very basic network help needed!

I've just subscribed to broadband and this is connected to my shiny new Advent media centre/pc-in-one thingummy via phone/usb connection - so far so good... but I want to network in at least one laptop, maybe another pc, preferably wirelessly. The problem is mainly that I don't understand any info that i can find on routers, it gets to technical for me! Want I want to know is what kit I need that is compatible with my bog standard hp laptop. Hope this is not too moron level ....

 

Ok, some theory first.

"Internet" --> Modem --> Router --> Devices (Laptops, Desktops, XBoxes, etc)

The Internet comes into the modem via phoneline you said, so it's probably xDSL. I'm not familiar the Advent media center, but you said it was connected via usb. Does it have other methods of connecting? Are there any 'Ethernet' or 'Network' jacks? They would look like a large phone plug, with 8 conductors. The reason I ask, is if it only connects via usb, there really isn't any way of sharing that connection with other devices (at least not that I'm familiar with, maybe someone else can help here).

IF the Advent DOES have a network jack, it's easy. The device (xDSL Modem) that the phoneline plugs into should have a network jack along side of the usb plug. Run a cable (router'll come with them, called different things: network cable, patch cable, ethernet cable, cat5e cable, etc.) from the xDSL modem to the router, into a jack called WAN or 'Internet', depending on the router model. Then another cable from the router to the Advent. Power all devices down (unplug if necessary), turn on xDSL modem, wait 5-min. Turn on router, wait 5-min. Turn on Advent. In theory, that's all there is to it.

If you want to get into wireless, let me know and I'll get into it a bit. I would recommend a cheapo router, like the Linksys WRT54G (~$75) for both wireless and the 'shared' internet.

Good luck,

-K

 

If your currently running DSL, Did they give you an Actiontec modem with an antenna in the back? If they did, it is a router and supports wireless, it just needs to be turned on. If there is no antenna on your modem, then as King said, a Linksys WRT54G would do a nice job.

 

Hi
The content of the following links will provide you with a basic tutorial about Sharing Internet and using Wireless; it is short and to the point.

The first three pages were written ages ago. You might ignore the prices, and the specific choice of hardware, stick with the principles they are still the same.

Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=105

Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...? - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=48

Wireless Principles - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=122

The whole thing should like like this,
http://www.ezlan.net/network/router.jpg

Wireless hardware: http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Hardware.html

Wireless - Basic Configuration: http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Config.html

Wireless - Basic Security: http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html