Wanting a basic wi-fi notebook-printer set up. Need advise.

I'm finally considering setting up a very basic wireless home network..but I don't know where to start.

The only devices I could possibly connect would be:

1- My notebook (XP-32,wi-fi capable)
2- My new wi-fi printer (Samsung ML-2165W)
3- My recently built desktop (Win 8-64, not wi-fi)
4- Rarely used scanner.

The only internet available is dial-up. I rarely use the desktop and mostly use the notebook (Dell D620).

I just ordered the printer (laser) and really didn't expect to use if wirelessly but now I'm wondering what equipment I would need to set up a home wireless system to connect the notebook to the printer using wi-fi. Connecting to the desktop isn't a big priority but it would be nice if I could do it later.

I know there are issues using this printer as wi-fi (lots of reviews stating problems) but if it won't connect it's not that big of a deal...I'd be ok if it only worked via usb. I will read up on the printer's wi-fi issues and report back.

In reading a blurb at TigerDirect about basic home wi-fi they suggested this 'starter kit':

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5086851&CatId=370

Would this be something I could start with? I wouldn't travel with it. I'm wondering what device(s) I would actually need.

I just don't want to start off buying the wrong thing or something that might be more difficult to connect with this picky printer.

Thanks

 

I did some research on this today.

1-To just link the notebook and the printer it looks like I just need a router and maybe a wireless access point.

2-To link the notebook, the desktop, and the printer it looks like I need a router AND a network wi-fi adapter for the desktop. I found a usb version for under $11.

3-Now the most difficult situation. To allow my dial-up internet to be used by the notebook throughout the house via wi-fi.

Option 3 seems to be the most complicated but also the most rewarding. I's at least like to know how do-able it would be. I found this info:
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I found this very good article that addresses option 3.

http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wireless/f/wlansharedialup.htm

Question: Can I Share Dial Up Internet Service over a Wireless Network?

Sharing broadband Internet service over wireless networks is not very difficult with today's routers and other home networking equipment. But what about those folks still stuck with dial up Internet - can they share too?

Answer: Yes, it's certainly possible to share dial-up Internet access across a wireless home network or other wireless LAN (WLAN).

Wireless LANs easily support the amount of bandwidth required to share dial-up Internet service. Dial-up runs at such low speeds, however, that Internet connections will perform sluggishly on WLANs, particularly when trying to access it with multiple computers at the same time. Try any of the following approaches to make it all work as well as can be expected.

Wired Router with Wireless Access Point

This option requires three pieces of hardware in addition to wireless network cards for the client computers: a wired broadband router, an external modem, and a wireless access point. Connect the external modem to this router for Internet access, then connect the wireless access point to the router for wireless access. Not all broadband routers support external modems; look for those that feature RS-232 serial ports.

Ad Hoc Mode With Windows ICS

Alternatively, you can try Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) or equivalent software that relies on one computer hosting the Net connection. This option requires at a minimum that the host computer have a modem (either internal or external), and that all wireless network cards be configured for ad hoc (peer-to-peer) mode. This option works best if you only have a few home computers located close to each other.

Those who prefer the first option usually already own a wired broadband router that supports external modems. Because the second option requires neither a wired router nor an external modem, it is usually cheaper and easier to set up for those building new home networks from the ground up.

WiFlyer

You may also consider purchasing the WiFlyer product designed to operate as a dial up router. This option is the simplest to install of the ones discussed here but most expensive in terms of equipment cost.

Other Specialized Wireless Routers

If none of the above options are feasible, you'll need to find a wireless router that features an RS-232 (serial) port in order to share the dial-up line over an external modem. The mainstream models today do not feature such a serial port. Products that do tend to be discontinued models or higher-end routers designed to use dial-up as a failover option. Some residential routers that provide serial ports for external modems are:

ZoomAir Internet Gateway IG-4165
SMC Barricade 7004AWB
Early models of the Apple Airport Base Station
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The WiFlyer seems to be to limited in range.

The Ad Hoc using ICS looks like it would be great, if it could be done. I just wonder if I got the Ad Hoc method set up..could I print from the notebook without having to turn the Desktop on.

I found these web pages for ICS:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306126

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/using-ics-internet-connection-sharing

Haven't found a good site for Ad Hoc info yet, but found this one:

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/homenetworking/ig/Home-Network-Diagrams/Ad-Hoc-Network-Diagram.htm

The desktop (Win 8-64) would be the Host and would do the dial-up, the notebook (XP-32)would be the client.


Are any of these methods workable? Otherwise it looks like I'd need to find an old router that accepts rs-232.

Not sure if I would need a Wireless Access Point also.