if i have a laptop with 802.11b/g WLAN will i still need a router?

Question

i'm new to this tech bizz so you'll please forgive me if this question is or sounds dumb i'm about to install cable internet sevice on my new laptop witch has 802.11b/g WLAN built in i wanna know if i still need a wireless g router in order to keep my laptop wirelessley hooked up to the internet hey people i'd love to hear from someone who knows computers to help me out please.

Answer 1

Yeah, You will still need a router especially at home. That one will help you if you are in those hotspot areas where they provide free internet service like starbucks etc.

Answer 2

The built in 802.11b/g WLAN thing in your laptop is just a device that lets you use the internet where wireless is avaliable/being broadcasted (starbucks, some malls, airports). the wireless router is hooked onto the internet modem and when turned on, users with built in wireless capability on laptops, PDAs, PSPs, etc can access. however, when some people (say your neighbor) configures a router but doesnt want random people using it, he can set up a password.

after u install cable internet service, you can purchase a ethernet cord and directly connect your laptop to the cable modem and go online without using wireless. but if you want to use wireless at home, then yes, you need to buy a wireless router. most routers come with easy installation guides and teaches you how to set up a password if u want it. however, some people find wireless internet to be a bit unstable at times. but if u just want to use it for internet surfing, light downloading, then wireless is ok. but if you play online games or do heavy streaming or anything, then i would recommend not using the wireless.

you can also use the Ethernet cord and connect your laptop to the wireless router and go online that way. you just wont be using the wireless to connect. most wireless routers can support up to 4 computers/laptops. hope this helps

Answer 3

umm ... your laptop has to connect to something via the Wi-Fi and that something is a Wi-Fi router. check your reviews on g routers ... too many of the early ones had issues.

it goes like this: internet backbone connects to your ISP
then your ISP [cable co] connects to your modem
your modem connects to your Wi-Fi router
and the router sends the signals wirelessly to your laptop

oh

btw, many of the 'free' modems you get from the ISP are worth what you'd expect -- nothing. and the prices they want if you don't live up to their minimum contract period are way high. you'd probably do better with a modem you buy. Try BestBuy and be sure to tell the sales rep what your trying to do.

[by same token -- don't ever let your ISP sell you a router. they charge way too much, in my experience.]


GL

Answer 4

simple and plain...

if your modem dose not have a wireless feature then you'll need a wireless router or upgrade your modem

and if you are referring the the wireless G router by linksys that is intended for gaming hence the G

Answer 5

you can set up a wireless connection thru the wirelss lan, but i dont know anyone who does that. get a highspeed connection thru Cablevision Verizon whoever you can. And then you have to get a wirelss router. the g router is fine unless you have a huge house. its like $40

Answer 6

Yes, you need a wireless router to setup your own wireless network at home.