Wireless Router Question: Is a router all I need to buy?

Question

I'm planning on buying a (cheap but functional) router. My problem is that I know almost nothing about routers. Is a wireless router all I need to buy? I have Yahoo! DSL and it's all connected through wires and a little black box (a router I think.)

I have this assumption that all I need to do is buy a wireless router and then I just connect the Yahoo! DSL cables through that router, also assuming that something else connects to the PC so they can wirelessly interact, along with other wireless devices. Is my assumption true or no? is it difficult to set up a wireless router? Also, I'd welcome any recommendations as to which router I should buy, as long as they're not over the top expensive.

Answer 1

Some routers can also connect to a non-wireless PC directly via cable. So your PC will still be connected to the internet, without buying any aditional hardware, and your laptop (or wireless device) will have access through the router.

And yes, Linksys makes good routers.

Answer 2

Your assumption is correct.
Your current black box is the modem. You need to connect the router to the modem and then connect the modem to the printer. Make sure you follow the instructions with your router (so you will turn your modem on first).

You will need a cable to run from the router to the modem, and it has to be a special kind of fiber optic cable. This cable should be included in the box with the router. You will need a matching cable to connect the computer and the router.. You computer may have a connection already (where the cable modem hooked up), but it may not. Look at the back of the computer before you turn it off or change anything and see if there is a light from one of the cables. You will only see this light close up to the computer box. If you have a fiber optic cable like this, a network or LAN (Local Area Network) cable then you should be good to go.

If not then you will need to buy a network card; either wireless or wired. I use a wireless card with my notebook and I wire my router into my computer through a LAN cable. Currently Best Buy has Linksys wireless routers on sale for $50 (they also have four cable connections in the rear and the WAN (Wide Area Network) connection that goes to your modem. Then you can use a wireless connection.

However, if you just want to connect your desktop computer then a wire will give you a faster connection.

My brother-in-law, a network engineer, uses Linksys and I have used one for over 3 years so they are a pretty good brand.

Answer 3

What you will do is connect the phoneline to your DSL modem and then connect an ethernet cable from your modem to your new wireless router.
Then you will go through the routers setup by following the step by step instructions on the quick setup guide that came with the router.

Then you will install a wireless network adapter in any computer(s) you want to access the internet.

I personally like D-Link equipment, but netgear and linksys will work fine also.

I would suggest purchasing a 802.11g router as the 802.11n routers are not finalized to the proper 802.11n standard yet.

For a good D-Link router and wireless adapters click on the link below.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=6

Answer 4

I'm no router-buying expert, so I don't know much there, but I do know that normally you'd connect your modem (your "black box", probably) into your router via the WAN port and your computers into the LAN port (do not confuse these two), to get everything set up (I'm a little grey there too), then once it is, your computers should be able to connect to the internet, via the router. I recommend you watch Lab Rats episodes 6 for wired connectivity, 7 for wireless, and 1 for encrypting your wireless network. (I'm a little confused by your assumption, BTW)

Answer 5

u dont nedd a router if u have a modem
maybe i didnt understand ur explanation but the only way u need a router is to send the internet connection signal to the other pc's that have a Wireless Adapter. if that yes u need a router and its not hard to install and connect. so id recommend buying LINKSYS !!!!

Answer 6

now here is a question,

do u buy cheap for todays computing then find out that the speed is not fast enough, or do u buy for tomorrows computing for a few dollars more, where the speed is going to be twice as fast...

My advice is go for tomorrows for that few bucks more it will be worth it to you in the long run go for the wireless N system G is getting old hat now

and a recommended company is D-LINK

Answer 7

Its very easy to setup but you will need more then just a router...

You need a PCI wireless adapter in your PC.
As of brands, I use & recomend linksys. The instalation CD's are very easy for anyone to understand.

Answer 8

i typically buy the cheapest wireless routers I can find for my clients (which are AirLink 101, from Fry's) Run the installer, hook them, or any other type to your DSL, and you are golden.

Answer 9

Usually your ISP provides you with the hardware & full insturctions. Its very easy!

Your computer will need to have a wireless adapter as well. If you have a laptop, most of them have one built in. Look for IEE802.11b/g on the stickers.

Answer 10

Yeah all you need is internet service and a router.