I have 2 laptops and a PC all up and running on a wireless network. I have recently upgraded an older PC that is only going to have security camera software running on it (and XP Home). I want to connect this to my network. I know how to do this with a wireless "dongle" but I have a spare wireless router. Can I use this wireless router to connect to my existing wireless router? Or will I have to buy a wireless "dongle"?
QUESTION POSED ON: 14 JUN 2006
QUESTION ANSWERED BY: Tim Scannell
Hmmm... Is that dongle v2 or dongle v2.67? Seriously, it is possible to connect your older PC to your current network, but you won't be able to do it with a wireless router or access point (AP). The only thing you can do with your spare AP is to perhaps connect it to an Ethernet cable somewhere in your house or office to reinforce your wireless network with a second transmitter/receiver. In order to connect your older PC and camera to the network, you would have to add a wireless USB network adapter or plug-in card to that PC. Then, you can transmit images through this PC and over your network to other PCs.
You can connect the PC to that older router, which is plugged into the spare Ethernet cable. But then this PC will be accessible through the different MAC address of the spare router, essentially functioning as a separate wireless network.
The easiest solution would be to buy a "packaged" 802.11 wireless security system that comes with a small camera and wireless adapter. The adapter can function independently over a wireless network, or plug into you PC's wired connection. Panasonic has a really neat system that is priced at about $99. RadioShack also has an integrated solution for about $200. Both are cheap and much more elegant solutions, and you don't necessarily need that old PC chugging alongside and burning up electricity.
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