Need a recommendation from the techie/IT gurus ... I have my computer in one room, and the DQ's pc in another and I want her to have internet access. When the PCs were all in the family room, I used the cables (ethernet, I think -- they are the LAN-types we have in our offices) from the modem to share access, but I've since moved the computers upstairs and to separate rooms. I have GMP cable internet, if that's of any importance.

My question is this: Since she has cable that runs to her bedroom, should I just buy another cable modem for her (and if so, will GMP allow access, as this would -- I heard -- assign a separate IP address to her PC); or, should I buy a wireless modem to replace my current modem, and get one of those wireless network thingamabobs for her pc to pick up the internet signal?

The modem I have now is only 6 months old, and I'd hate to have to replace it already for this (if it'd be more cost effective and feasible to just buy another cable modem for her, compared to the cost of a wireless network setup). It seems to me (after a quick look in BestBuy) that a wireless modem and card would be more expensive than just buying another modem (if that is an option).

Any suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated! I'd like to tackle this and get it done this weekend if possible.

Thanks, in advance! :cheers:

:confused:

One way or two way cable modem?

Seperate cable modem would be best. Not sure if GMP has the wireless capability like DSL.

Option:2 Use a small hub

But at my home I have my cable modem going to a wireless router. I have two of my computer plugged into that router and my laptop has a wireless connection to the router. That way I can have my laptop have internet access all around the house.

You can get just a wireless access point and then the other computer can get a wireless card and connect that way.

Also if you get a seperate cable modem, GMP will charge you extra for the extra IP address per month. I would just get a router in order to share the connection.

Honestly, Unix, I have no clue what kind of modem it is or I'd need. I'm guessing two-way though only b/c my satellite was two-way when I had it. :confused: I have a hub thingamabob ... but how would that work with a wireless card thingy in her computer if the output itself isn't a wireless device, or is there something I can plug in one of the jacks things on the back put out a wireless signal?

GMP should be okay with using a wireless modem ... a friend of mine had one last year he used when he shared his connection from gmp.

Also if you get a seperate cable modem, GMP will charge you extra for the extra IP address per month. I would just get a router in order to share the connection.

that's what I was wondering ... if gmp would charge me for the additional modem/IP address.

So, I don't necessarily need another modem (wireless); rather, just a wireless router (at my computer) and network card (for hers)?

That being the case, any recommendations on what products are good and which ones to avoid?

that's what I was wondering ... if gmp would charge me for the additional modem/IP address.

So, I don't necessarily need another modem (wireless); rather, just a wireless router (at my computer) and network card (for hers)?

That being the case, any recommendations on what products are good and which ones to avoid?
You can use a wireless router with GMP. We got our router and card thru dell and never have a problem.

Sounds to me like Crabby needs a computer hardware literate person to come over and help her out. Don't look at me, I know nothing about computer hardware.

Sounds to me like Crabby needs a computer hardware literate person to come over and help her out. Don't look at me, I know nothing about computer hardware.

I don't really need hands-on/on-site assistance; just recommendations/advice on which way is better/possible (wireless vs. 2nd modem). I can do the installation and networking stuff myself. But I think I got my answer already ... Thanks! :cheers:

I don't really need hands-on/on-site assistance; just recommendations/advice on which way is better/possible (wireless vs. 2nd modem). I can do the installation and networking stuff myself. But I think I got my answer already ... Thanks! :cheers:
Little late to the thread, sorry. The answer (which you already have it seems) is to definately use a wireless router and get a wireless card for the laptop/computer in another room. Just watch out which frequency you get. If your get a 2.4 and your cordless phone is 2.4, you'll lose your connection everytime your phone rings. Same if both are 5.8 (or whatever the higher number one is, 5 point something.)
You will definately want to "lock down" your system if you do this, because people can easily tap into a wireless network. At best, they would just share your internet connection, at worse they can could access your computers directly. I think you can even set them up now to respond to only certain MAC addresses which helps some.

If I were in a different kind of mood, I'd suggest that anyone who would give a young child a computer in her room with unsupervised internet access isn't really thinking of the best interests of that child. :razz:

But since I'm not, I'll just say that wireless is the way to go. We have Linksys equipment and are very happy with it.

You can buy AOL for broadband for like $15/mo. They are always bragging that it includes everything you need to protect your kids.

The Norton Internet Security package has a superb, all around, internet protection package. You get the anti-virus, firewall, intrusion detection, spam blocker, and parental control setting, all wrapped up in one package. It runs about $70 a year. Well worth the cost. :yay:

I have a linksys wireless G, 2.4 gig wireless router. It works great.

One thing with gmp though. You have to set up the router to clone your mac address. The auto setup program would not do it for me. I had to call linksys tech support and waste an hour figuring out how to do it. It is actually rather easy, but neither the tech guy nor me new what the problem was. And it took awhile for him to figure it out.

With the built in encryption, there should be no problem with others using your connection, but it is not turned on by default.

It can get a bit expensive though. The router is about $80 and the network cards are another ~$70 apiece (you need one for each computer).

If you are willing to run the cable, you can get a regular linksys broadband router that lets you connect 4 computers to one internet connection for ~$70 plus the cost of the ethernet cable.

I've had both. The wired router is much easier to setup but has the downside of running the wires, while the wireless system requires a bit more effort to set up and keep working.

CC,

Warren gave some great advice, but if you go to Circuit City, tell them what you want to do, they will guide you along.

You already have a cable modem, so you'll need a wireless router and an adaptor for the back of your daughter's computer. Your computer will be the wired computer and your daughter's will connect thru a wireless connection. If my memory serves me correctly, this will cost about $125-$150 to do, but the good thing is that if you ever decide to get a laptop you can also connect with a wireless connection. Then you can surf the net and watch TV.

