charles_reed
Well-Known Member
For a laptop
without built-in wi-fi, get a PCMCIA wi-fi card or (slightly less effective) a USB receiver.
without built-in wi-fi, get a PCMCIA wi-fi card or (slightly less effective) a USB receiver.
WIFI boosting- wireless router?
- Thread starter Carolwildbird
- Start date
charles_reed
Well-Known Member
I find
the obsession with wi-fi, prevalent on these boards, interesting.
There are no wi-fi boosters that claim the ability to drag in a signal more than 100-150 metres away on a clear line-of-sight.
Add to that that the charges usually made in most marinas for access and the whole business makes little technical or economic sense.
Far more feasible is to use either EDGE or HDSPA data transfer over the cellular network.
Even in the UK, with its predatory pricing of data transmission, you could purchase several Gb of download for the purchase price of one of these toys.
I use a standard cellphone, admittedly it's only EDGE capable, but where there's 3G cover it gives me download speeds at x10 an old-fashioned analogue modem. Having struggled with the spastic connection of most public wi-fi systems, a good cellular connection is reassuringly stable and consistent.
However, my boat is not in any location with me on board, for more than about 5 weeks at a time; I'm not sailing in the UK, I'm generally at anchor and I'm not impressed by technobabble, having been in IT since the 1980's.
To give some instances:- T-Mobile in Croatia were giving me, on a PAYG SIM, 5Gb of data for €0.15/Gb. TIM in Italy gave me 40hrs data for €4 (I had to pay for the connection time as well, 1000' for €20). One varies between 3.5G (HDSPA) locally to cities at 4.8-6.8Mbits to through 3G (EDGE) most places to 2.5G at 14000Kb in the sticks.
With the apparent demise of Wi-Max, I suspect the cellular providers, having been conned by governments into overpaying for the 3G spectrum, will be making real efforts to convert capacity to revenue. Even in the price-constipated UK we can see this happening.
PS Piggy-backing on a private wi-fi is, in UK, against the law. So far there have been only about 5 prosecutions, all of which have been successful. Mind you, like driving licences and isurance you have to be pulled in....
the obsession with wi-fi, prevalent on these boards, interesting.
There are no wi-fi boosters that claim the ability to drag in a signal more than 100-150 metres away on a clear line-of-sight.
Add to that that the charges usually made in most marinas for access and the whole business makes little technical or economic sense.
Far more feasible is to use either EDGE or HDSPA data transfer over the cellular network.
Even in the UK, with its predatory pricing of data transmission, you could purchase several Gb of download for the purchase price of one of these toys.
I use a standard cellphone, admittedly it's only EDGE capable, but where there's 3G cover it gives me download speeds at x10 an old-fashioned analogue modem. Having struggled with the spastic connection of most public wi-fi systems, a good cellular connection is reassuringly stable and consistent.
However, my boat is not in any location with me on board, for more than about 5 weeks at a time; I'm not sailing in the UK, I'm generally at anchor and I'm not impressed by technobabble, having been in IT since the 1980's.
To give some instances:- T-Mobile in Croatia were giving me, on a PAYG SIM, 5Gb of data for €0.15/Gb. TIM in Italy gave me 40hrs data for €4 (I had to pay for the connection time as well, 1000' for €20). One varies between 3.5G (HDSPA) locally to cities at 4.8-6.8Mbits to through 3G (EDGE) most places to 2.5G at 14000Kb in the sticks.
With the apparent demise of Wi-Max, I suspect the cellular providers, having been conned by governments into overpaying for the 3G spectrum, will be making real efforts to convert capacity to revenue. Even in the price-constipated UK we can see this happening.
PS Piggy-backing on a private wi-fi is, in UK, against the law. So far there have been only about 5 prosecutions, all of which have been successful. Mind you, like driving licences and isurance you have to be pulled in....
A
Anonymous
Guest
Re: I find
I've used perfectly legal WiFi all winter long since 2004. We paid until this year; Constellation Nautica in Fiumicino provide free WiFi (WEP protected but included in the berthing fees). Yes, I have mobile phone dongles and PCMCI adaptors and sim cards for when we travel but WiFi is definitely the preferred solution when facilities exist. No contest.
I've used perfectly legal WiFi all winter long since 2004. We paid until this year; Constellation Nautica in Fiumicino provide free WiFi (WEP protected but included in the berthing fees). Yes, I have mobile phone dongles and PCMCI adaptors and sim cards for when we travel but WiFi is definitely the preferred solution when facilities exist. No contest.
