Wireless portable Internet from my wired connection

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deadman_uk

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Jun 30, 2003
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I have a 10mb Cable connection running from my NTL modem to my PC via Ethernet cable. Say I purchased a portable device such as a Nokia N810 tablet and wanted that device to have wireless Internet access, how can this be done using my existing wired connection? Is this possible? If so how, and is it cheap to do?

Thanks for any help
 
um... uh... youre either asking if you can get a wireless signal from a wired-only network, or you are asking what decent wireless router you can buy on the cheap... i think...
 
spacetrader, my Internet does not have a router so forgive my lack of knowledge but would a wireless router be the only way I can broadcast a wireless signal to my portable device? With the Nintendo DS, you can connect it to your wired connection via a USB Wireless Dongle, I was hoping the same could be applied here?

Yes, I am asking how I can get a wireless signal from my wired only connection
 
Your best bet for decent coverage and performance, not to mention the ability to use the wireless internet when your PC is turned off, is to pick up a wireless router. Instead of plugging your modem directly into your PC like you have now, you would plug the modem into the WAN port on your wireless router and plug your PC into the LAN port.

Then setup wireless and secure it with WPA or WPA2, whichever your devices will support.

Probably something like the DIR-628 or WRT160 would be plenty for your setup but I wouldn't go much lower in price as things often start to get a bit sketchy. The DIR-615 is decent for a smaller setup but the extra $20 for the DIR-628 gets your a lot more performance and capabilities.
 
Orinthical said:
Your best bet for decent coverage and performance, not to mention the ability to use the wireless internet when your PC is turned off, is to pick up a wireless router. Instead of plugging your modem directly into your PC like you have now, you would plug the modem into the WAN port on your wireless router and plug your PC into the LAN port.

Then setup wireless and secure it with WPA or WPA2, whichever your devices will support.

Probably something like the DIR-628 or WRT160 would be plenty for your setup but I wouldn't go much lower in price as things often start to get a bit sketchy. The DIR-615 is decent for a smaller setup but the extra $20 for the DIR-628 gets your a lot more performance and capabilities.
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This seems like a very expensive way for such a small task. I already have to folk out the money to buy my mobile device which I don't have, and also need to buy a new, replacement graphics card, I really have no money to buy a wireless routher, especially a decent one like the DIR-628 which is between £60 to £80!

I have to say, if I had a wireless router, it would give my Nintendo DS internet access which would be great and as you said, I would have Internet access without the need to turn the computer on. The cost is just too great at the moment.

What about this USB wireless dongle I was talking about?
 
If you would add a USB wifi adapter to your PC (or any wifi adapter for that matter), you could use your PC to share the internet. In XP, it was called Internet connection sharing - setup guide - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306126. I'm assuming Vista would have something similar. Linux would do this too, but I wouldn't know what to tell you (assuming your not on linux anyway)

That said - a router would be a MUCH better choice.
1 - security - right now your PC is hooked directly to the internet - you have practically no protection against viruses and hackers - How much do you trust your firewall? When you have a router, attacks coming from the internet genearly won't get sent to your machine - they'll get blocked at the router.
2 - reliability - if your computer goes to sleep, reboots, or gets shut off, you will loose your internet connection until it is back up and running. My current router (a linksys wrt-54g), has been up and running for about 3 months without any problems, crashes, or reboots.
3 - not that expensive... in the US, I can get a router for about $20 USD on a regular basis if I watch sales papers. Even without a sale, $40 is easily attainable. I'd probably spend at least $15-30 dollars for a wifi adapter for my computer.... for the cost difference, it makes much more sense to just buy a router.
 
I practically have no protection from viruses? How is that so? I have been on the Internet since 2001, and my virus protection has protected me everytime. I don't understand. About the firewall, again, no hackers have attempted or tried to control my PC so my firewall must be ok. I believe I have suitable security for a home computer.

It may not be expensive in the US but in the UK, we have something called VAT which is tax added onto the final cost. Also without that tax, we still usually pay more than US customers. About reliability, if my PC crashes then I simply reboot and I have my internet connection back, I don't see the problem there.

I will look into a wireless router but money is going to be a problem. I will forget the idea of a USB adapter for the moment, but thanks for the Internet Connection Sharing link.
 
plugging directly into the modem is liking having sex with a hooker and choosing not to wear condoms.
 
