and see how I get on. If any of you can answer and explain my question above would be most grateful.
Is the signal always 'live' so either computer can be on? and one is off?
Cheers
Do you plug the router into the modem wall socket on the BT internet? Fail to understand where the internet connection comes from if you get rid of the BT modem etc.
Thanks for telling me sounds easy and simple so will go for it and see how I get on. If any of you can answer and explain my question above would be most grateful.
Is the signal always 'live' so either computer can be on? and one is off?
Cheers
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Ask Crewing
The router has a built in modem - hence no need for the BT modem.
You plug the router into the ADSL micro filter (on the wall) in the same way that the BT modem is attached at the moment.
Don't worry, the cable from the filter to router will only fit in one port, and the instructions that will come with the router will give you a pictorial guide.
You plug the router into the ADSL micro filter (on the wall) in the same way that the BT modem is attached at the moment.
Don't worry, the cable from the filter to router will only fit in one port, and the instructions that will come with the router will give you a pictorial guide.
Joined: Dec 1998
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 52
From: .
EGKK931, there is a picture here that shows the connections. The router comes with a cable to connect to the pc network card, it also comes with a cable and microfilter to plug into the phone line.
As previously stated, you can box the BT router as the netgear has an adsl modem in it. It literally is take it out of the box plug in and go.
The only problem I had was setting the security, but that is quite straight forward once you know how. Let us know if you need help with that later.
As previously stated, you can box the BT router as the netgear has an adsl modem in it. It literally is take it out of the box plug in and go.
The only problem I had was setting the security, but that is quite straight forward once you know how. Let us know if you need help with that later.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 211
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From: EUROPE
EGKK931 , funnily enough I entered the world of wireless this week.
I have a Toshiba L20 (with wireless built in). I have to admit that I tried in vain to set up the damn thing myself , together with my desktop pc which has no ethernet port fitted. Watch how you place your ADSL filters on the BT phone line I had one in the wrong place and it costs me hours of head scratching and choice language. I could access wireless on the pc's but not access the internet..... watch out if you run an extension cable on one main phone socket for another pc/phone in the house.
In the end We used a USB Wireless unit into my dektop pc , after configuration of the router downstairs on the laptop.
Both machines now work totally wireless .... not being au fait with networking I ended up getting a PC Networking specialist in to do it for me , he charged me a minimum 1 hours labour for 30 -45 mins work. Worth it if you are liable to screw things up !!
Keep your old BT Modem + Leads and CD Installation Package to use in the future if things go pearshaped.....but dont try to run a router + Voyager ADSL modem installed at the same time ...that was one of my problems ...doh !!!
Good luck , it's brilliant when it works ... you'll be on the net all the time
I have a Toshiba L20 (with wireless built in). I have to admit that I tried in vain to set up the damn thing myself , together with my desktop pc which has no ethernet port fitted. Watch how you place your ADSL filters on the BT phone line I had one in the wrong place and it costs me hours of head scratching and choice language. I could access wireless on the pc's but not access the internet..... watch out if you run an extension cable on one main phone socket for another pc/phone in the house.
In the end We used a USB Wireless unit into my dektop pc , after configuration of the router downstairs on the laptop.
Both machines now work totally wireless .... not being au fait with networking I ended up getting a PC Networking specialist in to do it for me , he charged me a minimum 1 hours labour for 30 -45 mins work. Worth it if you are liable to screw things up !!
Keep your old BT Modem + Leads and CD Installation Package to use in the future if things go pearshaped.....but dont try to run a router + Voyager ADSL modem installed at the same time ...that was one of my problems ...doh !!!
Good luck , it's brilliant when it works ... you'll be on the net all the time
Psychophysiological entity
Joined: Jun 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
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From: Walton on the Naze Essex.
I have a fairly brisk PC, but an old Sony 233 mhz laptop, which works quite well as a WP. Will this be woomphy ( a technical term ) enough to live with my SBC wireless device....and did I understand that I can connect it with a cable into the L-T's USB port until I get a wireless device to replace the modem?
Of course, I've held back on this cos i might upgrade the L-T
Of course, I've held back on this cos i might upgrade the L-T
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 227
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From: underground
I am also having trouble !!..................any ideas gratefully received.
DELL pc,win98se.....without NIC card, currently using the old bt 'green frog'.
Purchased NETGEAR router,hub,modem etc, along with NIC ethernet card.
Installed card+drivers, checked system devices.........all ok.
Set up router & simply connected ethernet cable to pc.
Open browser to log on to router, and up comes the old "this program has performed an illegal operation and will shut down". Tried 3 different browsers,all shut down,so unable to access 'set-up wizard'.
Using the same router I have quickly & easily set up the wireless connection to my ASUS notebook (xp pro), so I know the router equip't. is OK.
Any clues anyone?
moley.
DELL pc,win98se.....without NIC card, currently using the old bt 'green frog'.