Cantata
Well-Known Member
Re: I find
[ QUOTE ]
.........There are no wi-fi boosters that claim the ability to drag in a signal more than 100-150 metres away on a clear line-of-sight.......
[/ QUOTE ]
I have tested my Hawking thingie (see earlier in the thread) and established a clear and usable link in line of sight at over 300m.
[ QUOTE ]
.........There are no wi-fi boosters that claim the ability to drag in a signal more than 100-150 metres away on a clear line-of-sight.......
[/ QUOTE ]
I have tested my Hawking thingie (see earlier in the thread) and established a clear and usable link in line of sight at over 300m.
MacMan
Well-Known Member
Re: I find
[ QUOTE ]
There are no wi-fi boosters that claim the ability to drag in a signal more than 100-150 metres away on a clear line-of-sight.
[/ QUOTE ]
I don't know about the claims - all I can report is my experience.
Using the Repeatit I have on more than one occasion in real life (i.e at Anchor on a boat) got a useable signal over 300m of water - the signal I was picking up must have been at least that far away unless someone has installed something on the sea bed.
Repeatit is directional but unless being spun round in fluky wind/tide conditions is perfectly useable.
But we had a 3G card as well. On several occasions at anchor there was no 3G signal - on some of these occasions we found a useful WiFi signal.
All of this applies to where we cruise - see blog below for more detail - if you are in a different part of the world you may well of course have a different experience.
Using someone else’s WiFi is of course illegal (in the UK) and I of course could not condone or recommend such behavior. I do wonder how the conversation would go though ...
Caller: "Hello, is that Fuddlingtonshire Police?"
Plod: "Yes Sir, Is there a crime in progress that you wish to report?
Caller: "Yes I would like to report a transgression of the 2003 Communications Act and possibly unauthorized access to computer material that is summary offense under Section 1 of the 1990 Computer Misuse Act"
Plod "Er wot? Sir"
Caller "Someone is stealing Wifi"
Plod "Ah now I understand the gravity of the situation Sir"
(Overhead calling to colleagues in the background "Fred - stop all work on that Rape case, Bill I know you were going to raid that Crack house in Fuddlington high street this afternoon but something has come up. Bring the Cortina round the front)
Plod "So what is the address of the person whose Wifi is being stolen"
Caller "I don't know, I can just see an Antenna that must be picking up something"
Plod "So the person whose Wifi that is being stolen hasn't complained to you ?"
Caller "No, they are probably out and don't even know the crime is taking place"
Plod "Right so we don't actually know who it is being stolen from. What about who is doing the stealing. What is their address ?
Caller "They don't have one"
Plod "Wot ? Are you trying to wind me up Sonny?"
Caller "No it's on a boat you see, anchored out in Big Bay"
Plod "Right I see. What does this boat look like"
Caller "It's got a mast and a white hull"
Plod "Look Sonny I am warning you, one more of these and the boys will be round to inspect the tread on your tyres ...”
Caller "No I am serious officer"
Plod ”OK. How many boats are there in Big Bay with masts and white hulls ?"
Caller "Er about 30 BUT this one is on a bearing of 034 degrees taken from the bus stop in Fisherman’s lane - about 300m out"
Plod "Right that's it we have him banged to rights, we'll get the Blues and Twos going on the Cortina....Once we have phoned up Division and asked if he can borrow their Rib - we don't have one in Fuddlington you see. And of course we are not trained for Maritime operations so there will have to be a Risk Assessment but once we have the Rib, the trained maritime staff and the assessment complete his collar is as good as felt. Oh and there isn't a tow bar on the Cortina either but we will get one fitted."
Caller "I am relieved to hear that"
Plod "Can I just ask a question can you actually see the Antenna being used. Do you actually know a signal is being stolen"
Caller "Well no I can't actually see someone inside the yacht actually using it. I suppose I couldn't sit there in court and testify to that"
Plod "OK Sir but considering the gravity we will of course investigate anyway. One more question. If the Yacht is out in Big Bay how come you noticed the Antenna ?”
Caller "Ah well as part of being a responsible citizen I sweep the Bay on the hour with my Binos to look for any potential infringements of the 2003 Communications Act"
Plod" I see - don't get our much do you Sir?"
Caller" It is difficult to fit in a social life with the hourly sweep you see..."
