Anyone know where I can get a good deal on the Netgear Wireless Router (don't remember the part number)? I just bought the Netgear wireless CF card and figured I might as well match up the network.
So far, the cheapest I've seen is Futureshop at $159.99. Ebay.ca also has it for $119.99. I'm kinda weary of buying it online because I'm kinda new to networking and want the ability to return it if I run into any problems.
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Never send a human to do a machine's job.
I'm new to wireless networking too. Is a wireless router the device you use for only broadband, or just for networking in general? I currently subscribe to Sympatico's DSL service and it already comes with a modem. Does the wireless router replace this modem or do I need to use both in order to surf the net wirelessly?
DSL is broadband (high speed connection). Your DSL modem will let you connect one computer, so you have high speed access, but only for one computer. If you want to hook up a second computer, you go back to your ISP (provider), and they will charge you extra. Cabel and satelite are the same in this regard.
A router (actually, an access point) plugs into your DSL or cable modem. On the modem side, it pretends to be one computer. On the computer side, it allows you to connect several computers. If you're a propeller head, you might say it runs DHCP client on the modem side and DHCP server on the computer side. So now you have several computers on your high speed connection, and your ISP can't tell, and can't charge you extra. Of course, all compupters share the bandwidth. The router also lets the computers network with each other. You can share resources (like printers, DVD burners, etc.)
A wired router lets you connect your computers with Ethernet patch cables. You can get an Ethernet CF card for your Axim, also. A wireless router lets you hook up computers either with Ethernet cables or wirelessly. You should plan to connect at least one computer with an Ethernet cable, so you can configure the wireless options.
A router without a high speed connection still lets you network your computers and share resources. But the connect is so slow, it's not practical to share your connection bandwidth.
Agent Smith has a good point about the advantage of buying routers at store. All the home wireless routers are built as cheap as possible. I bought a NetGear. After a year of use, it died when my power company shut my power off, then restored it -- even though it was plugged into a good surge protector. When I bought my new Netgear router, I bought the extended replacement policy. The problem isn't NetGear. They're as good as any. None of the other routers would fare much better. Of course, for $80, you can buy one now, and buy another (better) one a year from now, and still come out ahead.
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The world may not be perfect yet, but the Axim is (almost).
Thanks commoved for such an extensive explanation. Now that I know about the PC side, I have some questions about the Ax side:
1. If I get a wireless CF card, will this also allow me to use an ethernet cable as well (i.e., similar to a wireless router, which can be cabled or not)?
2. Are there any brand preferences to wireless CF cards?
3. Are wireless CF cards plug and play, or do they require configuration?
4. Do wireless CF cards merely allow networking with the PC, and not only wireless Internet connection per se? (To my understanding, CF cards allow for wireless networking and having wireless internet access is only a part of it.)
Hi Gigi,
Hopefully I can help although I'm still quite a newbie in this field.
1. If I understand this question correctly you cannot attach an ethernet cable to a cf card. You can attach an ethernet cable from the router to your home computer.
2. I don't believe there are really any preferences. Most cf cards will work fine with any router. Some cf cards are bigger then others so may impede the headphone jack. I went with Netgear myself from other threads saying it was the easiest to setup. It wasn't that easy but I eventually figured everything out with lots of help from fellow Aximsite members.
3. Networking in general is pretty much plug and play. There's not much tweaking necessary. For my cf card I just installed the program onto my Axim and I was up and running. My router I just plugged in and didn't really fiddle around much except followed the directions in the manual.
4. I'm probably not going to answer this one properly but wireless cf cards is a means to network with your computer. Like sharing files and programs. With a wireless router you can also share internet access. I believe there is a way to share internet access without the router but you'll have to ask someone else about that.
My answers are basically assuming you just want to surf the net on your Axim. There are a little more tweaks involved like setting up security and restricting access as well as configurations if you do want to access your files on your pc and even sync wirelessly (finally figured that one). I'm sure there's probably more settings involved to maximize the connection but haven't learned that yet.
Anyways, if you're really interested in joining the wireless world just jump in. Buy from the big stores so you can always return everything if it doesn't work out.
You also have a wealth of resources right here on Aximsite.
But, rest assured it really is simple. If I can set my stuff up then I know you can. ;)
__________________
Never send a human to do a machine's job.
Just wanted everyone to know that I did buy the Netgear router from Futureshop and it worked great. Had a little problem setting up at first but eventually worked it out.
At $80, it's a steal I originally bought the D-Link 614+ router from Best Buy at $119 after rebate and thought that was a good deal. Returned the D-Link after seeing the Netgear.
I highly recommend the Netgear and if it's sold out at the store (I bought the last one at the store I went too) just go online and purchase it. No shipping charges.
__________________
Never send a human to do a machine's job.
I know You guys are talking Canadian dollars but I just bought the Netgear router for $69.99 usd with a $30 usd rebate from fry's. The link says $75.99 usd w/$30 usd rebate.
jjs,
Unfortunately, that rebate is only valid in the US.
The other problem is it is sold in the US. You have to account for shipping charges, brokerage fees, custom fees, and duty.
After all those charges you're probably better off buying a router here thats not on sale.
__________________
Never send a human to do a machine's job.
I have the Linksys BEFW11S4.
Linksys Wireless Access Point 4-Port Cable/DSL Router 802.11b
You can get it for $79.99 with free shipping at [URL=http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10273558&loc=101]buy.com[/URL]
I use it with my Ambicom CF unit along with my Lucent / Orinoco PCMCIA card in my laptop and a NetGear Wireless Print Server with no problems.
802.11b is a standard and that is the good thing of the standard. Only thing I see as a problem is if you want to vary preamble on the WiFi side of networking. Some driver configurations for this setting is a problem. Other than that, your fine and most home users will not not be affected.
Thanks very much for your answers to my previous questions. For some reason, when I checked this thread last, I only saw your post about buying the Netgear, so I did not even acknowledge the post you made just before. So sorry...:blush:
Anyway, you answered all of my questions very well, except I need clarification on #1. I guess what I was asking is if the CF card also acts like a modem card. But from your answer to #4, I gather that it does NOT, since it is really just one component of a network.
Well, if all goes as planned, I'm going to Futureshop today to hunt for that Netgear. I will also try to get my wireless CF card from Logic Computers.
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