Going Wireless... (CD, DSL, modem, work)

[averagejoe76]

Im moving in with my friend who has ATT Internet.
I need Internet in my room so im guessing wireless would be easy way..
To go.I need any specific Wireless Router?
Im more familar with Cox-high speed.Anyone with ATT done this?

[christina0001]

When I went wireless, the dude at RadioShack told me to just buy the cheapest router they had, since my computer was equipped with...whatever. That's what I did, and it worked really well. The router came with an installation CD and it told me exactly what to do. I did it with Cox, so I can't tell you how AT&T might be different. The router just hooked up to the modem from Cox.

[visualevo]

It is possible to run it wired off the modem, just depends on the location and your willingness to drill some holes etc. (On a side note, this is the BEST thing you could do. Wireless is all well and good, but nothing beats a hard line )

You will need to purchase a wireless modem. Cheap and effective modem would be the Linksys Wireless G (WRT54GS) or Linksys Wireless G with RangeBooster (WRV200). Both are 54Mbps.

You can go up to 108Mbps with the Netgear Wireless G (WPN824NA) or D-Link Wireless G Router (WBR-2310).

Of course if you REALLY want to step it up to the big dogs you can go get you a Cisco, for that one I would suggest Used Cisco Routers Used Cisco Equipment Used Modems

After you have your Wireless router you will need to get a wireless adapter for your machine.

I’ve used just about all of them out there. PCI card to USB adapters. I’ve not really found one that is better than any of the others.

Some brands that I’ve used.

TRENDNet
Linksys
Belkin
D-Link

They all seem to do about the same job. I would suggest matching up what ever you choose for the router, 108Mbps or 54Mbps.

As for hooking it up... that can be a pain or simple as can be. Would really need to know more about the modem ATT uses and the OS that you and your new roommate are going to be using before I could go into great detail about it.

[WillysB]

Yes, a wireless router would be the simplest way to go. Check your roomie's ATT modem... it may have more than one port or may be a wirelss modem/router. If so, you might be able to run a CAT5 directly to the ATT modem or go wireless.

If not then the router will be necessary. As visualevo says, hardwire is the best way to go, especially if you don't enjoy technical challenges. If running CAT5 around the place is not good then make sure the router is a wireless variety. That way you can hardwire or go wireless.

I got the cheapest Belkin wireless router I could find.

[eevee]

my roommate and I just recently got ATT DSL service and the DSL modem they sent us has a built in router. heard this was a promotion that was going on in the fall. maybe you can ask if you can upgrade the modem if it's cheap to do so (though a decent modem can be bought for about $40-50 new)

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Originally Posted by eevee

my roommate and I just recently got ATT DSL service and the DSL modem they sent us has a built in router. heard this was a promotion that was going on in the fall. maybe you can ask if you can upgrade the modem if it's cheap to do so (though a decent modem can be bought for about $40-50 new)

That is the way to go. I've been using the same AT&T router (formerly SBC Yahoo router) for the past 7 years and have a Linksys router (also for about 7 years) that I love. Never had any problems and the speed is great.