wireless networking

[tzhuge]

Hi,

I'm new... and I haven't touched a Mac since like junior high. My new iBook is showing up in a few days. YA! This is going to be my first Apple computer, my first laptop and the first time I need a wireless network at home.

So, now I need to figure out how to set up this wireless network. Right now, I have a 4 systems wired to a router. I don't plan on making any of them wireless... since I like the speed and the blue CAT5s make for a nice techy decor. Basically, I just want to add a wireless access point to this current setup so that I can walk around the house with the iBook connected to the network and not leave a path of destruction behind.

It seems like the Airport Express would suit my needs but I'm not quite sure how it should be wired up. Do I connect it to the 'uplink' port on my router? Will that allow the DHCP on my router to pick up wireless clients?

Or... am I better off just getting a wireless routers with a bunch of ethernet ports? Maybe I'm better off getting a really cheap wireless router from some other company instead of the Airport Express (which seems a bit pricey... my broadband modem and stereo are like at opposite coners of the house so I'm not going to make use of the music streaming unless I get a Airport Express + some other wireless thingy).

Ooo... I'm starting to ramble... lalala

 

[mad jew]

If you're not going to use AirTunes, look into a cheaper wireless router such as one from Linksys. You'll get extra ethernet ports plus a cheaper price.

If you want to keep your original router for the current computers, then connect the wireless router to the same port you would connect a fifth computer to.

 

[DeSnousa]

If your a novice and got the money, I believe an Airport Express is great and very user friendly in installing. Well IMO any way

 

[mad jew]

DeSnousa's right, the Express is very user friendly/easy to set up. I have two connected using WDS and no problems.

It's just that the alternatives can be much cheaper.

 

[dallasuo]

If you are on a budget then I say go with a regular wireless router. Your ibook will connect seamlessly right out of the box and setting up a network with windows pcs is easy also. I believe there is a sticky on the Mac OS X forum.