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Creating a wireless Internet network is a great way to share resources. Within hours, you can have your network up and running.
The first step is to install a T connection into your cable.
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Add computers with Centrino wireless either built in or add-on adaptors, and you are able to connect to the Internet from as far away as 20 yards from your house!
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The second step involves installing and configuring your cable modem.
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For another $30 to $40 you can attach a print server to your printer. By connecting this server to your wireless hub, you can be able to print wirelessly anywhere within the transmitting range of your wireless hub!
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Then connect the cable modem by Ethernet connection to your wireless hub.
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Total approximate cost for the entire setup:
Internet Service $40/mo.
Cable Modem $ 2/mo.
Wireless Router $120.00
Print Server $ 30.00
Total Costs: Monthly Costs $42/mo; Setup Costs $150.00.
If you already have cable and you upgrade to VIP (you get Showtime, HBO, Starz, etc., the Internet service is lumped into the package, which can usually translate into savings for you.
UPDATE 08/12/2009:
Combining cable, phone, Internet and cell phone services seems to make sense under Verizon's package deal, but there are other packages and combinations available.
Cox cable is rated higher than Verizon by Consumer Reports and also features a bundled package of television, Internet and home phone. But Cox does not have a cellular company. Possibly they have teamed up with one of the cellular heavy hitters such as Sprint, AT&T, Cingular, T-Mobile, etc. to provide the missing fourth item to bundle.
Similarly, Comcast offers a bundled package of television, Internet and home phone but does not provide cellular service.
As I suggested years ago, Verizon came through as a major competitor to the cable companies. Let's look at the next logical step.
US Patent 6580916 describes a merging of multimedia services including cable, wireless, cellular, GPS, etc., coining the term "telematics." In the telematic world, these merged technologies become available, for example, to users of cellular phones, GPS devices, including the electronic displays available in most new cars, personal digital assistants (PDA), and your laptop and desktop computers.
Another movement toward universal availability of free wireless Internet is also rumored. The stage is set with the broadcast of digital television. There is more to the story, but that is for another time.
UPDATE:
In 2006, I switched to Verizon, and my itemized bill from February 10, 2008 that includes TV, two cell phones, and Verizon Online charges as follows for Internet access (wireless router included)
Verizon Online $39.99
Proof that Verizon maintains a low rate for high speed internet.
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Verizon claims their DSL service is 10 times faster than cable, but I really don't see them presenting as a major contender, since their monthly costs balloon up to $40/mo. after six months at $19/mo. Verizon would have a better chance at tapping this market if they offered the variety of television entertainment that Comcast (a cable TV provider) offers IN ADDITION TO Internet service.
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