Yes, there is a monthly service fee ranging from $15 to $50 per month depending on promotions and speed of connection.

 

Peter 

Hmm ok, so once i get the router and the dsl/cable modem..is there a monthly service fee??

other than that, i think i understand the whole thing pretty well. im pretty much computer illiterate, lol

thanks for your help! 

1)  The router doesn't provide you with Internet access so you need to buy that separately.  Most routers don't even have a DSL or cable modem so you will still need that.

 

2) Linksys is one of the common vendors.  I've had good luck with DLink routers, but I suspect Linksys produces good products too.  Check the online reviews for the model you are interested in.  One model can be good and the next can be a dog.

 

Peter 

thank you so much. this stuff is all so confusing to me. but...my modem does have ethernet connections...so then all id need is the router.

Peter and Steve thank you both very much. both of you were tonnns of help..in trying to help me understand the whole wireless thing.  

i just got an idea in my head. lol i keep thinking of more questions. I also have a desktop computer with dsl already hooked up and being paid for. can i buy a router and just hook it up to the dsl we already have, or does it have to be a separate dsl modem??

Since you already have a dsl modem, providing that it is capable of making an ethernet connection (some are USB only), you will just need a wireless router.  All wireless routers have 4 ethernet ports, so you will be able to connect your desktop computer to the router (and thus the internet) through one of the 4 ethernet ports, and connect your laptop through wireless and thus share the dsl connection.  

 

Note that your laptop will also be able to connect at free wireless hotspots such as are provided by many coffee shops, hotels, some airports, and libraries.

 

Steve