Sorry if this question seems idiotic - newbie learning all the time! I have a PC with both a Wireless Card and a seperate LAN adaptor installed. I currently connect to BT Broadband via a Speedtouch modem which is plugged into the PC via a USB port. I also have a Laptop which I would like to network with the PC and share the Internet connection.

1. Can I do this wirelessly - can I use my original modem and if not what additional kit would I need?

2. Could I use a cable connection? - I already have a LAN adaptor for the Laptop? Ditto additional kit.

I would like to try both methods. Looking forward to learning!

Simpson

You will need a wireless access point or router, that would connect to the modem via cat 5 cable. What I have is a Lyksys 4 port router with a built in wireless access point. Click HERE to see the one I decided on, I've had it for well over a year and haven't had any problems.

Sounds like the ADSL modem you have there is USB only and not ethernet. If that is the case then it will not plug straight into a router such as the one Bear suggests. You'll need specifically a Router/ADSL modem combined with a Wireless Access Point built in. These are generally known as "Wireless ADSL routers" as opposed to "Wireless Broadband Routers". It will make your USB ADSL modem of no use to you but I guess you have to give that back if ever you terminate your contract with BT and move to a cheaper and better provider of ADSL so your new wireless router will always be yours.

A decent four port ADSL router such as this: http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=62234 will allow you to connect both by wired ethernet and wireless. If you want to transfer large files between PCs invest in kit of the 802.11g standard or else 802.11b such as what I have suggested will be plenty fast enough for Internet sharing.

Many thanks for the info. Is it possible for the connection from the Wireless ADSL Router to the "Master PC" to be wireless also? Could you check your hyperlink as it doesn't appear to work for me.

Simpson

Hmmm, link works just fine for me.

To answer your question, as soon as you put a router in place you no onger have a concept of a "master" PC. The router is the master. And you can connect any number of PCs (well 255) in any way you want so yes it can be wireless. I know plenty of people who put a wireless router discreetly plugged into their phone lines and all the PCs are wireless around the house. You eill need ot connect it up via an ethernet cable initially to set it up though, but once that's done there is no reason why everything cannot be wireless.