Networking my media sources (idiots version please)

[Charlutz]

I am clueless when it comes to computer networking. I can follow directions well enough, install hard drives, software, etc., but I can't find my way around networking for the life of me. We have Verizon FIOS for internet and the wireless router they supplied. I managed to network in our old pc with a wireless adapter and our laptop easily enough.

The next task is to wire in my Sony BDP-S550 bluray player as there are firmware updates and bluray programming that can be downloaded. Also, located in the same media rack is my directv hd dvr (HR20). I've already upgraded the hdd to a 1.5 tb, but directv is now offering media sharing, on demand, and soon will have downloadable 1080p content. Both of these devices are located in the basement while the router is on the 2d floor, so I am assuming wireless would be the easiest way to go.

Stupid questions:
Do I need an adapter for each device?
Can I get a bridge or a cheap router and use it as a bridge?
WTF does a bridge do?
Is there something that will allow me to plug both devices into it and connect to the network?
What are the compatibility issues that I need to check before I start buying shit I don't need?
If I like going down on women sometimes more than I like fucking them, am I a lesbian?

[Quads]

I am clueless when it comes to computer networking. I can follow directions well enough, install hard drives, software, etc., but I can't find my way around networking for the life of me. We have Verizon FIOS for internet and the wireless router they supplied. I managed to network in our old pc with a wireless adapter and our laptop easily enough.

The next task is to wire in my Sony BDP-S550 bluray player as there are firmware updates and bluray programming that can be downloaded. Also, located in the same media rack is my directv hd dvr (HR20). I've already upgraded the hdd to a 1.5 tb, but directv is now offering media sharing, on demand, and soon will have downloadable 1080p content. Both of these devices are located in the basement while the router is on the 2d floor, so I am assuming wireless would be the easiest way to go.

Stupid questions:
Do I need an adapter for each device?
Yes, each device needs some way to connect to the "network" typically an adapter of some sorts, either Ethernet or via Wireless.
Can I get a bridge or a cheap router and use it as a bridge?
A bridge is not a router. (see below). Yes, you can get a cheep router to do what you're looking for
WTF does a bridge do?
Technically, a bridge connects (bridges) two wireless networks together. Probably not what you're looking for.
Is there something that will allow me to plug both devices into it and connect to the network?
Yes, either a network card, (NIC) or a wireless adapter, all of which would then connect to a router, ideally, a router which has wireless and well as hard wire networking built in to accommodate both. If you need to connect the devices downstairs to the others upstairs, via a wireless link, then yes, you would be creating a bridge. Most every wireless access point will also work in bridge mode, it's just a matter of setting it up for one (wireless device) to talk to the other (wireless device).
What are the compatibility issues that I need to check before I start buying shit I don't need?
Give us a better lay of the land in what devices you are looking to connect. Generally speaking, it shouldn't be too hard, once we understand where / what each device is. Some may already have networking capabilities, others not. So the more info, the better in pointing you in a direction on what to buy. When you do go buy, the standards in both wired and wireless networking are pretty straightforward and compatible. Ethernet will be 10/100/1000mb and wireless will be a/b/g (and possibly n) and will be set for 10 to 108mb for transfer rates. All of which are plenty fast for general networking other than the 10mb old skool stuff
If I like going down on women sometimes more than I like fucking them, am I a lesbian?
No. Not at all. It just means you eat it, then screw it.
So long as you don't screw it, then eat it, you should be in the clear.


See comments above in BOLD

I'm not sure on connecting your bluray player as a networking device. Pussy macking, and general networking, I got ya covered. Anything else, others will need to chime in if they can.

[Charlutz]

Okey dokey. Let's see if this helps.

FIOS comes into the upstairs office and goes to wireless router Actiontec MI424-WR. Here is a link to the manual. http://www.fiberfaq.com/article-37.html

Router is connected to desktop office PC via ethernet cable.

Downstairs in basement is AV rack with Sony BDP-S550 bluray player, which has an ethernet port on the back. Also in rack is Directv Hr20 - also has ethernet port.

