How to connect pvr to small home network

[kenmo]

I have a small network at home using a SMC router and ethernet cables. The network consists of three computers. The router is connected to a cable modem for internet access for all three computers.

I'm building a pc for my multimedia system downstairs. It will be used as a pvr and connected to our 42" lcd tv. Since I don't want to string cable downstairs, I thinking of purchasing a wireless nic for the pvr.

How can I connect the pvr to my existing small network. I don't wish to go wireless on the computers upstairs as I find it too slow for online gaming.

I think I could purchase a wireless hub and connect it to the SMC router using a crossover cable (if the hub has a RJ15 connection).

Any ideas?

[LloydAZ]

Instead of buying a wireless hub, look at a wireless access point. It will plug into your existing hub with a standard RJ-45 cable. Your best bet as well would be to match brands. (ie. D-Link WAP, D-Link Wireless Network Card. Or whatever brand you choose.)

Don't attempt to stream video over the wireless network, you won't be happy with the results.

[kenmo]

Never heard of these... How much does one cost (ball park of course)...

Thanks

[SingSing]

Correct me if I am wrong. WAP is the wireless part of a wireless router. They sell less of WAP, so they actually cost more than wireless hubs, which include a few switched ports.

I tried, and found out 802.1G's 54Mbps can't support realtime video. Maybe you want to consider 108 MbpsS or even 240 Mbps wireless, setup.

[kenmo]

I won't be streaming video from the cabled networked pcs to the pvr or vice versa. I just want the PVR to have internet access for tv guides and I also want to copy some of the tv captures to my desktop pcs so I can burn them to dvd after dvd authoring them....

Sorry for being vague...

[SingSing]

You can certainly use a wirelss router, with USB wireless adapter, or two USB wireless adpaters in an ad-hoc network, which has no external box, and power brick, and cable.

[kenmo]

How do I connect the wireless router to the cable router? If the wireless router has a RJ45 connection I assume I'd connect via a crossover cable....

But wouldn't the wireless router be attempting to connect to the internet via it's WAN connection which of course in my case will be uncabled...

[kenmo]

Instead of buying a wireless hub, look at a wireless access point. It will plug into your existing hub with a standard RJ-45 cable. Your best bet as well would be to match brands. (ie. D-Link WAP, D-Link Wireless Network Card. Or whatever brand you choose.)

Don't attempt to stream video over the wireless network, you won't be happy with the results.

Thanks ... found one...

http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WG602.php

[SingSing]

How do I connect the wireless router to the cable router? If the wireless router has a RJ45 connection I assume I'd connect via a crossover cable......

Netgear wireless router can figures out the i/o direction and switched itself even you don't use a crossover cable.

[LloydAZ]

Correct me if I am wrong. WAP is the wireless part of a wireless router. They sell less of WAP, so they actually cost more than wireless hubs, which include a few switched ports.

I tried, and found out 802.1G's 54Mbps can't support realtime video. Maybe you want to consider 108 MbpsS or even 240 Mbps wireless, setup.

Of course if he can find a wireless router cheaper than a wireless access point, then by all means get the router. I'm just suggesting that there's no need to buy another router if you don't have to, a WAP will do the trick rather nicely.

[SingSing]

Oh, I was on the same page with kenmo, try to figured out what is a WAP ?

[RabidDog]

somebody with a lisp says "I'm going for a wap"

Here it means wireless access point, it can also refer to Wireless access protocol (a weak form of wireless security, logons etc) and also the first type of internet access on mobile phones.. (a complete failure).

[TaoTeWingChun]

Hey kenmo,

That NetGear WAP is sure to make your PVR an integral part of your home network, no problem. You will be able to surf the 'net, pull the TV Guide updates you need AND share the various shows from the PVR system to your other machines, no problem.

I have the same one and use it in a similar fashion. Just hook that WAP to your ethernet router via ethernet cable, and plug it in. With a WiFi card in your PVR, you should be able to connect to your LAN, no problem.

Enjoy!

TTWC

[kenmo]

Thanks alot for the replies....