So if I buy a wireless router, do I need to buy a wireless adapter since I have a desktop? Or does the router have to be plugged into at least one computer?

What do I do if someone with a non wireless laptop or desktop computer moves in, tell them to buy a card? Or with the wireless router can you use cat5 with it?

 

Yes a wireless router usually has a hub allowling atleast 4-6 computer to hardwired into it with cat5 cable, a wireless card for a laptop isn't much i'm sure i got mine for under 50$, or you could use cable and just hardwire your lappy intot he router, doesn't really matter its all personal choice i like to be able to walk around my house with my laptop I can go downstairs, walk around upstairs, kitchen and still be able to use the internet (much nicer then hauling a cable around with you) also I agree the Dlink fireware is hell and so is their support. Best get a linksys. AS for the desktop you might aswell just hardwire it into the router, since its not like you pack around your desktop :P.

 

thanks /\ Eversi0n and everyone else that answers all my questions!

 

umm routers don't have hub thus it being called a router.

 

Your kinda right most routers are a router with a built in 4 port switch.

 

one thing to remember if you're going wireless, is to recognize that any 2.4 ghz, (if you go with a 2.4 ghz wifi) or 5.8 ghz (if you going with 5.8) will interfere with your signal...

Lets say you have a 2.4 ghz cordless phone, and your wifi network is set to Ch. 6, if your phone switches over to ch. 6, then it automatically cuts off your internet, so if you start having connection problems unlug your 2.4, or 5.8 ghz phones and see if that solves the problem...

There's no work around, or any hardware you can buy, you will just have to find a ch. on the wifi router that your phone isn't likely to switch to... same goes with any other 2.4, or 5.8 equipment, short of actual networking equipment that is; but anything else in your house that tries to use the same ch. as your wifi router will sever your internet/lan connection...

regards, Mark