I'd like to leave the router in the office. Figure that means I need wireless between the office and the basement, but that I can connect the HR20 and S550 via the ethernet ports to something (cheap router or wireless adapter with connections for two devices), and then that router/adapter will wirelessly connect to the office Actiontec. Is that right? What is this wireless G and N and 802.11 they speak of, and do I need a certain one to make this shit work? From the Actiontec manual, it looks like my router supports them all.

Don't ask me how I connected my other pc with a wireless adapter or the laptop. The first caveman figured out how to fuck without reading an instruction manual.

[Doctor_XXX]

What is this wireless G and N and 802.11 they speak of, and do I need a certain one to make this shit work? From the Actiontec manual, it looks like my router supports them all.
In looking at the specs for that thing, I don't think it supports anything but 802.11b (11Mbps) & 802.11g (54Mbps) wireless connections. If all you are doing is looking to hookup some equipment to the 'net for firmware updates and such, and aren't looking to push tons of audio or video, you should be just fine with 802.11g equipment. 802.11n (600Mbps) is faster & more powerful, but since your current router doesn't support it, there's no need (in my mind) to replace it with 802.11n stuff.

You'd be better off (IMHO) to completely move up to 802.11n since it sounds like you're thinking of doing some future media sharing and downloadable HD content, but...that would require replacing your current router with one that supports n (and b & g...n-gear can support n, g, & b, g-gear can support g & b [but NOT n], and b-gear can only support b [NOT g or n]) I'm not sure if a complete replacement of your current router is even a viable choice. If yes, move up to all-n stuff. If not, run with g-stuff, across the board.

And I think Quads is right about the lesbo-thing. He's the expert, there. ;)

[PapaBear]

You could also try the powerline adapters. I have a set of 3 of these now and they suit my purpose just fine. I have one hooked up to my office where the fios router is, one hooked to the kids computer (works fine for surfing the web and what they do), and my third is by my entertainment center. It's hooked up to the Directv receiver just like yours. Works fine to download the Directv VOD stuff. They rate it at 85 mbps, but I'm a bit sceptical there. Here is the one I got:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350101333337&ssPageName=ADME:B:BODO:US:1

Remember, you need at least 2! But hook up is a breeze, just plug them in and go. I also have a wireless router (with all of the routing turned off) connected to one of them. This helped with the wireless signal strength upstairs where it had been fairly low.

[PapaBear]

You could also try the powerline adapters. I have a set of 3 of these now and they suit my purpose just fine. I have one hooked up to my office where the fios router is, one hooked to the kids computer (works fine for surfing the web and what they do), and my third is by my entertainment center. It's hooked up to the Directv receiver just like yours. Works fine to download the Directv VOD stuff. They rate it at 85 mbps, but I'm a bit sceptical there. Here is the one I got:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350101333337&ssPageName=ADME:B:BODO:US:1

Remember, you need at least 2! But hook up is a breeze, just plug them in and go. I also have a wireless router (with all of the routing turned off) connected to one of them. This helped with the wireless signal strength upstairs where it had been fairly low.

[Charlutz]

Is there an advantage to the powerline adapters? I was thinking a cheap router connected to both the dvr and the BDP with ethernet cables would be the way to go. $50 for the router and I'm done. Or am I missing something?

[PapaBear]

The part I question is hooking up the one wireless router in the AV rack to the one in the office wirelessly. I am not saying it won't work, but I had never tried that (or really ever thought about it for that matter). Anybody else out here try this?

I thought that usually the source of the network from the router had to be hard wired in. Though that may not be the case any longer. It may also depend on the router.

I don't think there is a benefit of one over the other functionally. The powerline was a really simple setup for me (just plug them into the wall and connect them to you router and other devices).

[PapaBear]

Thinking about this more, your way may work fine. I recall having a travel router which had an intended use mostly for hotels. I remember that had the ability to have its source via wireless. So, it is certainly possible. Again, may depend on the router. Go to the web page of the one you want to buy and download the user guide. You should be able to tell from there.