Help me network my office...

[mddharma]

I am getting ready to network a 2 person (will grow to 4 in the future) office. What we need to set up is cable internet modem, Hp 2640 all-in-one laserjet, and two powerbooks. One titanium - with no wireless capebilities, and a new 12" powerbook that has all wireless. What is the best way, or and what are our options?

Thanks in advance!

Jerry

 

[Lacero]

All you need is a wireless router such as the Linksys WRTG45. It has four Ethernet 10/100 ports and connects to a cable or DSL modem.

That's all you'll need, plus CAT5 cables.

Here's to the Crazy Ones ​

 

[Les Kern]

I'd suggest a wireless router like the Linksys or D-link (I've had both, and they are comparable in funtion and reliability) with 4 ports on the back (for the future). Then pick up an Airport card for the Titanium.Forget the Ethernet cords for now except for the printer, which I assume has network capabilities. If not, keep it close to the iBook and share it. The iBook has an Extreme card in it?

 

[dops7107]

RE: LaserJet - if it's networkable then plugging it in to the router is ideal to avoid any sharing issues, but I guess on a small network you could happily get away with it being plugged into one of the notebooks via USB and shared.

EDIT: ah, beaten to it I see...

 

[mddharma]

Will a d-link ethernet 8 port ethernet switch work? What does anyone know of using one? Do they make them wireless and wired as well?

 

[stevep]

I would get a usb print server like the Netgear PS101 Mini Print Server, or if you want wireless, the Belkin 802.11g Wireless USB Print Server. That way it wouldn't matter if someone wanted to take the laptop out of the office. I would also run some Cat5 around the office, with plenty of outlets (at least twice as many as you have computers. Wireless is fine and very convenient, but ethernet is quicker, cheaper and more reliable.

 

[mddharma]

Thanks...

Just wanted to say thanks for all the responses. I ended up just buying a D-Link DI-524 wireless router. My 12" powerbook now connects wirelessly to the internet, as well as prints to my HP 2840 laser printer wirelessly. In addition, I ran a hard cable to the 15" titanium and it is networked now, so it hooks up the the internet and the printer. All in all, very easy. Now, all I have to do is network the computers to run our Now up to Date and Contact database and I will be complete. At least with this setup.