Going Wireless?

[Keebler Elf]

I want to set up a wireless network so both my PC and my laptop can access the internet. Currently I'm on a DSL line. Both computers are wireless capable.

My understanding is that I need a wireless router that the DSL will plug into and then broadcast to the two computers.

1) Does Sympatico and/or Rogers offer wireless modems?

2) Does the signal strength (upload/download speeds) decrease during the transfer from DSL to wireless via the router?

 

[Brookstone]

I believe Sympatico has the wireless router/modem for their customers, although not sure how well the wireless works.
Friend basically gets very low or no signal in the basement, unless you're right by the staircase. And it is really not that far from where the modem/router is.
DLink is a pretty popular brand I believe. I'm on my 2nd one and works well, easy to setup.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Keebler Elf

Just ask your DSL provider for recommendations.

 

[wileyc]

Bell has a combo Wireless Router/DSL modem (802.11 B/G). I don't believe Rogers does. You should probably pick up a separate router from DLink or Linksys (802.11 b/g and draft N). Newer laptops will come with the draft N wireless built in. When the standard is finalized, there will be a free Firmware update made available to update devices which use the draft N specifications.

802.11b (11mbs)
802.11G (54mbs)
802.11N (300mbs) and offers longer range
(Note: these numbers are Raw and not the necessarily usable speed).

Building Layout and other factors will reduce range and speed. I Just picked up the D-Link DIR-825 which also offers a printer port and is Dual band with 4 1Gb ports.

Don't forget to secure it with a strong password and use the WPA2 encryption. Set it to not broadcast the SSID as well.

Enjoy

Giggity...

 

[enyaw]

I recommend dlink, or linksys avail at canada computers for a decent price
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProdList&cmd=pl&id=NT

And make sure you encrypt your network and give it a name wpa2 encryption is strongest, you don't have to broadcast your ssid if you do not want to.

Good luck,

 

[enyaw]

sorry I didn't read the above post, basically the same info

 

[Never Compromised]

I would not bother contacting Bell for their wireless package. I have a Netgear that I got at Tiger Direct for $30 or so, it was a refurb G and it works very well for me.

Because my laser is ethernet equipped, it is plugged into the router and I can print from anywhere I have the laptop. Mind you, I still have to walk to the printer to actually pick up the paper...

 

[Keebler Elf]

I bought a Linksys Wireless G router today. I considered the N but my laptop is 3-5 years old so it won't support it and since it's my first foray into wireless I don't want to invest in a new laptop card until I know what I'm getting into.

The clerk said you'll definitely notice a reduction in download speed as a hard line connection is always better. N is better than G but it will still be slower.

I'm going to keep the hard line to the PC and use the wireless for the laptop.

 

[Nickelodeon]

Here's the main reason to get your wireless modem from Bell: When you have a problem, Bell will not/cannot diagnose the problem if someone else's equipment is between their network and your computer. If they're responsible end-to-end, they are accountable.

So now if I have a Sympatico problem of any kind, it's automatically Bell's problem and I hold them accountable until it's fixed.

The $2-$3 /month for the wireless moden rental is a small price to pay for peace of mind and holding Bell accountable.

 

[Keebler Elf]

I know how "accountable" Bell is. I'd rather do it myself.

 

[Gentle Ben]

....... get your wireless modem from Bell: When you have a problem, Bell will not/cannot diagnose the problem if someone else's equipment is between their network and your computer. .........

The $2-$3 /month for the wireless moden rental is a small price to pay for peace of mind and holding Bell accountable.

Since when has anyone held Bell accountable?

I refused a (Free)wireless modem upgrade from Bell because at the time I was having major problems with their service, besides, I already had a wireless modem, when I have problems with service, I simply unplug the router and make the call.

 

[Nickelodeon]

I know how "accountable" Bell is. I'd rather do it myself.

That would be my first choice if I had the DIY skills, but I don't.

I also want to ensure that my post is not interpreted as supporting Bell. I just find my approach to be the least headaches for the money spent on what is increasingly an essential high speed service.

 

[mainoffender]

Here's the main reason to get your wireless modem from Bell: When you have a problem, Bell will not/cannot diagnose the problem if someone else's equipment is between their network and your computer. If they're responsible end-to-end, they are accountable.

So now if I have a Sympatico problem of any kind, it's automatically Bell's problem and I hold them accountable until it's fixed.

The $2-$3 /month for the wireless moden rental is a small price to pay for peace of mind and holding Bell accountable.

Have been using the Bell modem/router for about 2 years now with no problems at all (2 laptops accessing it). And not being charged either (they'll throw it in to keep your business). Anything goes wrong and they'll just swap it out for a new one.

 

[Keebler Elf]

Thanks folks! I got it all set up and properly functioning.

 

[blackrock13]

I believe Sympatico has the wireless router/modem for their customers, although not sure how well the wireless works.
Friend basically gets very low or no signal in the basement, unless you're right by the staircase. And it is really not that far from where the modem/router is.
DLink is a pretty popular brand I believe. I'm on my 2nd one and works well, easy to setup.

Sympatico does offer a wireless combo through their in-house brand, presently charging $19.00 for it, down from $79.00 six months ago.

Set up was a snap, but there is a noticeable drop in speed if you use it from other parts of the house away from the modem. It's surprising how much you miss the speed when you don't get it. I haven't quantified the drop yet, but a good guess may be 40%, so you'll have to to wait .3 seconds longer; Ooch!

 

[blackrock13]

I would not bother contacting Bell for their wireless package. I have a Netgear that I got at Tiger Direct for $30 or so, it was a refurb G and it works very well for me.

Because my laser is ethernet equipped, it is plugged into the router and I can print from anywhere I have the laptop. Mind you, I still have to walk to the printer to actually pick up the paper...

Ain't technology grand.

I use to have D-link for years, but its wireless caused me nothing but grief and Bell use to say they couldn't help help me with it, but usually did after I'd embarrassed them about saying something that stupid. With the new 'bell' unit all is smooth and it's their problem when stuff happens. One thing about living in TO is you can drive stuff to the depots when you need to instead mailing it and talk to a human at the same time.

 

[sailorsix]

I have had trendnet and D-link wireless modems. I have had teh Bell modem for free for the last 8 months. It works great.

Speedwise I would sooner sit in my home office and plug into the LAN. Wireless is deadly slow vs. LAN.....think dialup vs high speed difference.

 

[tboy]

Don't know where you live Keeb but number one thing many forget about?

PASSWORD PROTECT YOUR ROUTER!!!!

I can't tell you how many people I know who just hijack their net access from someone else's account........

 

[guelph]

I believe Sympatico has the wireless router/modem for their customers, although not sure how well the wireless works.
Friend basically gets very low or no signal in the basement, unless you're right by the staircase. And it is really not that far from where the modem/router is.
DLink is a pretty popular brand I believe. I'm on my 2nd one and works well, easy to setup.

In my experience Sympatico Wireless modem is for incoming internet only, then it must be plugged into a wireless modem.

The do some adds that seem to indicate otherwise but I'm afraid to ask about the price.

 

[sailorsix]

In my experience Sympatico Wireless modem is for incoming internet only, then it must be plugged into a wireless modem. .

???????????

when I had my trendnet and D-link routers I had to plug them into the separate Bell Speedstream modem.

The Bell wireless router is a one piece router / modem....one less power cord to tangle up. I find that it is easier to set up, including password protect, than the D-link. The one box does in and out.