Wired/wireless router

I currently have my cable modem hooked to my pc via usb. I also have 2 other pc's connected via a hub to my pc using wired NIC cards. I have the pc (with the cable modem attached to it) set up for internet sharing. My wife is getting laptop, and wants to be able to have a wireless connection to the internet (via the cable modem). Is there a router that will handle both wired and wireless connections? A concern I have is still allowing all PCs to share the internet connection as well as the printer that is on my current network.

 

Yes. Most wireless routers also comes with a 4-port switch. This would allow you to hook up four wired devices. You'll have to make some major changes before that setup though. For starters your cable modem will have to be hooked up to the wireless router via Ethernet cable instead of USB. I assume you've got Internet Sharing going on between the PCs from the main one you have set up. The router will do all that work for you. You'll then use the NIC on your main PC and hook it in to the 4-port switch on the wired router. Then of course you'll be able to hook up the laptop via wireless.

 

Thanks, I will give it a try.

 

also, your router will likely act as a firewall, which adds a layer of safety.

 

But, you may have to give up the USB connection. And just use all Ethernet, (wired or wireless). And I think he should get an 4 port Wireless.

Then he can get rid of the spaghetti jungle behind his router. Starting with making his and the laptop wireless, and dump the USB connection. The USB wireless can be had for ~$15.

 

Well, I got a netgear 108mbps wireless router (wgt624) from Best Buy today, and hooked up the wired PC's just fine. I will work on the laptop tomorrow.
So now I have three pc's hooked to the router and all able to share the internet connection. Should the PC's be able to "see each other" so I can share the printer that is hooked to one of the PC.s?

 

Yes you can, with a little work...

They will all have to be in the same Workgroup name
Then you'll have to turn on File and Print Sharing on each PC.
Change the Printer to NETWORK Printer (or add duplicate and make it Networked) and share
Select folders on whichever PC to share. (possibly assign right/privs)

BTW:each PC should have different names.
Lisa, SaraLynn, BobbyJoe, Rufus etc...

 

Um... thanks, but you missed where this was already said. Also I wouldn't use wireless cards on the PCs as you suggested because it isn't as fast when the machines are connected via the wires.

 

well, slower going than I had hoped. I did get 3 pc's hard wired to the new router, and my wife is able to access it wireless from upstairs. I have one PC (hard wired) running win 2k, that is still giving me issues.

I am looking to get a decent wireless card for another notebook, where do you recommend I look online. Places like BB and CC want in the $50.00 range for wireless-G cards.

 

get a USB wireless adapter instead. I use this one. I got it at CompUSA for $19.95 about a year ago. I'm sure they have a newer version now.