Plod "Yes of course Sir I understand. Just let me confirm the facts of this case. You want us to investigate someone on a yacht (in the bay on a bearing of 034 degrees taken from the bus stop in Fisherman’s lane - about 300m out with a white hull) who may, if the device is switched on which you can’t see, be stealing a signal from someone whose identity and location you do not know.
Caller “Yes”
Plod “Well thank you for your report we will get on to this as a top priority.”
(Puts phone down)
Plod "Fred, put the kettle on will you - I fancy a brew..."
I think I got a bit carried away with this ! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
[ QUOTE ]
There are no wi-fi boosters that claim the ability to drag in a signal more than 100-150 metres away on a clear line-of-sight.
[/ QUOTE ]
I don't know about the claims - all I can report is my experience.
Using the Repeatit I have on more than one occasion in real life (i.e at Anchor on a boat) got a useable signal over 300m of water - the signal I was picking up must have been at least that far away unless someone has installed something on the sea bed.
Repeatit is directional but unless being spun round in fluky wind/tide conditions is perfectly useable.
But we had a 3G card as well. On several occasions at anchor there was no 3G signal - on some of these occasions we found a useful WiFi signal.
All of this applies to where we cruise - see blog below for more detail - if you are in a different part of the world you may well of course have a different experience.
Using someone else’s WiFi is of course illegal (in the UK) and I of course could not condone or recommend such behavior. I do wonder how the conversation would go though ...
Caller: "Hello, is that Fuddlingtonshire Police?"
Plod: "Yes Sir, Is there a crime in progress that you wish to report?
Caller: "Yes I would like to report a transgression of the 2003 Communications Act and possibly unauthorized access to computer material that is summary offense under Section 1 of the 1990 Computer Misuse Act"
Plod "Er wot? Sir"
Caller "Someone is stealing Wifi"
Plod "Ah now I understand the gravity of the situation Sir"
(Overhead calling to colleagues in the background "Fred - stop all work on that Rape case, Bill I know you were going to raid that Crack house in Fuddlington high street this afternoon but something has come up. Bring the Cortina round the front)
Plod "So what is the address of the person whose Wifi is being stolen"
Caller "I don't know, I can just see an Antenna that must be picking up something"
Plod "So the person whose Wifi that is being stolen hasn't complained to you ?"
Caller "No, they are probably out and don't even know the crime is taking place"
Plod "Right so we don't actually know who it is being stolen from. What about who is doing the stealing. What is their address ?
Caller "They don't have one"
Plod "Wot ? Are you trying to wind me up Sonny?"
Caller "No it's on a boat you see, anchored out in Big Bay"
Plod "Right I see. What does this boat look like"
Caller "It's got a mast and a white hull"
Plod "Look Sonny I am warning you, one more of these and the boys will be round to inspect the tread on your tyres ...”
Caller "No I am serious officer"
Plod ”OK. How many boats are there in Big Bay with masts and white hulls ?"
Caller "Er about 30 BUT this one is on a bearing of 034 degrees taken from the bus stop in Fisherman’s lane - about 300m out"
Plod "Right that's it we have him banged to rights, we'll get the Blues and Twos going on the Cortina....Once we have phoned up Division and asked if he can borrow their Rib - we don't have one in Fuddlington you see. And of course we are not trained for Maritime operations so there will have to be a Risk Assessment but once we have the Rib, the trained maritime staff and the assessment complete his collar is as good as felt. Oh and there isn't a tow bar on the Cortina either but we will get one fitted."
Caller "I am relieved to hear that"
Plod "Can I just ask a question can you actually see the Antenna being used. Do you actually know a signal is being stolen"
Caller "Well no I can't actually see someone inside the yacht actually using it. I suppose I couldn't sit there in court and testify to that"
Plod "OK Sir but considering the gravity we will of course investigate anyway. One more question. If the Yacht is out in Big Bay how come you noticed the Antenna ?”
Caller "Ah well as part of being a responsible citizen I sweep the Bay on the hour with my Binos to look for any potential infringements of the 2003 Communications Act"
Plod" I see - don't get our much do you Sir?"
Caller" It is difficult to fit in a social life with the hourly sweep you see..."
Plod "Yes of course Sir I understand. Just let me confirm the facts of this case. You want us to investigate someone on a yacht (in the bay on a bearing of 034 degrees taken from the bus stop in Fisherman’s lane - about 300m out with a white hull) who may, if the device is switched on which you can’t see, be stealing a signal from someone whose identity and location you do not know.
