Wireless network/Newbie questions

[antares]

Hi, I'm currently using a Windows PC connected to the internet using a Cisco ADSL modem physically connected via a network cable to the PC's network card (so no wireless). I bought a netbook that has WiFi that I plan to use in my home. So I also bought a Cisco WRT54GL wireless router. My plan is to keep the PC physically connected to the internet and the Netbook accessing ADSL via wireless. So the basic config would be:
- The ADSL signal cable going to the Cisco ADSL modem
- A network cable going from the Cisco ADSL modem to the Cisco Router
- A network cable going from the Cicso router to the PC
- The netbook accessing the internet via wireless using the router.
My question is:
1) When I'm not using the netbook, can I disable (or turn off) the routers wireless transmissions so that it acts only as a physical router? If so, how?
2) Will placing the router between the modem and the PC in the above described manner affect the internet speed (lower)?
3) Will the router (acting in physical mode only, i.e., no wireless) add an extra layer of security for the PC? Will I still need to keep the PC's installed software firewall (I'm using NIS2011)?
4) Does installing the router imply changing many of Windows' settings? Is it easy to revert back to the PC' original state if I ever decide to uninstall the router to the original config?
Thanks.

 

[ski]

1- Not unless the router has an option to do this.
2- Speed should not be affected.
3- Yes. It's recommended to keep your software firewall running as an additional security measure.
4- No Windows settings should change.

 

[LiquidSnak]

Are you wanting to turn off your router for latent power use, or for security purposes?

 

[antares]

Are you wanting to turn off your router for latent power use, or for security purposes?

For both, mainly for security. I thought I could turn off the wireless using the router's web interface.

 

[LiquidSnak]

It is possible you can, I will research it, and it might be in the manual somewhere, but security is usually pretty tight if you choose a good key.

 

[Britton30]

Hi antares, I think when you have more than one computer connected to a router the internet "speed" will be divided equally among them. That is my experience with my wired router, Linksys BEFSX41. Normal downloads are about 25Mbs, with 2 PC's connected (one off or on) the dl is 10-15Mbs. If I turn on my net connected Bluray player it drops even more. Having the router between your modem and the PC will not effect the speed.

 

[2xg]

1) When I'm not using the netbook, can I disable (or turn off) the routers wireless transmissions so that it acts only as a physical router? If so, how?
You may do this thru the router's settings, in Wireless page. What's the purpose?
2) Will placing the router between the modem and the PC in the above described manner affect the internet speed (lower)?
No
3) Will the router (acting in physical mode only, i.e., no wireless) add an extra layer of security for the PC? Will I still need to keep the PC's installed software firewall (I'm using NIS2011)?
It's always good to have additional security, not necessarily a Firewall software. Windows 7 firewall is great protection.
4) Does installing the router imply changing many of Windows' settings? Is it easy to revert back to the PC' original state if I ever decide to uninstall the router to the original config?
Only if you're changing the security from the router, and yes very simple to change or revert the setting back.

 

[antares]

1) When I'm not using the netbook, can I disable (or turn off) the routers wireless transmissions so that it acts only as a physical router? If so, how?
You may do this thru the router's settings, in Wireless page. What's the purpose?

The purpose is saving energy (no em radiation), and security (no wireless access point to hack).

 

[2xg]

For this... 'security (no wireless access point to hack)' You may disable SSID to broadcast from the router and apply WPA2 Security, you will be fine.