Hi all,

There are two things that I'm trying to accomplish.

1. I want to set up a wireless home network for all of our computers.
2. I want to set up cable internet access for all of the computers.

I know that I need to buy various equipment, such as a WAP, some
network cards for each computer, and some kind of cable modem. But I
have no idea in what order I should do things. I have read that I can
buy some kind of WAP that will also double as a cable modem, and
provide cable access to the network. That's what I would like to do.
So I'm thinking that I should set up the network first, and then get
cable internet service. But I honestly don't know what I need to do.

What exactly needs to be wired, if anything? I have a coat closet that
is centrally located on the top floor of the house that I would like
to turn into a "data closet" containing the WAP (or whatever I
primarily need to set up a network) and cable connection. It's where
our home security system is set up. But there is no electrical outlet
near there... do these things need to be plugged in or can they run
from battery or the power of the cable line? Also, do any pieces of
equipment need to be physically plugged into a computer?

If anyone can walk me throught this whole procedure, I would really appreciate it. 

Thanks so much.

Lisa

Hello thistlewind-ga,

Thanks for asking this interesting question in GA.

I recently did a similar setup at my home where my network has single
computer and 2 laptops and everything is running fine on this new
wireless network.

I?m assuming here that you are running on Windows operating system.

To start with, you need the following things (this you already know)
to setup a wireless network.

1. Cable / DSL modem and Internet connection from any provider in your area.
2. Wireless router
3. Wireless adapters for your PC or laptops

Regarding the order to start with, I?ll suggest you to definitely
start with 1 to have internet connected to any one of your computer
systems. Generally, all the internet providers will give you the cable
modem. Some give it for free (agreement may be required) and some
charge for it. You need to check your local internet provider to get
more details on this.
Setting up the cable modem with your computer is fairly easy. You?ll
get some CD to install the drivers and once you are done with that,
you should be all running.

So, after you?ve at least 1 system running on high speed internet, we
move to next step of getting wireless router. If you want to wire any
of your desktops in this network, then you need a simple router else
we don?t need it at all. Since in your question, you?ve mentioned that
everything is going to be wireless, so we don?t need a router.
Wireless routers these days are available in a very cheap price and
can work both as a router and Wireless Access Point (WAP). You need
this WAP so that all your systems can connect to this via wireless
medium creating a wireless network.

Check this list for available wireless routers.
http://google-cnet.com.com/4007-3333_9-0.html?tag=dir

The cable coming as an output from your cable / DSL modem should be
connected to your Wireless router as input.

Once you?ve wireless router connected and all tested, then we need to
go to the final step of getting wireless adapters which are used to
connect to the wireless router. If you?ve laptop in this network, then
you need to buy a PCMCIA wireless adapter and if you?ve a desktop,
then a PCI wireless adapter. PCMCIA cards are fairly easy to setup.
Here are the top 5 wireless cards that you should look for laptops - 
http://mobileoffice.about.com/cs/laptops/tp/laptopcards.htm

For Desktops, check out here -
http://shopper-google.search.com/search?q=wireless+pci+cards&part=google-cnet&subj=wireless_pci_cards&tag=KWC_MN

And also -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00009X6PH/edutainingkid-20/104-5853998-0676748

Once all the wireless adapters are installed and configured with your
wireless router, you are all set to surf the internet. Other than your
wireless adapters, you don?t need anything else to plug to your
computers for setting wireless network. Now, your wireless network
should look something like this diagram -
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/diagram/share-wireless-ap.asp

As far as the location of the router is concerned, since you are
planning to have a wireless network, it really doesn?t matter where
you place it in your home. But your cable/DSL modem and the wireless
router should be near to each other as they are wired.

Read this article -
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1428&page=4

Now, regarding the power, you?ll need a power source for your
cable/DSL modem and for wireless router. Other than this, you only
need power for your computers which I believe you already have a
setup.

Here are some of the articles that you must read before starting with
the wireless networks-
http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/homenetworking/a/homewiredless_2.htm

Also read this article about "How to Set up a Simple Wireless Network at Home"
http://www.edutainingkids.com/articles/howtosetuphomewirelessnetwork.html

And read this one too-
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1428


Search terms used ?
setup of wireless home network
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&q=setup+of+wireless+home+network

wireless adapters
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&q=wireless+adapters


Let me know how it goes. In case of any questions, feel free to
request for clarification.

Thanks
netcrazy