Caller “Yes”
Plod “Well thank you for your report we will get on to this as a top priority.”
(Puts phone down)
Plod "Fred, put the kettle on will you - I fancy a brew..."
I think I got a bit carried away with this ! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
charles_reed
Well-Known Member
Re: I find
It's lovely to have a vivid imagination - I can only report that there have been 5 successful prosecutions in the UK - how they were conducted is beyond my ken.
If you look on the manufacturer's own sites, you will find that I have reported their claims and not yours.
Which claims readers prefer to believe is entirely up to them.
It's lovely to have a vivid imagination - I can only report that there have been 5 successful prosecutions in the UK - how they were conducted is beyond my ken.
If you look on the manufacturer's own sites, you will find that I have reported their claims and not yours.
Which claims readers prefer to believe is entirely up to them.
charles_reed
Well-Known Member
Re: I find
I perhaps didn't make myself clear.
Occasionally you find very cheap wi-fi - I found a bar in Ajaccio that let me have 5hrs for €5. I even found 1 in la Napoule which cost nothing.
The Black Pearl in Msida was offering free-to-customers wi-fi and some boats within 100m with boosters were able to use that.
Elsewhere, those marinas with wi-fi, were charging about €10/hr, with degraded signals that resulted in download speeds of less than 1Mb/sec and frequent drop outs.
For the cost of between £60 and £100 for a booster the latter could be rectified, however you could buy a lot of GPRS for that money.
I'm not suggesting 2.5G, 3G or 3.5G are better than a good wi-fi signal, all I'm stating is that they're far more widely available than wi-fi (free or otherwise), they're more reliable, the costs are dropping and Carolwildbird might be wise to hang onto her cash and look at the alternatives.
Of course for those living in a static boat, with a signal close at hand, the specifics may be different.
I perhaps didn't make myself clear.
Occasionally you find very cheap wi-fi - I found a bar in Ajaccio that let me have 5hrs for €5. I even found 1 in la Napoule which cost nothing.
The Black Pearl in Msida was offering free-to-customers wi-fi and some boats within 100m with boosters were able to use that.
Elsewhere, those marinas with wi-fi, were charging about €10/hr, with degraded signals that resulted in download speeds of less than 1Mb/sec and frequent drop outs.
For the cost of between £60 and £100 for a booster the latter could be rectified, however you could buy a lot of GPRS for that money.
I'm not suggesting 2.5G, 3G or 3.5G are better than a good wi-fi signal, all I'm stating is that they're far more widely available than wi-fi (free or otherwise), they're more reliable, the costs are dropping and Carolwildbird might be wise to hang onto her cash and look at the alternatives.
Of course for those living in a static boat, with a signal close at hand, the specifics may be different.
Robin
Well-Known Member
Re: I find
[ QUOTE ]
If you look on the manufacturer's own sites, you will find that I have reported their claims and not yours.
Which claims readers prefer to believe is entirely up to them
[/ QUOTE ]
Fair comment too.
However from our berth in Poole I can log on to WiFi in the Town Quay Dolphin marina 3/4ml away at least as far as the invitation to use my credit card and the same at Salterns marina 1/2ml the other way, but we have free WiFi from our YC anyway. In Lymington I have connected via a link with a name that identified it as a house I walked past, again 1/2 a mile away. In Concarneau the (free) marina WifI wasn't working last trip but I was able to link via one in a local bar several hundred yards away as well as another that unless on a periscope that I missed was half a mile at least away across the water in Anse De Kersos, there was another too in town but it was intermittent. In Cherbourg I can link to the marina (Netabord) WiFi or the one in Hotel Mercure or one in another hotel in town. Netabord is used in many marinas along the Channel and Biscay coasts of France and costs 14 euros for 24hrs worth (ie not a day but 24 x 60 minutes) that can be spread across 3 months in time and used in any harbour with it. They also allow FREE access to Meteo France weather without needing to log on and use minutes.
So WiFi is still an option and certainly cheap but if I was in an area where a PAYG dongle was cheap yes I'd go for it but that doesn't seem feasible in France yet. Over here for weekend use I can do without if no Wifi about.
[ QUOTE ]
If you look on the manufacturer's own sites, you will find that I have reported their claims and not yours.
Which claims readers prefer to believe is entirely up to them
[/ QUOTE ]
Fair comment too.
