ok....since u want ALL computers in your house to be able to surf the net at the same time, you basically HAVE to create a home network. It's like the extra "benefit" that sharing an internet connection gets you when multiple computers are in-line.
Ok...a WAP (wireless access point) differs from a wireless router in several ways.
1st off, what a router does is that it has an INPUT port (Cable modem) and offers multiple output ports (usually 4 for consumers). A WIRELESS router bumps that up a notch and offers 4 output ports AND sends the data out wirelessly. Basically what that router is doing is allowing all computers connected to it (which can be over 1000 if need be with additional equipment) to share 1 outgoing connection (your cable high speed internet) The router actually "levels out" the sharing....so if you want to download music and your kid upstairs wants to download porn, your kid won't HOG all the bandwidth, the router evens it out so you're not crawling online while your kid is flying! A Router also offers protection in the form of a Firewall. (someone else can cover this one!) A wireless router does all this and offers encyption protection so only you and the computers in your house can access your High Speed Internet wirelessly.
...so thats what a router does...
a WAP basically takes an already WIRED system, and adds wireless capabilities. I have a Wired router...so I have my Cablemodem going INTO the router and I have 4-ouputs on the back of the router feeding 4 different things (1 computer, 1 XBOX, 1 ReplayTV, and one WAP. All the WAP does is tranmit the data back and forth from my laptop and PDA through the one port it is plugged into on the WIRED router. That is it's only function. Mine (Netgear) offers security encryption as well, but its not a Firewall...the router is the firewall.
Note: A single WAP can have 100's of simultaneous wireless connections to it. So no need to buy more than 1!
The only real reason to use a WAP over a wireless router, is if you already have a home network setup and you are already using a router.
All this said (i hope you are following me here) Everything you connect to your router can communicate with each other. So not only do they talk to your Cable modem, they CAN talk to each other....for example. You (on the 4th floor) download a file, but you want to transfer it to your laptop so you can bring it to work and show your buds......EASY, just drag and drop the file to the computer located in the My Network folder, and you're good to go. (Assuming you set up each computer to communicate with each other....its easy, but i wont make this already long post, longer by telling you how to do it).
So that being said, here is what i think you need.
Assuming you plan on going Wireless and not running cables up through your house:
You have : 2 Desktops and 1 Laptop (example, not sure what u have)
you need
- 1 wireless router
- 1 Cat 5 Cable to connect Router to Cable Modem (usually supplied with Cable Modem)
- 1 PCMCIA wireless network card (for Laptop)
- 2 USB or PCI wireless network adapter (for desktops)
This being said...you STILL have 4 open ports on the back of your router.....so you could save some $$$ and run one desktop directly into the router if it isn't too far away or too much of a pain.
Well i hope that helps.....if u need more help, just PM me or catch me on IM
zcast
if you use mac filter you will need to enter the mac addresses manuely and if you want a friend that has a wifi card to connect you will hav to enter his as well
