Wireless router hookup and

[Pghpooh]

HI
I just bought a basic laptop to use while on vacation. The laptop has wireless capabilities. I have DSL for my internet service and it is hardwired from the DSL modem to my computer.
I would like to add a wireless router to my DSL. If I do,,, how do I do this?
My first thought is to run the DSL cable from the DSL modem to the wireless router and then from the wireless router to my computer. That way I can use my desktop pc and my laptop at the same time.
On the average, what is the distance the laptop can be away from the wireless router before the laptop can?t transmit to the router? I would like to start off with a wireless router that has a better and more powerful transmit and more sensitive receive. Then a few months from now add the plug in card to the laptop to increase the range if needed.
Any and all help and suggestions are needed!!! LOLOL I just found out a few days ago that Verizon will be providing the FIOS service to my area. The fiber is in and light is on the fiber now. And the termination in on the pole 10 feet from my house. Gonna get the 15 meg service when it is available.
Does anyone know the distance the Verizon Wireless modem/router will cover?
Can I use the Verizon router and turn the wireless off and add my own wireless router?
Thanks
Pghpooh

 

[AlfB]

I will attempt to help get you started. First, you connect from your modem to the input port of your router with an ethernet cable. This provides internet access to the router. Now you can connect via wireless or wired assuming you router has both capabilities. Most wireless routers also have 4 switched 10/100 ethernet ports for use with machines that do not have wireless capability. One comment is that you can use more than one machine simultaneously via wireless or wired so if get a wireless card for your desktop you can use both. Distance for the wireless depends on a lot of things but will usually allow connection from most of your house under normal conditions. There is a signal strength bar that will part of the installation that will let you know how far you can go. Like a cell phone, lower number of bars is not as good. There are a couple of options for routers that might help. The new 802.11n routers tout longer distances but I do not have any experience to say if its true but if you are starting out and buying, you might consider them. Linksys also offers Rangebooster versions that might help. Any wireless card will have an associated install that is pretty self-explanatory but in essence you click on the signal strength bar in your system tray after installation and you should have a application pop up that will do things like tell you which signals the wireless card sees and you can choose to connect to the correct one with it. The laptop should already have this if it is wireless capable. You should consider setting up security to keep unwanted people from using your connection. The security is not full proof but will keep most out. I don't know anything about FIOS and its router/modem but I would expect that you want to stay with it. As to the 15 Meg service, if its a good value go for it but keep in mind that unless you are doing something that really requires that much bandwidth, you are wasting money. The vast majority of internet access can do perfectly fine with much slower speeds. Anything over 1 Meg or so will handle most everyday access needs. I am sure there are those that will disagree with this but I have found it to be true in most of what I do. Big file downloads will benefit but most anything else will not.

Not a complete answer but at least a starting point.

 

[Pghpooh]

HI
AlfB Thanks for the info. The biggest reason I wanted the Verizon FIOS 15 meg downloads is I retired from Verizon a few years ago and will get a discount on the service. The basic 5 meg download price is what I'll pay for the 15 meg download service.
Once school is in session the possibility of having 2 grand kids here with laptops going at the same time tush the need for a little more bandwith. I suspect they will be downloading more then school work!!! LOLOLOL
I appreciate the time and effort you put into your reply.
Thanks
Pghpooh

 

[JackMDS]

In most cases the Wireless or the Router part of the Combo Modems can be switched Off.

I do not know what Verizon would give you so YMMV.

If you can disable both the Routing part and the Wireless, then any good Wireless Cable/DSL Router would do.

If you can (or want) to disable only the Wireless you can use a Good Cable/DSL Router as an Access Point with a Switch.

Here how, http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

The best value for the money is a High Power 802.11g Buffalo Router.

http://www.ezlan.net/buffalo.html

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833162134