Wireless network access for my laptop

[chrisp9au]

I'm looking for a bit of advice to get wireless network access working for my laptop, which I use at my scope.

I'm running Windows XP Pro, with all MS updates in place, on my Dell GX270 desktop, Pentium 4, 2 GB memory.
I have had a Speedstream 6250 modem running for a few years now, ADSL internet access works fine, no problems at all.
I have other desk tops, for my wife and my grand daughter, networked using network cables, all work just fine.

The Speedstream modem has an antena that suggest to me that it should provide wireless access?

My laptop, an IBM Thinkpad T30, Windows XP Pro, all updates, 2GB memory, has a Toshiba Wireless LAN Mini PCI card installed.
My laptop connects to my network and the internet without any problems with a cable connected to my modem.

Wireless Network Connection advises me that 'No wireless networks were found in range, when I disconnect the cable on the laptop.

Without upsetting a perfectly good working cable environment, and without upsetting my wife (I can handle the grand daughter!), how do I get my laptop connected wirelessly? :confused2:

Any/all advice would be appreciated!

Cheers :thumbsup:
Chris

[mithrandir]

See if this explains it. They are talking about Macs, but that should not matter. It looks like there are links to the doco.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14228062?hilite=speedstream+ 6520+mac

There are various types of wireless, 802.11a/b/g/n. You need to check that your laptop and the router run the same type.

[Barrykgerdes]

Hi Chris

It sounds like you have all the equipment already.
You will need a wireless modem (6250) connected to your ADSL. Your main computer acting as a server driving the modem. I use a Netgear 614 hooked to the main computer by LAN cable. All the other computers will then connect to the 614 by wireless. I don't bother too much about security just use mac addresses. Set up a network to talk to the server.

The range is about 50 metres and I have no trouble with four or five laptops and about the same number of PC's connected by wireless.

In the field when I go to Wiruna I have a bigpond " Elite" Next G gateway that distributes internet to all and sundry and I use one of my laptops as the server. The security there is handled by a "key" Which I supply to anyone who wants internet.

By the way the modems will also connect by existing LAN cables as well.

Barry

[chrisp9au]

Thanks gentlemen,

Nearly there!

I have established a connection, but the Toshiba mini lan card apparently just doesn't get enough signal.
I've ordered another Netgear WG111v2 dongle which is working OK on the desktop.

Thanks for your help!

Cheers :thumbsup:
Chris