However from our berth in Poole I can log on to WiFi in the Town Quay Dolphin marina 3/4ml away at least as far as the invitation to use my credit card and the same at Salterns marina 1/2ml the other way, but we have free WiFi from our YC anyway. In Lymington I have connected via a link with a name that identified it as a house I walked past, again 1/2 a mile away. In Concarneau the (free) marina WifI wasn't working last trip but I was able to link via one in a local bar several hundred yards away as well as another that unless on a periscope that I missed was half a mile at least away across the water in Anse De Kersos, there was another too in town but it was intermittent. In Cherbourg I can link to the marina (Netabord) WiFi or the one in Hotel Mercure or one in another hotel in town. Netabord is used in many marinas along the Channel and Biscay coasts of France and costs 14 euros for 24hrs worth (ie not a day but 24 x 60 minutes) that can be spread across 3 months in time and used in any harbour with it. They also allow FREE access to Meteo France weather without needing to log on and use minutes.
So WiFi is still an option and certainly cheap but if I was in an area where a PAYG dongle was cheap yes I'd go for it but that doesn't seem feasible in France yet. Over here for weekend use I can do without if no Wifi about.
A
Anonymous
Guest
Re: I find
[ QUOTE ]
So WiFi is still an option and certainly cheap but if I was in an area where a PAYG dongle was cheap yes I'd go for it but that doesn't seem feasible in France yet. Over here for weekend use I can do without if no Wifi about.
[/ QUOTE ]
I agree. I think that the cruiser needs a good long-distance WiFi antenna (I have two, an 18dB yagi with a range of km (sic) and a Repeat-it) plus appropriate 3G/GPRS apparatus for roaming. Maybe, in time, things will change but today you really need both if you want to stay connected.
Someone reported a few weeks ago that Orange.fr are now doing a PAYG 3G SIM at a good price. I hope so as we are off to Fr for a week next week and I was planning to buy a SIM when we arrived.
Does anyone have any update on that?
[ QUOTE ]
So WiFi is still an option and certainly cheap but if I was in an area where a PAYG dongle was cheap yes I'd go for it but that doesn't seem feasible in France yet. Over here for weekend use I can do without if no Wifi about.
[/ QUOTE ]
I agree. I think that the cruiser needs a good long-distance WiFi antenna (I have two, an 18dB yagi with a range of km (sic) and a Repeat-it) plus appropriate 3G/GPRS apparatus for roaming. Maybe, in time, things will change but today you really need both if you want to stay connected.
Someone reported a few weeks ago that Orange.fr are now doing a PAYG 3G SIM at a good price. I hope so as we are off to Fr for a week next week and I was planning to buy a SIM when we arrived.
Does anyone have any update on that?
MacMan
Well-Known Member
Re: I find
[ QUOTE ]
It's lovely to have a vivid imagination
[/ QUOTE ]
Thankyou
[ QUOTE ]
I can only report that there have been 5 successful prosecutions in the UK - how they were conducted is beyond my ken.
[/ QUOTE ]
I don't argue that. However none of them to my knowledge were involving yachts which is my experience. Especially at anchor. I might be wrong on that though as I haven't done lots of research - If anyone knows otherwise... I would imagine it would have made a nice story for the yachting mags so I would be surprised to have not heard about it.
I don't argue that it couldn't happen. I would contend that the likelyhood of spending a night in chokey is low.
[ QUOTE ]
If you look on the manufacturer's own sites, you will find that I have reported their claims and not yours.
Which claims readers prefer to believe is entirely up to them.
[/ QUOTE ]
Agreed. For the avoidance of doubt I have no interest in the selling, manufacture, distribution of the Repeatit or any other Antenna. I was simply recommended it on this very forum, bought one, went away for 4 months on the boat and report my success in using it.
You are completely correct of course. Readers don't have to believe, me you or anyone else for that matter. That's the web for you. They might however note that other posters are also reporting pulling in signals from over 1/2 a mile away so my claims wouldn't seem too fantastic in comparison.
I would stress that we (from what I can tell of your posts) have experienced completely different geographic areas. There may well be a big difference in availability in different places. I wouldn't have thought where I went last year would have a particular hot area for hotspots though.
[ QUOTE ]
It's lovely to have a vivid imagination
[/ QUOTE ]
Thankyou
[ QUOTE ]
I can only report that there have been 5 successful prosecutions in the UK - how they were conducted is beyond my ken.
