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Home networking with tivo, laptop and desktop

Question

I have purchased a router (airlink101 802.11g) and a wireless cardbus adapter for my laptop (airlink101 802.11g). I have a cable internet connection on my desktop computer. I have the router connected to the cable modem and the cable modem is attached to th desktop. I don't want to network the two computers, I just want to give my laptop wireless access to the internet connection and eventually purchase an adapter for my tivo to link the tivo wirelessly to router. Will the router have to be hardwired to the desktop in order for me to do this. And if so, I do not have an ethernet connection on my desktop so can you suggest a card to add to my desktop if I will need to hard wire.

Thanks

Chris

buschemi@cox.net

Answer

This question was answered on April 16, 2006. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

This is a multipronged question so I will answer each question seperately.

1. Will the router need to be hardwired to the desktop? In one word, yes. Here's how the connection would need to be: The cable line goes into the cable modem, from the cable modem, you will need to run an ethernet line to the router. From the router another ethernet connection will be needed to the desktop. This is necessary because the router will not accept a regular phone line cable. Besides, you're paying the money for the higher speed, you should take advantage of the speed and an ethernet cable will help make that possible.

2. An ethernet card is relatively easy to set up and best of all, they are really really cheap. An ethernet card shouldn't run more than 20 dollars. If you don't feel comfortable installing hardware, you may want to seek help with the installation from a professional.

3. You didn't ask but since I just set up the Tivo to the wireless router last night, I went through a 20 minute growing pain I'd like to help you avoid. You'll want to review Tivo's website for instructions on how to set up the network. It's easy to do, but if you're new to networks, there will be somethings their tutorial will teach you. Here's the website: http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv2013.htm? Once you get this up and running, you'll be really glad you did.

Author

Posted by Aaron of Chandler-Gilbert Community College on April 16, 2006

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