Wireless network

[days_unfolding]

In my spare (?) time, I've been thinking about how I'd set up a wireless network to work with cable or satellite Internet access. I'm basically thinking out loud here.

Devices to include in the network (worst case):

• Cable or satellite modem, in a different room from the computers


• My primary laptop, which doesn't have WiFi


• My work laptop, which has WiFi


• A junky laptop with WiFi, which I might use to create a "wireless" Web cam. I've already tripped over wires and knocked down the cam once already.


• USB ink jet printer


• Laser printer, when I replace the dead one. It probably will have a parallel port.

The area to cover is roughly half of an 850-square-foot condo. Most wireless networking equipment that I've investigated is overkill for my needs. I decided to go with Netgear because I'm roughly typical of their target market, and they're supposed to have great customer service. I've bid on a 802.11g router and NIC kit that also supports WiFi devices. So if I win the bid, I should have what I need to connect the computers to a wireless network, and therefore can get the ball rolling on high-speed access.

The printers are a problem. I would like for my personal and work laptops to share a printer. However, I have yet to find print servers that meet my exact needs. But I can still use them wired for the moment.