My wireless router at home only has four Ethernet ports, which just aren’t enough. For whatever reason I have four desktop computers in my study. I also have an Xbox 360 which needs an internet connection. So that is one too many wired devices to connect to the router.

To solve my problem I could get a wireless router with more than four ports, like the Linksys Cable Router with 8-Port Switch.

This problem could be solved a any number of ways. I could buy a wireless adapter for the Xbox 360. Another option would be to buy a wireless card like the Linksys WMP54G Wireless Network Adapter or to save the hassle of opening up a desktop a Linksys WUSB54GC USB Wireless Network Adapter for one or more of the Desktop PCs.
Of course I could get rid of one or more of the desktop computers. That is not an option for various reasons, involving software and upgraded hardware and my “don’t throw it out if it is working” mindset.

At the moment it actually isn’t too much of a problem though. I simply unplug cables when a PC is not in use as it would be rare that all four PCs would be running at the same time. Also, when the Xbox 360 is running, only one PC will be running at the same time, as I tend to crash my racing car or get shot by aliens if I look away at my PC screen for too long while playing on the Xbox 360!

Posted on December 26th, 2007 by mervyn