Does anyone have experience using power-line networking?
We have a cable modem connection in my house, but I also have a laptop that I want to connect to the internet. I’m trying to find out if this is a good solution. The laptop is wireless ready, so I’ve been toying with that idea also. But since I don’t need any mobility, and the power-line networks seem cheaper, it might be a bettter solution.
Anyone have experience in this area?
Supernova—does the laptop have 802.11g built in? If so, you only need a router that is also wireless to take advantage of it. A good “G” one will run you about 50, If you are at all pinched for cash, Staples is having a Netgear “B” wireless router this week for10 bucks (yes, they are compatable). Only advice is to avoid 2.4Ghz wireless phones—they work on the same frequency, and can interfear with the wireless signal.
Good luck!
I honestly don’t know if my laptop has a “g” or “b” card. It’s only two years old, and a Dell Latitude. Is there somewhere I could look to check?
Also, my one concern about a wireless network would be hooking up the primary computer to it. It does not have a wireless card. Are there cheap routers out there that have ports so the main computer can still connect (and not lose any speed?).
Yep.
The Netgear wireless router I bought had 4 regular Ethernet ports in the back so the desktop could be connected using a wired connection.
It ran me about $55, after rebates, several months ago. It’s an 802.11g.
If it’s a two-year old laptop, it’s probably not wireless ready, or set up for b. You can still get the g router and a g card for about $100 for the set, half that for b. Incidentally, that’s about how much Powerline should run, for about the same speed.
If money’s the concern, get a b router and forget powerline. You’ll get acceptable speed and mobility for just a few bucks.
Go with a wireless connection. They are great and pretty reliable. The routers have ports for wired computers. I never thought wireless would work as well as mine has and I use it all the time with a laptop. Mine is 802.b which runs very well through 3-4 walls and outside if needed. That Netgear router for $10.00 is a very nice deal.
I know it’s wireless ready because I’ve used it on networks before. But is there any way I can check for certain that it’s a “b”?
Also, thanks for the wireless suggestions. My biggest concern in money, honestly. I can’t afford at the moment to spend more than about 50 bucks. If I can get a reliable router for that price or less, it seems like the best solution.
If you get a g router, it’ll work for g and b both. That’ll be good for future expandability also.
If there are any Office Max’es in your area, check out the clearence shelves for Microsoft networking stuff—They have decided to get out of the network hardware business, and let the markdowns begin…
Today I saw “b” and “G” routers for under 50, but nothing is beating Staples and the 10.00 Netgear “b” router. 