CNET Labs:
Tune-up: Setting up a Wi-Fi home network
Tune-up: Setting up a Wi-Fi home network
By Mitt Jones
(June 10, 2004)
(June 10, 2004)
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 To set up your Wi-Fi network, you'll need a wireless router (top), plus a wireless adapter for each system you're connecting. Use a PCI card (middle) for desktops and a PC Card (bottom) for notebooks. |
The core of a Wi-Fi network is a wireless router or gateway. We used the D-Link DI-624 AirPlus Xtreme G 802.11g router, which sells for $99 before a $20 rebate. You'll also need a wireless adapter for each system that's connecting to the network. We installed two D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G 802.11g wireless adapters: a DWL-G650 PC Card adapter for a Windows 2000 notebook PC ($65 before a $10 rebate) and a DWL-G520 PCI adapter for a secondary desktop running Windows XP Home Edition ($69 before a $10 rebate). The primary PC, connected to the router via Ethernet cable, was running Windows XP Professional.
Mitt Jones is a contributor to Computer Shopper magazine.
Tune-up is featured monthly in Computer Shopper magazine; this originally appeared in the July 2004 issue.
Tune-up is featured monthly in Computer Shopper magazine; this originally appeared in the July 2004 issue.