I have GMP and had no problems at all configuring the wireless network once I moved here, but I did find out later that I had a crack in the wire coming into the house. Of course, GMP found it and ran a new line.

You can use a wireless router with GMP. We got our router and card thru dell and never have a problem.


We have a WINNER.. or go to staples, get the router cables and PCI/PCMIA cards that you need. My wireless router is downstairs hooked up to my sons X-box (cheaper for me to buy a card for the PC then to buy one for his X-box) PC is wireless upstairs.. and hoping to do the same with my printer. Wireless has a good range.. I can detect my wireless network 3 doors down at my nieghbors, so if you odn't want neighbors to have access you'll want to encrypt your connection/ router.. NOT hard to do, it's all included in the router installation handbook.. I went with Belkin and have been REAL happy with it.

ALl else fails,, I'll charge no more then $50 an hour to setup your wireless network (plus parts and travel)

I have a Belkin wireless router (lifetime warranty!) and has a built-in software filter like netnanny. also, all the wireless router should let you clone MAC addresses if your ISP is dead set on allowing access only to a particular MAC address. If you go wireless, dont forget to turn off the SSID broadcast and WEP (or if XP on both machines WPA).

I've had mine up for about 1.5 months and love it! GOOD LUCK!

I will definately check into the Norton thing Christy mentioned to restrict her access to things that are inappropriate since I already have Norton. I've never really fooled with the settings to see what it's capable of doing in that department b/c she usually surfed right next to me. I know she needs something though b/c she somehow got connected to that internet backgammon game once and was playing some grown-up (and beating them, lol). I can see her stumbling onto something else that might not be as "innocent". Setting this up will have to wait till next weekend now, though. We decided at the last minute to hit VA beach for the weekend and were having too much fun to come home Sunday like we planned.

Thanks for all the great advice! :cheers:

Hey crabcake,

Going wireless is the way to go. Setting up a wireless router is a cinch and it will allow you to surf on a different computer without having to run a bunch of wires through the house. Since the router acts as the gateway, GMP will only see one mac address. As far as security, like supergrover says, make sure that you have wep encryption enabled on both the router and the remote machine. In addition DISABLE "broadcast SSID", and make sure that the passphrase is quite extensive. You will learn about all this stuff in the users manual which is very straightforward. Don't worry about someone breaking in to your connection! If they really need to break a 64 or 128 bit encryption just to access the internet then fine, let 'em have it. In regards to safeguarding the little ones, get something like Netnanny or cybersafe. They allow you to set limits to the content that is accessed on your internet connection. If they typoe something that is questionable into a seach engine, the software will block access to the site automatically. You can even set passwords for different levels of access. I know I have repeated what everyone else is saying but I do hope that it works out for you! :patriot:

Just to add my 2 cents, I was hooking up a friend's wireless (went with linksys, since Best Buy had them cheapo) over in VA and had no real problems. Windows 2000 had a small issue with the encryption, I had to pick a different encryption, no big deal.

Point is, when I scanned for local networks, I got 3! It seems 2 of my friend's neighbors were apparently running open wireless connections to the internet. A less honest person would have jumped on their internet connection, I guess a more honest (and motivated) person would have knocked on everyone's door and asked if they'd be interested in locking down their routers. Oh well, my buddy just moved in and said he'll be keeping it in mind when he meets neighbors.

Point is, when I scanned for local networks, I got 3! It seems 2 of my friend's neighbors were apparently running open wireless connections to the internet.

Did you check to see if they were encrypted? Just because you can pick up the signal from someone elses wireless network doesn't mean you will be able to use it.

XP listed them as "unencrypted, open networks" when I scanned.

I had set up the router as unencrypted just to make sure everything was working, and then locked it down. XP's scan definitely shows open router connections differently than encrypted ones.

:yay: :yay: to the wireless networking/internet sharing via Linksys router and network card thingy! DQ's pc is up and running now. :smile:

:boo: :boo: to Linksys' non-engrish-speaking (even after selecting option '1' for "English") "technical support professionals" who told me to return the "faulty" equipment vs. just resetting it. :rolleyes:

Thanks again for the suggestions! :cheers:

Just a side note: I'm really getting tired of all the customer service reps that answer the phone and cannot speak any additional english than what is printed on their cue-cards. It make me angry that we have so many qualified individuals without jobs, whereas, some guy thousands of miles from here claims to understand exactly what I'm saying. Sheesh!

Just a side note: I'm really getting tired of all the customer service reps that answer the phone and cannot speak any additional english than what is printed on their cue-cards. It make me angry that we have so many qualified individuals without jobs, whereas, some guy thousands of miles from here claims to understand exactly what I'm saying. Sheesh!

:clap: :clap: AMEN! I don't think one single foriegner should be employed within our borders until every American who CAN hold a job is employeed. I'd be curious to know how many Americans are (legally) employed by other companies abroad.

:clap: :clap: AMEN! I don't think one single foriegner should be employed within our borders until every American who CAN hold a job is employeed. I'd be curious to know how many Americans are (legally) employed by other companies abroad.

Probably none crabcake! The sad part is that they are paid virtually nothing, and the comapnies make out like fat rats. Of course we are the ones that have to suffer! When I get one of those guys on the phone, I ask them to keep repeating the same thing over and over again. Sometimes they screw their english up. Makes me laugh! :lmao:

I agree with your Crabcake however, we are partially to blame. US Consumers are constantly demanding lower prices for things and/or free support. Companies need to make a profit - maybe not a huge, stick it to the customer profit, but they deserve a profit. Unfortunately that often means cutting your expenses and most people know that human resources is usually the highest expense of a business. Otherwise why would so many local stores close when Wally World moves in?