Dongles

[Esk247]

Customer has a BT hub, with wireless. They have one laptop connected via ethernet but they want to add some more laptops on the network so they can have internet in several locations, workshop and office spaces etc.

They've had a gander and BT are wanting £40 a dongle, so they would like it a bit cheaper, can they get a blank dongle of Ebay or something and then just programme that to the hub? or does it have to be a dongle supplied by the internet provider?

 

[blloyd]

If a computer with a built-in wireless network card can join their network, then a no-brand USB dongle will too.

 

[Esk247]

No wireless card fitted as far as i can tell. It says in the hardware screen that it has a standard 56k modem and thats all. No wireless.

 

[blloyd]

Apologies - I may not have made myself clear enough. If any wirelessly enabled device can connect to their network (maybe even a mobile phone) then any dongle will work too.

 

[NetwiseHosting]

Hi there,

If you have a either a BT Home or Business Hub then you can use any branded Wirless Adapter / Dongle to connect to their network.

Personally I would stay away from the very cheap unbranded chinese import jobies and head more towards the Netgear etc brands - it will make setup a brease!

Maybe checkout eBuyer for their ranges and if you require them urgently then they can have them with you by tomorrow morning! Hope that helps,

Matthew

 

[Billmccallum]

We bought a cheap O2 dongle (less than £20) and it worked fine.

 

[NetwiseHosting]

We bought a cheap O2 dongle (less than £20) and it worked fine.

Hi Bill,

Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think the OP is talking about Mobile Broadband dongles but Wireless Networking receivers instead as they have a Wireless BT Hub/Router in their premises.
Kind regards,

Matthew

 

[Esk247]

Yeah I'm trying to connect a non-wireless laptop to an existing wireless hub from BT.

I didn't think of ebuyer but there prices are great actually. Half the price BT are charging and it looks like i can connect to any hub with a few simple steps and the installation CD. Problem solved.

 

[pcproblems]

I've come across a fair few BT homehubs where the wireless bit no longer works..

 

[LicensedToTrade]

Sounds like the perfect 'everyone is a winner' situation. Let them know about the BT dongle prices of £40.00. Buy a decent wireless dongle yourself for a tenner and charge the customer £20.00

Better yet, suggest that the 1990s are over and it is time to get a new laptop. Do these laptops have wheels?