Rampage1329 said:
plugging directly into the modem is liking having sex with a hooker and choosing not to wear condoms.
Click to expand...

I will say again, I have had the Internet since 2001 and never had any security problems at all, nor have I had a router, so that statement is not true. I'm sure I would be safer with a router but I believe my protection is suitable for home use. What about these drive by hackers who tap into wireless networks? How am I protected from that threat?
 
deadman_uk said:
I will say again, I have had the Internet since 2001 and never had any security problems at all, nor have I had a router, so that statement is not true. I'm sure I would be safer with a router but I believe my protection is suitable for home use. What about these drive by hackers who tap into wireless networks? How am I protected from that threat?
Click to expand...

I've had sex 1000 times without a condom with everyone I come across and have never caught an STD.

That means from my experience, 100% of the time, I am safe. I think that is safe enough for my use, being that I'm a home user.

Does this sound sarcastic and patronizing? Well it should. You are asking for advice on how to do something right and that you're on a budget. Fine. But there are certain practices that are accepted as accepted practices for a reason. And some of the questions you're asking simply REQUIRE certain hardware that you must buy. You don't need to get expensive high end hardware, just anything that matches certain categories.

REQUIRED:

"Say I purchased a portable device such as a Nokia N810 tablet and wanted that device to have wireless Internet access, how can this be done using my existing wired connection?"

You're going to need to send out a wireless signal. That means you are REQUIRED to purchase a wireless router in order to make this work. Sure, you could buy a wireless NIC for your computer and do internet connection sharing...but the cost savings of doing that over a cheap wireless router is minimal plus you don't get to do the NAT'ing on the router which gives you a safety buffer from the internet.

So if you're low on funds and don't have a wireless card on your computer, you're going to have buy either a wireless NIC or a wireless Router. Buy the router, it will make everything work better and easier.

"With the Nintendo DS, you can connect it to your wired connection via a USB Wireless Dongle"

This makes no sense. Why would you connect to a wired network with a wireless dongle? Not only that, but the DS has an 802.11b wireless card built into it. The USB wireless dongle is just to get a more modern wireless implimentation.

If you want wireless, you need wireless devices. People are giving you recommendations and you are shooting them down thinking there must be a cheaper way. No, there's really not.

...I'm having a rough day...don't take this too personally.
 
Asgorath said:
I've had sex 1000 times without a condom with everyone I come across and have never caught an STD.
That means from my experience, 100% of the time, I am safe. I think that is safe enough for my use, being that I'm a home user.

Does this sound sarcastic and patronizing? Well it should.
Click to expand...

I never claimed 100% of the time I will be safe from Internet threats and I never said the past 8 years of my Internet experience counts as 100% of anything. Having unprotected sex offers NO protection what so ever from STD and it is unfair to compare this to my computer because my computer has moderate protection against a lot of common online threats.

If a user really wanted to get into my PC they would, but then again, if they really want to get into a bank or business, they would too... it depends how skilled and how much they want it. I'm sure a team of Russian hackers (doesn't have to be Russian, just using them as an example) could get into most networked computers if they had the time and need. A good example are the spies that breeched the US power grid recently.Why don't I go all the way and purchase thousands of pounds worth of security? Why not have enough security for a medium/large sized business? No one expects me too because that's too much security, it's over the top and unrealistic for the average home user to do that.

I am not saying getting a router is a bad idea, it's a fantastic way to achieve what I am requiring and at the same time giving me other benefits such as increased security, however, I believe I have suitable protection from the average threats found on the Internet. I have anti virus, anti spyware software and a good but basic software firewall. This has kept me safe all my online life so please see it from my point of view. I am certainly much better protected than a lot of other users who have no security in place (like your no condom/STD reference)


Asgorath said:
"With the Nintendo DS, you can connect it to your wired connection via a USB Wireless Dongle"

This makes no sense. Why would you connect to a wired network with a wireless dongle? Not only that, but the DS has an 802.11b wireless card built into it. The USB wireless dongle is just to get a more modern wireless implimentation.

If you want wireless, you need wireless devices.
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According to the below website, if you have a wired connection, you can use this dongle and your DS to piggyback off your Internet. I was hoping to do the same in the case of a Nokia N810 or similar device.

http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/665/665128p1.html

IGN said:
Of course, to access this online network, you need to have a local wireless connection to the internet. If you have a broadband connection, all it takes is a purchase of a wireless 802.11b-compatible router, as the Nintendo DS system is compatible with most of them on the market.

