hi i need help my dad set up a wireless network with mac address filtering we can only av 6 devices connected (6 mac addresses) now i am going to buy a new laptop with built in wireless i want to know if i can buy a usb wireless stick hat plugs in to ur pc wot i wana know can it send a wireless signal so i can pick it up on my laptop

PS we already av 6 devices connected

Hi imranh, welcome to itsallPC

Unless you switch to a different type of network security or a device that supports more than 6 MAC filters (I've never seen a wireless AP this limited), there's no easy way to add more wireless clients.

What you suggest is technically feasible. You could buy a PCI wireless LAN adapter (or if you absolutely must, a USB wireless LAN adapter) and use your desktop as a bridge so that the new notebook can connect to the desktop and the rest of the wireless clients, but this setup has a number of setbacks, not the least of which is the desktop must be on for the laptop to access the network. To do this with Windows XP, you also need to have your network configured in a certain way. We could assist with this, but it's not typically an easy process if you are unfamiliar with IP and Wireless networking principals.

Alternatively, if your access point supports Wireless Distribution System (WDS), you could simply add another wireless access point and extend the network.

Personally, I'd recommend getting a better wireless access point. Chances are, if it is so limited that it only permits 6 MAC filters, I can't imagine that it's designed to facilitate a load greater than 6 clients.

ok ty for ur help