[/ QUOTE ]
I don't argue that. However none of them to my knowledge were involving yachts which is my experience. Especially at anchor. I might be wrong on that though as I haven't done lots of research - If anyone knows otherwise... I would imagine it would have made a nice story for the yachting mags so I would be surprised to have not heard about it.
I don't argue that it couldn't happen. I would contend that the likelyhood of spending a night in chokey is low.
[ QUOTE ]
If you look on the manufacturer's own sites, you will find that I have reported their claims and not yours.
Which claims readers prefer to believe is entirely up to them.
[/ QUOTE ]
Agreed. For the avoidance of doubt I have no interest in the selling, manufacture, distribution of the Repeatit or any other Antenna. I was simply recommended it on this very forum, bought one, went away for 4 months on the boat and report my success in using it.
You are completely correct of course. Readers don't have to believe, me you or anyone else for that matter. That's the web for you. They might however note that other posters are also reporting pulling in signals from over 1/2 a mile away so my claims wouldn't seem too fantastic in comparison.
I would stress that we (from what I can tell of your posts) have experienced completely different geographic areas. There may well be a big difference in availability in different places. I wouldn't have thought where I went last year would have a particular hot area for hotspots though.
MacMan
Well-Known Member
Re: I find
[ QUOTE ]
I agree. I think that the cruiser needs a good long-distance WiFi antenna (I have two, an 18dB yagi with a range of km (sic) and a Repeat-it) plus appropriate 3G/GPRS apparatus for roaming. Maybe, in time, things will change but today you really need both if you want to stay connected.
[/ QUOTE ]
I also think you need both if you want to stay connected. Which is in fact what we had last time. If however you were content to connect now and again I would be content to just go the WiFi route. Which is what I would be tempted to do next time if connectivity was less pressing.
Turn up to anchorage
Try
It works - great sort out emails etc, update blog.
It doesn't work - do something in the "real" world and try next time.
No worries about minutes/tariffs/langages/costs/access/borders. One outlay of £120 should sort you out for 3+ years until the technology moves on again.
Oh and of course the access charges for the local legal legitimate hot spots you would of course be connecting to.
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
[ QUOTE ]
I agree. I think that the cruiser needs a good long-distance WiFi antenna (I have two, an 18dB yagi with a range of km (sic) and a Repeat-it) plus appropriate 3G/GPRS apparatus for roaming. Maybe, in time, things will change but today you really need both if you want to stay connected.
[/ QUOTE ]
I also think you need both if you want to stay connected. Which is in fact what we had last time. If however you were content to connect now and again I would be content to just go the WiFi route. Which is what I would be tempted to do next time if connectivity was less pressing.
Turn up to anchorage
Try
It works - great sort out emails etc, update blog.
It doesn't work - do something in the "real" world and try next time.
No worries about minutes/tariffs/langages/costs/access/borders. One outlay of £120 should sort you out for 3+ years until the technology moves on again.
Oh and of course the access charges for the local legal legitimate hot spots you would of course be connecting to.
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
roger
Well-Known Member
Re: WIFI boosting-
One of the gadgets shown picks up a signal GPS (from up the mast perhaps) and transfers it to the dongle on a short lead to the computer.
Is there a cheaper option of putting the dongle on a longer USB lead up at the top of the mast? It ought to be cheaper.
One of the gadgets shown picks up a signal GPS (from up the mast perhaps) and transfers it to the dongle on a short lead to the computer.
Is there a cheaper option of putting the dongle on a longer USB lead up at the top of the mast? It ought to be cheaper.
VicMallows
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
board, I wondered if there was an option of sticking a wireless router on the end of it, so we could both connect to wifi at the same time via a wireless option.
[/ QUOTE ]
I've arrived rather late on the thread, but do you really need a wireLESS connection onboard? If you can live with a cable connection between the computers it is quite possible. The computer connected to the WiFi antenna acts as the master, and the second computer connects through it. All you need is a REVERSED Lan cable between them. The set-up can be done with wizards and though not the most straightforward does work in the end.
Vic
board, I wondered if there was an option of sticking a wireless router on the end of it, so we could both connect to wifi at the same time via a wireless option.
[/ QUOTE ]
I've arrived rather late on the thread, but do you really need a wireLESS connection onboard? If you can live with a cable connection between the computers it is quite possible. The computer connected to the WiFi antenna acts as the master, and the second computer connects through it. All you need is a REVERSED Lan cable between them. The set-up can be done with wizards and though not the most straightforward does work in the end.
Vic