Other Internet Connections

[cuddlepop]

Was wondering if anyone could tell me how to get another internet connection for a lap top in one bedroom and an ordinary computer in another.Our main computer is down stairs.
Thank you.:D

[j4bberw0ck]

Cuddlepop, you should be able to share the connection without too much trouble. Wireless is easiest - no cables, as the name suggests. I've got 3 pcs sharing a broadband connexion and it's a doddle.

Are you broadband?
Are both pcs running Win XP? (if not, what?)
Has the laptop got built in wireless networking (wifi)?
What does you internet-connected pc connect with? Is it a USB modem or a USB / Ethernet router (if you're broadband), or a dial-up modem (if dial-up?).

If it's a router, you'll be able to see easily if it's connected by Ethernet or USB by looking at the back of it. The clue is where the wire connecting to the pc goes in - one hole is marked "USB" and the other, "Ethernet" :lol: . If it's a USB modem, it'll only have one cable choice to the pc - a USB one.

Give a shout when you've taken a look.

[j4bberw0ck]

Did you get the connexion sorted out, cuddlepop?

[cuddlepop]

Just back and are setting up the spare computer.its an older version of XP.We have the newer version in the living room.There is a telephone connection upstairs in the spare room if thats any use.Daughter has a wireless lap top that she uses in the halls.
Thanks.:D

[j4bberw0ck]

Just back and are setting up the spare computer.its an older version of XP.We have the newer version in the living room.There is a telephone connection upstairs in the spare room if thats any use.Daughter has a wireless lap top that she uses in the halls.
Thanks.:D

Do you have broadband, and do you use a router, or a USB broadband modem?

[cuddlepop]

Hi there, Mr CP been dragged from my 40 winks, so please bear with me.

What we have at the momment is a BB connection via a router (basic BT gear). What we are trying to do is connect a second computer upstairs for use by bratfinks mainly but us on occaisions. Daughter also visits from time to time (home from college). Despite what you have been told it is not a wireless connection but uses a patch lead into the colleges own system. All machines are operating on xp. Help appreciated.

[blueivy]

Hi there, Mr CP been dragged from my 40 winks, so please bear with me.

What we have at the momment is a BB connection via a router (basic BT gear). What we are trying to do is connect a second computer upstairs for use by bratfinks mainly but us on occaisions. Daughter also visits from time to time (home from college). Despite what you have been told it is not a wireless connection but uses a patch lead into the colleges own system. All machines are operating on xp. Help appreciated.

Mr CP,

What is the make (BT you said) and model of the router?

[cuddlepop]

Its a BT voyager 210 ADSL.
thank you.:D

[cuddlepop]

Help.....Am all alone,all by meselve really stuck.Will someone talk to me please....:eek:

[Bobinovich]

From what I see CP you've got a couple of options.

1. You could link the downstairs PC to your modem via the USB connection and then run a long network cable to the upstairs PC (you might need to fit a network card if it's not got one). Then for the laptop you could split the network cable upstairs with a small 4-port switch and have cables going from it into both bedrooms. I have setup something similar for my brother-in-law and it works well for them.

However, if the laptop does have wireless capability (a lot have both wired and wireless) then it might be worth investing in a wireless router, you could also then run the upstairs PC from a wireless USB adapter. This bundle deal (http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/119374/rb/25910767893) or one like it would be perfect. If the laptop definately doesn't have wireless then you could invest in a 2nd wireless USB adapter (or PCMCIA) for it.

Hope that helps.

[cuddlepop]

Thank you for all your help.
Now let the work commence.....Mr Cp ;)

[j4bberw0ck]

Sorry, I see I arrived late :lol:

I agree with Bobinovich - wireless router connected by Ethernet cable to your main pc (saves buying another dongle). A wifi dongle for the upstairs pc and poss. one for the laptop. Install router software first, plug in router, then install dongles software, then plug in dongles.

I have to say that the BT routers and dongles have the simplest and best install software and instructions I've seen. It's a masterpiece of simplicity.

Then keep the old router as a spare or get a fiver for it in the Groat.

Good luck, Mr CP. I can almost hear the cracking of the whip from here.

[blueivy]

From what I see CP you've got a couple of options.

1. You could link the downstairs PC to your modem via the USB connection and then run a long network cable to the upstairs PC (you might need to fit a network card if it's not got one). Then for the laptop you could split the network cable upstairs with a small 4-port switch and have cables going from it into both bedrooms. I have setup something similar for my brother-in-law and it works well for them.

Mr CP,

Doing it this way requires quite a bit of technical knowledge (of IP routing, networks etc.) and is more difficult to troubleshoot if things go wrong. If you're not very technical, I'd skip it.

Wireless router is definitely the easiest way to go as if you do go with the above you'll need to have the PC with the modem attached to it switched on at all times you need access to the internet.

I'd also agree with j4bberwock - much as I hate to compliment BT, their stuff is pretty easy to setup and configure. But while it is simple it can also be very flexible if you want it to be.

[cuddlepop]

Mr CP was wondering if when you install a wireless router does the computer require an arial.
This house is a nightmare to put wires up through the ceiling because of the extra insulation so he's looking for the easiest option.
He managed to put the telephone socket upstairs but we had to end up plastering the walls and redecorating.
Second thought,maybe I'd get the living room redocorated.:lol:

[blueivy]

Mr CP was wondering if when you install a wireless router does the computer require an arial.
This house is a nightmare to put wires up through the ceiling because of the extra insulation so he's looking for the easiest option.
He managed to put the telephone socket upstairs but we had to end up plastering the walls and redecorating.
Second thought,maybe I'd get the living room redocorated.:lol:

Each computer that will be connecting wirelessly will need a wireless network card (which is a network card with an aerial rather than a port to plug a cable into). The computer nearest the router could just connect with a cable (if it has a normal network card - this will save you buying another wireless card). You will need at least one PC with a network card (and cable) to allow you to configure the router. Once configure, every PC connected to it can be wireless.

[cuddlepop]

This sounds so complicated but I'm sure its not.
Computers,well the technical bits dont interested me ,just love to use.:)

[j4bberw0ck]

For "wireless network card" read "USB dongle" - a little dooberry that plugs into a USB port. Get one for the pc upstairs and one for the laptop if it has no wireless, and job's sorted. Honest!

Get the BT kit - it couldn't be easier. Here, for instance (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BT-VOYAGER-1055-USB-WIRELESS-DONGLE-802-11G-802-11G_W0QQitemZ120082230570QQcmdZViewItem). That's the dongles.

Here's your router (http://shopping.kelkoo.co.uk/ctl/do/search?siteSearchQuery=BT+wifi+router&catId=110001&fromform=true&x=31&y=6). But before you buy talk to BT because their latest wifi router has an internet phone bundled with it so you can get "free" phone calls.