But you might not ready to take the plunge on a wireless router, which requires a bit of tweaking and a bit of technical know-how to get working properly. That's where Nintendo's Wi-Fi USB Connector comes into play. This simple thumb drive-sized device plugs into any USB port of your PC, what it does is allow for your Nintendo DS to piggyback onto the broadband connection that your PC is currently using.

- http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/665/665128p1.html
Click to expand...

Asgorath said:
People are giving you recommendations and you are shooting them down thinking there must be a cheaper way. No, there's really not.

...I'm having a rough day...don't take this too personally.
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I am not shooting them down, I never said any of them was a bad idea, I really think they are good ideas, but at the moment, money is tight, and I need to purchase other things first. No one has dismissed my USB dongle idea yet, which is why I am still trying to pursue it. If it doesn't work out, I will look into wireless routers. I don't take your comment personally at all, in fact, I am glad you spoke your mind.
 
The Nintendo DS has built in WiFi . That dongle is just for the newer standards.

But it still has to go into a wireless network..which you don't have....but a wireless router would get you there. AND wireless routers can be had for cheap.

Go check out craigslist for a used one if you're on a TIGHT budget.
 
Asgorath said:
The Nintendo DS has built in WiFi . That dongle is just for the newer standards.

But it still has to go into a wireless network..which you don't have....but a wireless router would get you there. AND wireless routers can be had for cheap.

Go check out craigslist for a used one if you're on a TIGHT budget.
Click to expand...

The DS has built in Wi-Fi and so will my new portable device when I get it. I don't understand what you are trying to say. IGN specifically said the DS will work with your current broadband connection if you do not have a wireless router, but you say this is not true? I bet if I do a Google search, I would find other sites backing up what IGN stated.

A wireless router is something I would like to purchase if members like yourself could assist me in setting it up. I also never had an answer to my question about drive by hackers, who gain access to unprotected wireless networks. Something a wired connection like my own (which you state offers as much protection as unprotected sex) protects me against.
 
deadman_uk said:
The DS has built in Wi-Fi and so will my new portable device when I get it. I don't understand what you are trying to say. IGN specifically said the DS will work with your current broadband connection if you do not have a wireless router, but you say this is not true? I bet if I do a Google search, I would find other sites backing up what IGN stated.
Click to expand...

http://ds.ign.com/dsi/getting-online.html

From the horse's mouth...

IGN said:
To connect your Nintendo DSi to the Internet, your system will need to be in a Wi-Fi capable “hotspot.” If you have broadband at home, you’ll need to set up a wireless router with a network name and a password.
Click to expand...
 
Keiichi said:
http://ds.ign.com/dsi/getting-online.html

From the horse's mouth...
Click to expand...

Also from the horse's mouth:

If you have a Windows-compatible computer, you can purchase a Nintendo Wi-Fi connector that installs into a USB port. This device shares the Internet connection with your Nintendo DS wirelessly and makes setup a breeze: simply tap the “Wi-Fi Connector” button and follow the directions on your PC.
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Plus the IGN text I quoted earlier saying the USB dongle is an alternative to those who don't have wireless routers...

If the only way to connect a DS online is via a wireless router than what is the purpose of the DS USB dongle?
 
Ok. You can buy the WiFi connector.

Basically, it's just a USB wireless Card for your PC. Then it uses essentially internet connection sharing to use your computer as the router. The DS then connects through that.

Ok. Cool. Now you have a computer acting as a mediocre router. Cool.

You can do it that way. How much is a cheap wireless router and how much is that USB dongle?

Ok ok ....your way will work. But you won't get anyone on here to recommend that solution over any old wireless router. So if you're looking for validation, tough luck.

If you're looking to save a few bucks. Go buy the nintendo adapter if it's cheap.

But honestly. Save up a few pounds and buy a router. Or not. .... I need a beer. Maybe I'll buy a few beers. That'll be the difference between a cheap router and that dongle.
 
That dongle is probably made specific to the DSi and most likely would not work with anything else (not that nintendo would support anything other than a DSi.) If you really really wanted to you could get a wireless USB NIC setup ICS share out the wireless USB nic and connect it to your nokia. Way more trouble than it's worth.