Purchased NETGEAR router,hub,modem etc, along with NIC ethernet card.
Installed card+drivers, checked system devices.........all ok.
Set up router & simply connected ethernet cable to pc.
Open browser to log on to router, and up comes the old "this program has performed an illegal operation and will shut down". Tried 3 different browsers,all shut down,so unable to access 'set-up wizard'.
Using the same router I have quickly & easily set up the wireless connection to my ASUS notebook (xp pro), so I know the router equip't. is OK.
Any clues anyone?
moley.
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 227
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From: underground
Originally Posted by spannersatcx
At a guess, as wi-fi etc was not around in the days of win98se this may be the route cause of the problem.
So I'm still stumped
moley.
Joined: Dec 1998
Posts: 3,038
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From: .
moleslayer, have a browse of this netgear forum, don't know if the answer is there, if not may be worth asking the question there, hope it helps.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Twickenham, home of rugby
moleslayer,
How old is the Dell PC? Specifically what version of PCI slots does it have, and what version of PCI slot does the network card require?
Control Panel, Networks, Properties should enable you to check that the settings are correct - i.e. TCP/IP installed and Client for Microsoft Networks installed, at a minimum. If IPX or NetBeui are installed, then remove them.
Assuming that the NIC is hardware compatible, you should be able to check your network card settings via RUN WINIPCFG (IIRC, it's been a while since I used Win 9x).
Next, use Run, Command and ping localhost, then ping 127.0.0.1, then ping the IP address of your router, then ping www.bbc.co.uk. If that all works then your problem is with the browser. If it doesn't, then you have a network problem.
Have you used a modem with dial-up access to t'interweb on that PC in the past? Is it possible that IE has retained settings from that configuration, such that it's trying to dial out?
You should be able to access IE Properties without launching it by right-clicking the IE icon on the desktop (it's not an ordinary shortcut).
SD
How old is the Dell PC? Specifically what version of PCI slots does it have, and what version of PCI slot does the network card require?
Control Panel, Networks, Properties should enable you to check that the settings are correct - i.e. TCP/IP installed and Client for Microsoft Networks installed, at a minimum. If IPX or NetBeui are installed, then remove them.
Assuming that the NIC is hardware compatible, you should be able to check your network card settings via RUN WINIPCFG (IIRC, it's been a while since I used Win 9x).
Next, use Run, Command and ping localhost, then ping 127.0.0.1, then ping the IP address of your router, then ping www.bbc.co.uk. If that all works then your problem is with the browser. If it doesn't, then you have a network problem.
Have you used a modem with dial-up access to t'interweb on that PC in the past? Is it possible that IE has retained settings from that configuration, such that it's trying to dial out?
You should be able to access IE Properties without launching it by right-clicking the IE icon on the desktop (it's not an ordinary shortcut).
SD
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 227
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From: underground
Thanks for all that SAAB.................I've just had a chance to run some checks on the system, and I think the problem is 'old age' !!
The computer is an old year 2000 vintage 733MHz Dell, analysis reveals the bios supports PCI 2.1, whereas the NIC card requires 2.2. Slots are 2.1 also.
The old girl has been upgraded a lot over the last 6 yrs, so I'll probably get a new mobo and shovel all the good bits into the case.
Appreciate the help
moley.
The computer is an old year 2000 vintage 733MHz Dell, analysis reveals the bios supports PCI 2.1, whereas the NIC card requires 2.2. Slots are 2.1 also.
The old girl has been upgraded a lot over the last 6 yrs, so I'll probably get a new mobo and shovel all the good bits into the case.
Appreciate the help
moley.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Twickenham, home of rugby
moleslayer,
The PCI compatability issue is one I've fallen foul of myself, and I highlighted it in a post about 6 months ago.
It isn't at all obvious - for the vast majority, PCI is PCI and it's only in the very fine print that the differences are noted.
I've put a link into the FAQ sticky - "Thinking of adding a PCI card to your old(ish) PC?"
SD
The PCI compatability issue is one I've fallen foul of myself, and I highlighted it in a post about 6 months ago.
It isn't at all obvious - for the vast majority, PCI is PCI and it's only in the very fine print that the differences are noted.
I've put a link into the FAQ sticky - "Thinking of adding a PCI card to your old(ish) PC?"
SD
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Finland - East of Sweden
Simple. Dump the USB-connected ADSL set, the 1.1 USB speed of your computer would not have been fast enough anyway (about 200k max). Get any ADSL modem with a DHCP client/host and several ethernet connectors. (There's one setting [VPI/VCI] that may need to be modified, but they should be able to tell you) Win98SE is no problem, it's just recent enough, the 1st ed. Win98 is not. You also need one network adapter card each, but they are cheap, for the portable ask for a used PCMCIA one.
Last edited by DBTL; 27th April 2006 at 11:02.