Hardwire or wireless?
We just got a computer for upstairs and I need some help hooking this up.I currently have a cable modem so I guess I need a router to add the other computer.Should I use a wireless router?I heard they slow down the computer if something else is on the same frequency.
If I decide to use a hardwire out of the router to the new computer,is there a special type of wire that comes with the router? I'll probably need about 30 feet or so because of having to route the wire around the bathroom.Are those kind of lengths available?
Finally what brand router are recommended?Better performance? reliability?
I have a very basic knowledge of computers so any advise is appreciated.Thanks.

You don't need a router, you need a hub. Come out of the cable modem into the hub and plug both computers into the hub. For wired you need a network cable (they come in all lengths). I have a wireless network. You would need a wireless modem ( I prefer Linksys)and a wireless card for the computer. If you have Best Buys and Circuit City in your area check out the weekly sales. Usually there is a store and Linksys rebate available. I have more electronic gear around here than I want to remember and don't have any frequency conflict. The most prevelent interference I have read about are cordless phones and wireless computers. If you want to be safe, make sure they use different frequencies. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Joe,
Thanks,we have both those stores around here I'll check that out.So a wireless hub wouldn't slow down the second computer.?

You need a hub but it really depends on how your modem is setup. If you don't have a firewall I would get a linksys cable 4 port router/firewall. Then run your cables to it which won't be an issue there are 50ft rj45 cables out there at best buy etc I know for sure. You can go wireless but you still will need a firewall access point not to mention wireless cards then configure encryption so you signial can't be snagged by outsiders so easily(not hard but something to consider). Wireless is nice but it will cost more to install that than buy a cable and a firewall 4 router. It depends on how much you want to spend. Both methods will work and linksys is my personal pick for hardware whether it be cable or wireless.

Originally posted by faulkkev:
You can go wireless but you still will need a firewall access point not to mention wireless cards then configure encryption so you signial can't be snagged by outsiders so easily(not hard but something to consider). Wireless is nice but it will cost more to install Thanks,I'm paranoid AND cheap ;) so I've decided on a wired setup.Going to check what linksys has to offer.I'll let you know how I made out.

I may be wrong, but I think you need a router/hub, not just a hub. Without a router, you would need to have a pc set up with two networks cards (one connected to the modem and one connected to the hub) to act as a gateway and dhcp server, using "internet sharing".

Incorrect. A linksys router/firewall is setup to host cable and dsl directly from the modem. The linksys router firewall is a hub switch as well. They come in different sizes but the 4 port is ususally the best option so you can add later. To set it up you simply plug the coaxil cable into the modem(no brainer) then run a network cable from the router to the WAN port on the router(it will say wan). Then the remaining 3 ports are open for your computers one nic per computer is all that is needed. The 4th isn't available if using the wan port at least on mine. Then by default the router usualy issues dhcp which assigns ips with all the proper dns info to use the internet for you. The dhcp info does depend on whether it has connected to your internet provider. So all nics need to be setup to use dhcp. you can use static ip's as well but dhcp is easier for the novice. To manage the router firewall you use internet explorer and type 192.168.1.1 which the the default address. It will ask for a log on and type in what the directions say(should be admin admin). Make sure you change the admin password once in to protect yourself. Once in the interface just check the status tab and if it has an ip that isn't 192. something and has dns entries your in business. Make sure dhcp is turned on and it will provide all that info to your systems on the backside protecting your network. This is a big overview but I think it will help if you get a router firewall.

I don't think you read my post. The previous posts mention a router only in case you need/want a firewall, and imply that all you really need is a hub. Unless the modem has a router built in (which would most likely have a 4 port hub built in as well), just adding a hub or a switch isn't going to get you internet access. Somewhere in the mix you have to have a router, or use the internet sharing through a host pc, regardless of the firewall issue.

Just buy a linksys wireless router that has 4 ports. It'll do wireless and/or wired. One port connects to your cable modem, other ports to your computers. Use the quick setup and you're done.

I have 3 PCs, although they're all in the same room, and have a Linksys router after my cable modem. Never had a bit of trouble and I've had as many as 6 PCs and an HP print server connected via an additional 3Com hub with all PCs running the Internet at the same time. Wireless may be easier with PCs spread all over the house but, just me, I'd hard wire 'em.

Gene I must be misunderstanding you. The linksys firwall router is a hub/switch firewall all in one. If I understand your post correctly there is confusion on whether a hub is needed with a router. If I'm still misunderstand then I apologize. With a linksys router you don't need a hub it is a switch which is a hub but better already. All you need is a cable/dsl modem and a linksys firewall switch. Get one with enough ports to support you computers. You can use a cross over cable to connect to another hub or the uplink port on the linksys to string more systems or printers if needed. I have road runner cable and it goes from the cable to the modem and from the modem to the linksys router via rj45 cable. Once there I hook up the rest of my systems to the 4port linksys. Use the internet browser to configure the router and done it works great. Your secured behind the NAT with it configured like above.