Figuring out a wireless network

[goonie]

I've read a lot of the posts on this topic, but I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it! I'm switching over to a Powerbook after having a Dell laptop for 5 years. I've never used or seen a wireless network before. In fact, I just got DSL and it's the first time I've ever had anything besides 28.8 dialup!

I'm planning on getting a 12" Powerbook. We already own a Dell PC that is used a lot. I want to get a new printer such that we can hook it up to the PC and I can print wirelessly, if this is possible--I'm tired of crawling around under the desk to unhook the USB and rehook it to the laptop! I'd get the HP 5850. We have a DSL modem that I would also like to hook the Powerbook to, preferably wireless.

So--my question is, can I make all this work with an AirportExtreme Base Station? (Is it really that easy?) So the AEBS would be hooked up to the DSL and the printer, making my Powerbook wireless, and the PC would be hooked to the printer and the AEBS (or the DSL modem?)

Also, would I need the AEBS with modem and antenna port, or not?

Thanks for your help. These forums are invaluable!

 

[DGFan]

Well, if you hook the printer to the AE base station the laptop can use it. I just wonder how you would get the Dell to recognize it. I don't know about that....

Whether or not you need a modem or antenna is up to you. Do you need a modem? Do you need extraordinary range?

 

[janey]

Well, if you hook the printer to the AE base station the laptop can use it. I just wonder how you would get the Dell to recognize it. I don't know about that....

depends on the printer.
some printers, regardless of what apple says, like my HP LaserJet 1012, works with the AE base station
what you need to do is connect and configure the modem, printer, AND the base station. Then tell the PowerBook and the Dell to connect to the wireless network.
and about the modem/antenna thing, its really your choice. some people want to get the antenna later, or want to dial in, but they cant...and some people use it for dialup connections, etc. Get the one you KNOW you need and want.
good luck

 

[goonie]

thanks, y'all!

I think I'm *starting* to understand how a wireless network works.

I know the printer is AE compatible. I think I was assuming that I could use the AEBS as a network hub or something and connect everything through there, but after reading I think I understand a bit more. I could handle having two separate printers--one connected to the AEBS and PB and one to the Dell, just because it's so much more convenient.

So now I have two questions. If you have a DSL modem, does the AEBS act as a router (?I still don't quite get that concept) so that I hook up my PB to that and that to the DSL modem and the PC. OR do I need a router, so that the network is PB-->AEBS-->Router-->DSL-->PC?

Heh. Can you tell I'm not so up to date?

And for the modem/antenna, that's for the connection between the Mac and the AEBS? I don't think I understand. The modem enables it for dialup and the antenna for a longer-distance connection to the Mac? I don't need dialup and I live in a small apartment, so I don't think I need a lot of range.


Thanks for helping a newbie out!

 

[janey]

So now I have two questions. If you have a DSL modem, does the AEBS act as a router (?I still don't quite get that concept) so that I hook up my PB to that and that to the DSL modem and the PC. OR do I need a router, so that the network is PB-->AEBS-->Router-->DSL-->PC?

the AEBS is a router. It should be place you plug in modem -> dsl modem ->AEBS (w/printer) -> (computers)

And for the modem/antenna, that's for the connection between the Mac and the AEBS? I don't think I understand. The modem enables it for dialup and the antenna for a longer-distance connection to the Mac? I don't need dialup and I live in a small apartment, so I don't think I need a lot of range.

Antenna is to extend the range of the base station. If you live in a small apartment, that should be no problem, so maybe the AEBS sans modem and antenna port should be the one you get.
The modem is for people who use dialup, or PPP stuff. IF you dont know what that is, dont get the one with the modem

 

[goonie]

Ah, it makes so much more sense now! I'm so stoked. Thanks, ubergeek!

 

[janey]

Ah, it makes so much more sense now! I'm so stoked. Thanks, ubergeek!

no prob
enjoy being a mac user