Here's what one looks like:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...work+-+Wireless+Adapters-_-Linksys-_-33124280
 
Asgorath said:
Ok. You can buy the WiFi connector.

Basically, it's just a USB wireless Card for your PC. Then it uses essentially internet connection sharing to use your computer as the router. The DS then connects through that.

Ok. Cool. Now you have a computer acting as a mediocre router. Cool.

You can do it that way. How much is a cheap wireless router and how much is that USB dongle?

Ok ok ....your way will work. But you won't get anyone on here to recommend that solution over any old wireless router. So if you're looking for validation, tough luck.

If you're looking to save a few bucks. Go buy the nintendo adapter if it's cheap.

But honestly. Save up a few pounds and buy a router. Or not. .... I need a beer. Maybe I'll buy a few beers. That'll be the difference between a cheap router and that dongle.
Click to expand...

Keiichi said:
That dongle is probably made specific to the DSi and most likely would not work with anything else (not that nintendo would support anything other than a DSi.) If you really really wanted to you could get a wireless USB NIC setup ICS share out the wireless USB nic and connect it to your nokia. Way more trouble than it's worth.

Here's what one looks like:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...work+-+Wireless+Adapters-_-Linksys-_-33124280
Click to expand...

The Nintendo USB Dongle was just an example of how one might connect a wireless device like a Nintendo DS to a wired connection wirelessly. The Nintendo specific Dongle is only for DS and DSi and will probably not work with a Noka N810, however, I can purchase a standard USB dongle for as little as £1 ($0.50) on eBay. £1 compared to a £70 router? You can see why I wanted to explore other routes first...

After all this, I still have interest in getting a wireless router if guys here can help me set it up. When I have the money, I will likely purchase one over a USB NIC which is more trouble than it's worth.
 
Not bad.

Modern costs money. It's 54g, which is average. The model is pretty reliable
 
The DI-524 is about as outdated as a WRT54G except only half as useful; at least with the WRT54G you can squeeze a little more life out of the hardware with DD-WRT or Tomato. Will it do what you need? Certainly.

This DIR-624 would be a better investment. Or this WRT54GS...

Ultimately all of these will do what you want it to but none of the ones off of ebay that have been suggested thus far are as good as the DIR-628 or WRT160N.
 
I only got to the point where you tried to say you didn't want to get a wireless router and thats when I stopped reading. Get one.. like 99% of the rest of the world....... and be done with it. Problem solved.

You can get a more then adequate WRT54G (the workhorse of WiFi routers) for $20-$30 on ebay.
 
Thanks for the ebay links, look good, I will keep on watch. Now what can a good £50-£80 wireless router do that those £20 ebay links cannot? (I am talking about the WRT54GS and DIR-624).
 
Hold a connection. Drop less packets. Greater signal strength.

You really have no idea what you're doing do you? Do you have any friends who have set up a wireless network? I highly suggest you employ some help.
 
deadman_uk said:
Thanks for the ebay links, look good, I will keep on watch. Now what can a good £50-£80 wireless router do that those £20 ebay links cannot? (I am talking about the WRT54GS and DIR-624).
Click to expand...

In addition to Protoform-X's facts, those more expensive routers can stand up to heavier usage (like torrents or gaming while web browsing), QoS options (lets you set what packets get a priority like gaming or web browsing packets over torrents), greater uptime (meaning they don't require a reset as often), generally better quality, greater LAN transfer speeds, etc.

As for setting up a router, just read the included router manual and you'll be fine. Do note that you will need to buy that Wireless Dongle for your DS since the DS does not support the newer wireless security standards like WPA and WPA2. Those standards just happen to be the most recommended security settings for wireless networks. The security standard that the DS and older generation wireless devices uses, called WEP, can be cracked in a few minutes.
 
Protoform-X said:
Hold a connection. Drop less packets. Greater signal strength.

You really have no idea what you're doing do you? Do you have any friends who have set up a wireless network? I highly suggest you employ some help.
Click to expand...

Of course not, and why would I? I came here asking for help in an area I know very little about, and then was told a wireless router is an option I can use. Why would I know about this? I find it strange that I have this lack of knowledge, yet proved the USB dongle theory works, after being told many times it does not.

