[tonysmith1929]

Hi all. Am trying to change from hardwired DSL broadband to wireless, but poor old head is hurting a little !!! Tiscali (my ISP) has provided a new router (Thomson/Toucan) with so called setup instructions. MOST of this is clear, but am worried that part of setup is to fit LAN cable from PC to router (I have these) but they would not reach the 30feet from PC to router, and surely wireless is wireless, why a cable unless maybe its temporary just for setup ????/
Secondly, have also bought a new Epson WiFi printer as no room within area of PC.
This APPEARS to be easier to set up, but when completed does the printer connect via PC or router ?????
Any advice please, not a newbie, but no experience with wireless at all. Thanks.

[TerryNet]

When possible connect a printer to the router--much more convenient.

It is possible to configure a router with a wireless connection, but is more difficult, especially for somebody unfamiliar with the complications that will be encountered.

Most routers are pretty light and easy to move. Move it closer to the PC for setup. Is it a router only, or a modem/router combination unit? Did it come pre-configured to connect to your ISP? If not, do you know what you need (dynamic connection? PPPoE with account/password? Etc.)?

[tonysmith1929]

Thanks for quick reply. Dont want to move router closer to PC as its going to sit by the primary/ONLY phone socket in the house, could
only do this with an extension phone cable which I understand is not a good idea....

Its a modem/router, probably already set up to connect to my ISP, it came without an installation CD so presume not needed for an existing broadband account

If all goes well the printer will be halfway between PC and router, so hope it can connect via router.

Thanks again.....

[TerryNet]

Then connect to it by wireless and begin using it. Best to then change the SSID to something other than the default. Then enable encryption, preferably WPA(2). Since you're using a wireless connection you will, of course, have to reconnect after each of these changes.

[DoubleHelix]

You can connect to the router to configure it without having it connected to the phone line. When you're done setting it up, move it back. You don't need Internet access to configure it.