I have wifi on my lap top do I need a wireless router for me to be able to use this. I am going to travel abroad and thought I could use this without needing a phone line or broadband contract. Am I right?
2007-07-26 01:24:06 · 7 answers · asked by dumbblonde 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
As long as the hotel, coffee shop, or whatever has WiFi available, you'll be able to use it. The hotel or coffee shop has the wireless router. You'll connect to it, and that's how you'll get online.
In places that don't offer WiFi service, you won't be able to use your laptop.
2007-07-26 01:26:53 · answer #1 · answered by Scotty Doesnt Know 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A wifi card is able to pick up wireless radio signals to be able to connect to the Internet. But it has to have a signal to be able to connect. The average range for a wireless signal is about 150 feet (or 50 meters). So you have to be within the distance of something transmitting a wireless signal. That is what a wireless router does, it transmits the signal.
Taking the router with you on your trip would be pointless, as you need a DSL or cable signal to attach it to. You would not have that while traveling. So instead you will need to find "hot spots" where you can connect. Most hotels today have wireless available within the rooms. So you may be able to connect when you are in your room.
When out and about, look for a public library. Most of them offer free wireless. Also many cafes (Starbucks, etc) will have public wireless. If you Google the towns you will be in, you will be able to find a listing of "hot spots" in them. Print it out and take it with you.
Today, wifi has become common enough that usually if you look you can find a place (assuming you are "in town") where you can connect. But that is part of the "adventure" of being overseas....trying to find drinkable water, decent toilet paper, and a hot spot.
Good luck....
2007-07-26 08:46:28 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right and you are wrong :)
See a wifi laptop NEEDS to communicate with a router to get to the internet. WIFI is just a network without wires.
Now wherever your going might have wifi. Hotels offer it etc.
BUT the best step is going to get a GSM wireless card which get internet anywhere in the world. Expensive depending on the offer but you get internet as long as theirs a gsm network near by.
2007-07-26 08:27:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can connect via wireless access points provided as a service by some hotels,coffee shops etc
if you need to access the Internet at home, you need an account - either dial up or broadband
if you do not wish to be mobile at home, an adsl modem connected via usb will suffice
if you have a desktop PC at home and already have an account, you can set up an adhoc network to "share" whatever Internet connection you currently use at home
all are compromises
for flexibility at home, get a router! -
Good luck and happy surfing
Andy
2007-07-26 08:30:49 · answer #4 · answered by andy t 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
you need a router to be able to access the interanet, all your wi-fi card does is act as a wireless lead between your router and the interanet
a router will transmit a singal and recive a singal from the onteranet and your laptop
2007-07-26 08:27:44 · answer #5 · answered by a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if your in an AREA with a wireless signal... which means:
Somebody else is paying for a high speed internet connection and THEY have a router.
2007-07-26 08:26:34 · answer #6 · answered by andrew5544 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your traveling around, just get a broadband card. a wireless router is for fixed locations like a house or restaurant..
2007-07-26 08:26:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