How should I set up my home network?

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I'm not sure I completely understand your scenario, but it sounds like you just need a wireless access point, and then a wireless network card in each PC.

I have a Paradyne 6381 ADSL+ Modem Bridge/Router. It is supplied by my DSL provider and I do not have an option to use another DSL modem. I have my Linksys Wireless B Brodband Router connected to the modem. My desktop connect via Cat5 Ethernet to the router, while my laptop connects via Wireless. The problem I am having is that both routers are trying to handle NAT and DHCP on the same subnet. If I disabled those on either device I lose all connectivity. What changes can I make on the equipment to prevent these conflicts?

You should be able to disable DHCP/NAT on the linksys. Be sure that you either reboot the PCs, or do an "ipconfig /release" and "ipconfig /renew" on each so that they get a new IP address from the router that's left NAT-enabled. Also be sure that the linksys is connected to the Paradyne using the "WAN" or uplink port.

Hi Leo,

I am novice computer user and am having problems setting up my wireless network. I have two desktops on 2nd floor of my house and a laptop which i use mostly in the basement. I have verizon DSL connection. Verizon sent me Westell Versalink 327 modem/router but since its range was not very good i decided to buy a new router. I ended up buying Belkin pre-n router, belkin pre-n desktop card and a belkin pre-n notbook card. I disables the wireless n dhcp in versalink and set up belkin router. The desktops on 2nd floor are working fine and my laptop seems to have no problem connecting to the network on mail floor n other parts of the house but when i go to basement the connection is not steady....signal quality i get is usually above 70 percent but i wouldn't be able to connect. That happens mostly at night.
if the laptop is in my lap
and
i move or change position, i'll be disconnected? what could be the
reason? 60-70 signal is pretty good for a steady connection why then i
disconnect?
is there a way to increase the strength n range of signal? n why is the
internet connection is slow? not as fast as it should be?

Please let me know how can i increase the range of my network? should i use another router/access point if yes how and where should i put it? it has to be connected to the main pc thru wires? or can i connect it to the 2nd wireless desktop? What are other options there?

Thanx
Aani

The biggest problem with WiFi range is usually interference from other devices. Specifically 2.4ghz cordless phones, and, of all things, Microwave Ovens. Make sure that your laptop and especially the base station are well away from both when they're in use.

I have broadband via cable 'modem' connected to Linksys Wireless Router (802.11b). My laptop connects via wireless signal and desktop is ethernet-cabled from the router...both are running Windows XP Pro. I want to share files and esp printers back and forth. My question is can I simply turn on sharing for files and printers via control panel OR must I first set up a network with the Network Wizard? And if that is correct, do I have to set up the desktop as ICS? My wife runs her business on the desktop and I take my laptop away from home periodically so I understand the 'sharing' is only going to work while I am home. Thanks in advance for your help

You do not need to run the network wizard, you can in fact just enable sharing. You also do not need to turn on ICS if both computers are getting their internet via the router.

Hello Leo:

I set up a home network with 6 PC with Windows XP, some with Home Edition others with Professional. All PC’s are connected to a Hub and the Hub is connected to the DSL modem. I didn’t have any problems until I upgrade to DSL and added a new PC with Windows XP Pro.

This new PC has access to the internet via the LAN but for some reason I can see the other PC’s on the LAN and the other PC’s don’t see the New PC.

I tried resetting the home network wizard on all the PC’s, resetting the DSL connection, enabling file & printing sharing on the fire wall, but the problem persist. The only thing I haven’t tried is reinstalling the operating system of the New PC.

Do you have any suggestion as on how to resolve this with out reinstalling Windows??

You said you "upgraded to DSL" ... what did you have before?

I have the same problem as posted by Steve on April 6,2005 at 4:26 PM. I have a desktop (XP home edition) in basement connected to modem and router (802.11b). I also have laptop (XP prof ed)that is networked wirelessly to desktop. I have a printer connected to the desktop which I used to share with laptop. Everything worked perfect for a month but now I cannot see any networked printers on my Laptop. I connect to internet fine though. I tried setting up the network again. Ensured that the printer's sharing properties are on but whenever I tried adding this printer to laptop, it doesn't see it. Can you help?

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