Networking Question
 

I have a Verizon wireless/wired router that I access the internet through. I have a desktop computer running Slackware 13.1 i386, but it is in a place where it would be impossible to run a network cable to. What would you do to fix the issue?

Would you buy a USB wireless card? Would it work with Linux? Is there another way I can get my computer networked that I am not thinking of?

Thanks.

Yes, USB wireless cards can be a perfectly acceptable solution. And yes, they work with Linux. For example, I have no problems with my D-Link USB. Here's a good HCL ("Hardware Compatibility List"):

http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php/cat/10

Personally, I prefer PCI over USB.

Another solution is to get an "access point":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_access_point

There are many good, relatively inexpensive solutions. Or you can even take a Linksys Wifi router and turn it into an access point by using OpenWRT:

http://martybugs.net/wireless/openwrt/client.cgi

Maybe an powerline adapter would work for you, like this one.

Thanks paulsm4. I have an access point that I use for my printer. It connects to my verizon router wirelessly, but only has one wired port on it labeled "ethernet". I tried to connect my computer to that port, but it can't connect to it. I am thinking that the ethernet port would be to connect to the verizon router for instance wired, but I am not sure. Can I plug a switch up to the access point and plug my computer into the switch? Or do I need to get another access point with ports on them?

A switch should work fine.

a switch? how's that going to work for him/her in this case?? ;)
he/she stated that it is "impossible" to run a cable to that machine.. so a switch won't do anything in this matter.
wireless is the only viable option left...

Maybe you should read the whole thread, he wants to plug the switch into his access point, that is nearer to his computer, but has only one ethernet port, that is already used by his printer. So a switch can be a solution.

Well. I was wondering if I could connect the switch to my access point that is connected to my network wirelessly. Then I can run a cable from the switch to my computer because it is much closer, but not sure if it will work.

It should work, but I don't know if you have to setup the DHCP server in the accespoint or your wireless router.

FYI, I am installing this on Mandriva 2010 actually.

I ended up going with a D-Link DWA-130 USB card because it was on this compatibilityeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee list: http://wireless.kernel.org/en/users/Devices/USB

When I put it in the USB port, nothing is happening on the GUI. But it is showing up if I do lsusb:

Bus 007 Device 003: ID 07d1:3300 D-Link System

When I go to the network manager, there is only Wired (Ethernet), but not Wireless. Does anyone know how to make this usb adapter work, and enable wireless networking in the mandriva Network Center?

Ok, I am getting close, but still having problems. I was able to add wlan0 to the Network Center. I can see my network on the list so I am making progress. My router uses a WEP key, when I configure the network, I have the choice of "Restricted WEP", or "Open WEP". What is the difference. No matter which I choose, I put in my WEP Hex key, and it still won't connect. I know it is right because I am using the same WEP Hex key on my slackware laptop and I am reading it right off of it.

In Mandriva network center it asks for "Encryption Key", does it not want the HEX key and want something else?

Ok, I am getting close, but still having problems. I was able to add wlan0 to the Network Center. I can see my network on the list so I am making progress. My router uses a WEP key, when I configure the network, I have the choice of "Restricted WEP", or "Open WEP". What is the difference. No matter which I choose, I put in my WEP Hex key, and it still won't connect. I know it is right because I am using the same WEP Hex key on my slackware laptop and I am reading it right off of it.

In Mandriva network center it asks for "Encryption Key", does it not want the HEX key and want something else?

*edit*

Also, I have a setting for Operating mode, I can select Ad-hoc, Managed, Master, Repeater, Secondary, or auto, which should I choose? And should I choose Open WEP or Restricted WEP?

Wow, I did this, it is the coolest thing I have ever seen. I can't believe how easy this was to set up, and how cool it is!