[beennie]

I currently have 2 laptop computers with centrino and one desktop. The desktop is old (PII, 320MB Ram) and isnt used to access the internet at all. We have an ADSL connection, which we plug straight into either laptop, from the modem when we want to use the internet. I want to set up a wireless network so that i can use a laptop upstairs.

I know i will need to buy a wireless router and connect my modem to this, but after this stage, will i be able to set up a wireless network so that i can access the internet from either of my laptops, or does one of the laptops need to be wired to the router at all times?

[fitzjj]

Once it is set up you dont have to have any computers wired into the router, you can use them all wirelessly.

[beennie]

Next question:

Would i be better off purchasing a router from DLink (the same brand as my modem) or a linksys router for example?

[Win2kpatcher]

That is correct. I tend to like to leave the main desktop near the network equipment (DSL modem/WiFi Router) hard wired simply for speed reasons. I say leave it wired when wireless is not required that and its easier to troubleshoot when things go wrong.

A wireless router out of the box is pretty much plug n play. I would however setup security which would require to have at least one wired connection temporarily. These are the steps I would take.

1) Plug CAT5 cable from modem to the WAN port on your WiFi Router.
2) Plug a CAT5 cable from the router to your desktop.
3) Access the routers configuration page via a IE window. All routers are different so the IP addy may be differnt usually it will be 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
4) Go to the WiFi setup portion and enable security. I recently used WPA-PSK with a key and it worked out fine. I chose not to go with WEP since so many people are cracking those networks.
5) Select a custom SSID, channel and operating mode.
6) Enter the security info on both laptops and they should connect with no problems.

[beennie]

So should i purchase a wireless router that is the same brand as my modem? or is any router fine.... can anyone suggest a router that would be good, im not looking to spend a lot of money.

Linksys? or Netgear? or Dlink (my modem brand)? Any models?

[Win2kpatcher]

Linksys is a solid brand. Stay away from netgear they=the devil. I just installed a wireless network with a cheap little belkin wireless G router I got for like $30 at best buy (I had to buy on the spot otherwise get it online its a lot cheaper).