Thinkpads Forum

I'm so confused about docking stations and routers. I'm embarrassed at how little I know about this stuff

OK...... New T61 laptop with Intel Wireless WiFi link 4965AGN and Integrated Blutooth PAN, running on Windows XP. I have a DSL line. What do I need to do or buy to go wireless with my laptop? What's the difference between a router and a docking station? Do I have to buy both? Yikes!

Can I leave my old desktop hooked up so I can use the printer/fax/copier on both? What about using the DSL on both the desktop and the laptop at the same time? Can I do that?

What happens if both the desktop and the laptop are each hooked up to the same type of wireless mouse? Would they interfere with each other? Do I need a special mouse for the laptop? I don't much care for either the Tracpoint or the Touchpad.

If you want both the desktop and T61 connected to your DSL line, you need a router. You need wireless LAN capability if your T61 will be far away from the DSL modem and router. Otherwise connecting by ethernet cable will be fine.

You need a dock if you have a lot of things connected to the T61 and wants to take it on the road frequently.

Many printing peripherals can be shared but the desktop has to be on to work. Otherwise use ethernet ready printers will simplify operation.

Each mouse is paired to the transmitter used with each computer so it should work fine.

I have had issues with Microsoft wireless mice in close proximity, they tend to fight, LOL. I am not sure if these are bluetooth or some other type of radio, they each had their own transmitter at the PC end. I think they are supposed to play nice, but sometimes your cubicle mates end up moving your cursor OR you can't get your mouse to work.

Just a heads up, YMMV.

SHG

Mineya,

Next link is explaining what a docking station is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docking_station. Fore wireless connections, no need for a docking station

This is possibly the best and cheapest option for your wired/wireless connections:
1. Replace your current DSL modem by a wireless modem/router (often offered by your ISP as well; same brand or not). Most wireless routers provide, besides wireless connections, 2 or more fixed ethernet ports. This enables you to connect your PC and laptop in a home network, wired and/or wireless. And obviously providing you internet connections at the same time on both your PC and notebook!

Assure that you purchase a WPA-2 (for secure wireless connections) capable wireless router!!

Shelby,

That's funny. I can just see the mice messing with each other. My 90 lb puppy has discovered that he can pry me loose fom the computer if he moves quickly and snatches the mouse. It's guaranteed to make me chase him down, which he thinks is great fun! He answers to [censored] as well as Max for obvious reasons.

Marie-Ann (Pretty name), Thanks for that link. It helped to clear things up. You said:

<<Assure that you purchase a WPA-2 (for secure wireless connections) capable wireless router!!>>

A WPA-2?? Not sure what that means, but I'm sure it's important if you've cautioned me about it. I am so glad that I don't have to do all this computer shopping very often. It's like going back to school or stepping into another dimension if you haven't kept up. Gives me a headache.

WPA isn't that tough. Just put a password in the WPA setup and then connect the laptop and supply the same password when prompted.

Mineya,

If computer security is your concern, choose for a WPA-2 capable wireless router. I always consult Wikipedia for anything which I'm not familiar with. So, consult next link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wired_Equivalent_Privacy
and/or
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=67
and/or
http://technet.microsoft.com/nl-nl/libr ... n-us).aspx

If you require a secure long-bit password for your wireless WPA-2 connections, this link can help you (and save the password on your USB-drive!!):

https://www.grc.com/passwords.htm

If you're running Windows XP, next update is required to enable WPA-2 on your notebook (or PC, if wireless connected).):

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... laylang=en