lsu1000,

Most routers don't include DSL modems. So the router Internet side would connect to the DSL modem. If you want both the desktop PC and the laptop to share the Internet connection, you'd use one of the LAN connections on the router for the desktop, and either wireless or wired for the laptop.

Did you look at the Linksys  education section?

Jim

Do you currently have DSL broadband service?

Mike.

  I find it ridiculous that I have an ethernet modem AND wireless card already installed into my laptop and now in order to go wireless I either have to first hook a desktop pc and run off that or buy another DSL modem to hook the router up to  .

So if I buy a wireless modem/gateway/router all in one, then I should be good to go?

Most broadband routers attach to the broadband modem via a LAN cable, or to a LAN jack coming straight out of the wall.

I'm not familar with your DSL setup, but I have a DSL modem that connects to my phone jack, and the router is connected to the modem via a LAN cable.  You should also note that some DSL companies only allow a single login, so if you have trying to connect your notebook and desktop separately, one of them will not get online.

Yes, I have DSL internet though the phone line using a USB adapter to go from from the phone jack into the ethernet jack in the laptop.  I want to take adavantage of my wireless card in the lap, but a little confused about my wireless possibilities.  I don't want to involve a desktop pc, so can I just have something( a wireless router?) that plugs into the phone jack and and my wireless card card detect and use wirelessly? 

For example...if I purchase this Netgear Cable/DSL Router...is this all I need?

http://www2.shopping.com/xPF-Netgear_MR814_Cable_DSL_2_4_GHz_Wireless_Router

Message Edited by lsu1000 on 09-17-2004 10:14 PM

Ok, we're getting there...

You currently have dsl broadband and there's a dsl/cable modem in-between the phone jack and your computer. Correct?

Does the dsl/cable modem connect to your computer with a phone-jack looking plug (ethernet) or a flat rectangular looking plug (USB)? If it's USB, you'll need to get a dsl/cable modem that uses ethernet cabling. Otherwise, all you need is a wireless router to connect to your dsl/cable modem. I'm not familar with that particular router, but the spec sheet implies it connects the computer to the router via an ethernet cable.

You'll need an ethernet cable to connect your computer to the router to set the router up (security, etc.,.), from that point, just put the cable away, and go wireless!

No you don't need a desktop. I have a wired desktop, and a wireless laptop. My desktop doesn't even have to be there, or turned on, to get a wireless signal from the router  to my laptop.

Mike.

 

lsu1000,

Can you tell us a bit more about the USB adapter? Who's the manufacturer, and what's the model number?

Jim

Ok, I think I'm with you now.  Yes the external modem I have goes from the phone jack into the USB port.  So that won't do.  What if I purchase one of these all in one, modem/gateway/router, will this take care of me? Allowing me to plug it into the phone line and have wireless access on my laptop?

http://www2.shopping.com/xPF-Netgear_DG824M_Wireless_ADSL_Modem_Gateway

So you mean your DSL modem goes between the phone jack and your computer's USB port?  Is there any way you can speak with your DSL provider into swapping it with a modem that connects to a LAN card/port?  That way you can simply get a router, which you can connect both the notebook and the desktop to it.

Sadly you don't want to run it off your desktop, otherwise you could run your desktop like a gateway and connect your router (or access point) to it still - one of my friends sets his wireless network up like that.

I'm not familiar with those, sorry. Maybe one of the others here can help you with that question. But glad to see your on the right track - NEVER give up! We'll get you there eventually ... .

When you post back, you might want to give them a little more information about your current dsl/cable modem's manufacturer and model#.

Good luck with your network,

Mike.

lsu1000,

I think you have a DSL modem that has only a USB connector for the LAN. If the features of the Netgear DG824M are acceptable to your ISP, you should be able to replace the current DSL modem with it and have all the connectivity you need.

We could do a "reality check" on that statement if you'd post the manufacturer and model number of your current DSL modem, as Mike suggested.

Jim