No, I have no friends who could help me. I wish I could go back in time, find you when you was new to wireless and say "You really have no idea do you". :p

Danny Bui said:
In addition to Protoform-X's facts, those more expensive routers can stand up to heavier usage (like torrents or gaming while web browsing), QoS options (lets you set what packets get a priority like gaming or web browsing packets over torrents), greater uptime (meaning they don't require a reset as often), generally better quality, greater LAN transfer speeds, etc.
Click to expand...

I game online alot, and I download torrents even more. I often minimise and web browse too in the background. Are the 2 routers on eBay that were listed not suitable for me now I said that? If so, I will look into buying a more modern, better router.

Danny Bui said:
As for setting up a router, just read the included router manual and you'll be fine. Do note that you will need to buy that Wireless Dongle for your DS since the DS does not support the newer wireless security standards like WPA and WPA2. Those standards just happen to be the most recommended security settings for wireless networks. The security standard that the DS and older generation wireless devices uses, called WEP, can be cracked in a few minutes.
Click to expand...

I understand the DS uses WEP, but what about the DSi? Doesn't that use newer technology like WPA?
 
Wikipedia said:
The original DS and DS Lite did not support the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption for wireless networks.[54] The DSi supports WPA, but WPA and WPA2 support is not available with original DS games.
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I am an extremely heavy torrent user and I also play online games. I have a WRT54G w/ Tomato Firmware and it has been rocksolid for me. I use it with a 20/5 connection from FiOS.
 
Criccio, is the WRT54G the same as the WRT54S? The Linksys WRT54GS supports WPA2 which is good, as I have this router on watch on eBay. What is Tomato Firmware? It is not using the original Linksys firmware? Can you also tell me what you mean by 20/5 connection from FiOS? Do you mean you have 20megabit/sec download and 5megabit upload?

Also you answered my DSi question, thanks!
 
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deadman_uk said:
Criccio, is the WRT54G the same as the WRT54S? The Linksys WRT54GS supports WPA2 which is good, as I have this router on watch on eBay. What is Tomato Firmware? It is not using the original Linksys firmware? Can you also tell me what you mean by 20/5 connection from FiOS? Do you mean you have 20megabit/sec download and 5megabit upload?

Also you answered my DSi question, thanks!
Click to expand...

Its a modified 3rd party firmware. Seems a little advanced for your needs, and he is describing his internet connection.
 
All the different WRT54G series routers: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series

The WRT54GS is a good router, but with Tomato, even the regular WRT54G supports up to WPA2. Tomato is a 3rd party firmware that makes the router faster and more stable then with the stock Linksys firmware. Its as easy to install as logging into the routers web interface, clicking "upgrade", selecting the firmware file on your computer and hitting OK. Once the router reboots you have a new interface. With Tomato, the interface is very simple. We'll cross that road when you get there.

Yes, 20/5 means my intenet speed is 20Mbits down and 5 up.
 
I was told in another thread that I won't be able to have WPA2 unless my onboard ethernet card is WPA2, is this true? I don't want to go wireless if I am not protected from drive by hackers.
 
That is not true at all... lol

WPA and WPA2 are wireless encryption schemes, they have nothing to do with your wired NIC's.
 
This whole subject is not that complicated.

Buy a router. They're cheap. They're reliable.

If you are a heavy torrent'er, but a good router. There is an entire thread at the beginning of this forum talking about router recommendations. Read through that for an opinion.

Don't use Internet connection sharing as a permanent setup. It's nice for what it is, but it's filled with caveats and gotchas for long term use.

Set your network up with WPA or WPA2...Make sure all your devices can support whatever standard you pick. If they need a USB dongle to support that...Then use the dongle.

All in all, you're adding features to your network and it costs money. We're handing out good advice here, not just trying to take the easy way out and cost you extra money. Buy the router and be happy.
 
I think we are past that Asgorath. Read the thread, at least the last couple posts.
 
criccio said:
I think we are past that Asgorath. Read the thread, at least the last couple posts.
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I know. I shouldn't even be posting in this thread. At this point it's just a screaming case of, read the stickies! And I've never been a forum user to scream that at people. Go check the parallel thread going on right now about some guy who is using screw down surface mount jacks for data wiring. People gave advice and then he gets pissed that people are telling him he should be doing it a different way. I dunno, just starting to feel like people expect the help instead of asking for help and being grateful that industry professionals are willing to help.
 
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