I've been contemplating wireless connections to link both my laptop which i use in the lounge, and my main PC in the bedroom. It would mean iwouldnt have to worry over unplugging one to conect the other and could reduce the cables running around the flat. With wireless standards it seems there getting faster and longer ranges but as i'm on a 2nd floor flat i'd be broadcasting to the whole neighbourhood, and i'm not convinced that the encryption levels are fool proof. Ive seen better antennas to boost range but is there any way of reducing the range to say, 5 to 10m? The rooms i'd want it in are right next to each other and the walls are only plasterboard so i dont think the it would naturally be blocked.

Security shouldn't be a problem if you get a router with WPA and search online or follow the manufacturers guide for setting it up.

I'm not really practically up on wireless stuff but have studied the technology for work - I'm sure someone with practical experience will be along soon.

I have got a k-lite klg575 router and pcmcia laptop nic for sale

I got a linksys router and used it for a wireless network:(

IMHO it was a very big and overpriced mistake ( that mean i think its a load of crap) signal forever dropping out and an absolute sod to get back on again - if anyone walks between router and pc .... it disconnected - wasted hours trying to get it running well .... and thats before i tried running the encryption :eek: it was even worse with that on

I have now shut the wireless part down and run wires through the house ....would have been cheaper to have done that in the first place

never again

OTOH I've been using wireless for years ... only just upgraded to 54M as my old kit was still working fine (Netgear stuff).

As far as security is concerned change the SSID, hide the ssid use WEP/WPA(if your kit has it), and use MAC access controls.