Rookie trying to set up wireless network

I have no experience with setting up a wireless network but that is exactly what I am trying to do at my home. What I would like is to be able to cover my entire house in wireless but yet still be able to "plug in" to the router if I need a faster connection. I have cable internet in case that makes a difference. I have a pc tower that houses several hard drives that I use for extra storage and for back up that I would like to be able to access wirelessly via my laptop and I would like to be able to connect my stero to my wireless network so that I can play my mp3 files through my entertainment system. I have no idea what hardware and/or software is required to do this.

Can anyone offer some pointers? If possible please be specific as to brand names and models of hardware or software that you recommend.

Thanks, Sam

Any standard wireless router should be able to achieve the above. These usually include a four-port Ethernet switch for plugging into if desired as well. Examples of such a unit include the Linksys WRT54G/GS, D-Link DI-624, Netgear WGR614, etc. etc. Many others are also evailable, your local computer shop should stock plenty of options.

They are all set up using the same basic principle. Connect the cable modem to the routers WAN or internet port, and everything else goes into the switch (such as the desktop) or connects via wireless (e.g. laptops). The end result is that the router connects all of your computers together on one local network, and allows them to all share the single internet connection.

They also provide good inherent security through the use of NAT, so effectively 'hides' access to your computers from the internet. You can still set up rules in the router to allow most types of inbound connection if you do require such a feature, say for remote VPN access or publishing a web server from your home conenction.

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Jeremy

Marlborough WiFi Project