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Home network set up

My client has got a Virgin Boadband. He has two desktop computers in the front room and this is also where the Virgin modem is. Then there are two wireless squeeze bozes in the back room and a laptop. I am lookin for the best solution to run all devices on the same network.
I have bought N range wireless router , devolo homeplugs, and a network switch.
If I run a wireless router the signal at the back is quite week. The laptop does have N range wireless card , which I installed at the same time.
I tried to put the router in the middle of the floor using homeplugs but then I could not figure out how to connect the two desktops in the front room.
I am having a bit of a problem with the set up , hence I need your advice. I was thinking of installing two wireless card on the desktops but one of them has got Windows2000.
I could not find the compatiable card + I am not sure about the signal strength.

I appreciate all your comments.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

augwest

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Remap

ASKER

My client had the extenders I was not quite happy about their performance. I recommended the set up for him without the extenders involving N range. For some strange reason it does not perform as N range. If the laptop is 5 m away from a router then you can not browse.

Zoooink

Check your adapter settings on the laptop, perhaps it is not using N range by default, most laptop cards default to b&g also check the settings on your router. How many rooms away is the back room? If it is the next room, there may be something in the walls absorbing the signal.

Remap

ASKER

The N range is enabled on the laptop. Well, there is a short hallway 3m, then you enter a kitchen area which is also a back room, kind of 2 in 1. I thought about walls problem. The customer has got a squeezebox server on one of the desktop computer. I tried to set up two networks on 2 different subnet but then the squeezeboxes are on different than the desktop PC and can not connect to the server.

I would appreciate more comments

Zoooink

I would suggest trying to place the router in the hallway, equal distance from the front room and the back room. Netgear wireless dongle should support win2k

Remap

ASKER

Customer want a router in a particular place and having 2 more dongles it would be just to much of wireless in the house. I have come up with the solution to get involve a switch and homeplugs.

Many thanks for all you comments

Remap

ASKER

Thanks for helping