Listen, first of all if you have specs stating this unit supports 802.11b/g then it IS an access point already, it does not need "converting". Usually a router will be a combination of router and access point. A router which is not also an access point will simply be a unit for Wired Networks. It has a connection to connect to the cable/dsl modem and slots for connecting the computers to RJ-45 Ports. A router without an access point is called a "Hub". The hub hooks into the DSL/Cable modem and each comptuer hooks via Cat 5/5e/6 Ethernet Cable with RJ-45 Ports. Usually (best too) a "Switch" is build into the hub so the signel is not split between all the computers, which reduces the bandwidth available for each. Lets say you have two computers hooked to a hub without a switch and the hub is hooked up to your external modem provided by your ISP. When both computers are turned on accessing the net, a bandwidth of 54Mbps is split between the two reducing the speed down to 27 for each. It the hub contains a Switch then each computer has its own individual lane to the bandwidth keeping each at the full 54Mbps. Lets get some descriptions out for you:
Hub--Simplest of the devices, broadcasts to all devices on the network and subdivides the bandwidth of the network amoung all connected devices. A 10/100 Ethernet network with four 100Mbps stations connected throught the hub has an affective speed of 25Mbps.
Switch--This item creates a direct connection between sending and receiving computers and provides full network speed for all stations. Most switches also provide full-duplex support.
Router--connects one network(such as a LAN) to another network (such as the internet). Almost all router made for home networking include a switch. Otherwise a router can be connected to a switch or hub.
WAP(Wireless Access Point)----transmits radio signals between computers and other devices on a network and from the network to a router. A WAP and a Router is often combined into one unit.
So, you can clearly see that the unit you currently have IS a Router and a WAP already. You just need information on how to configure the network.
To do so you will need a Wireless Adapter for those devices you wish to be connected wirelessly. For the Wired units you need a 10/100 or 10/1000 Ethernet adapter card. Between the two of these types of adapters you can create a wired and wireless network.
Now, the setup is determined by the location of your computers and other devices you wish to network together. A Router also has a DHCP server which automatically assigns IP Adresses. Each node on the network requires an IP Adress. In a Wireless Network each node is behind the router, not directly accessable by the internet. The unit the internet "sees" is the router, not the individual nodes on the network. (Node is just the term for each device on the network). So, the Router has a Public IP Adress and each node is assigned a Private IP Address. This is a great security feature of Routers. If a computer is not "seen" it is not easily compromised. However, other security measures also needs to be taken.
When hooking up a wired and/or wireless network there are certain steps which must be followed in order. You first run the setup on the Router. Get out your instructions (if you don't have them go to the manufacturers website and download them, easily done as they are posted on the site. Go to support, put in your model number and a list of downloadable items will appear. Each site is set up a bit differently, but it shouldn't be difficult. Then download the PDF file of instructions on your particular model) Once you have the instructions follow them step by step.
Now, you will not connect computers directly to each other, but rather to the routers ports. The Router is hooked up to your ISP Modem. You will need Ethernet cable either CAT5/5e/6. All you need is CAT5 for a 10/100 network but 5e and 6 provides a higher signal quality. You can use a different colored cable for each note on the netwrok to distingush one node from another for easy configuration and maintainance later. It is up to you. Almost all pre-assembled cable features a cover over the locking tab on each end of the cable. This is called a snagless boot and helps prevent tangles and damage to the lacking tab. If you cable is too short you can use a coupler (inline coupler) which connects to the end of one network cable and enables another cable to be plugged into the ohter end. Make sure it is CAT5 compatable as older couplers support CAT3 signals only. You don't want that.
Keep network cables away from interferance sources such as fluorescent lighting, electric motors, etc. This is due to the cables being unshielded twisted pairs-UTP, and lack of shielding can lead to transmission problems if you don't route them properly. Keep them off the floor if at all possible as they are vulnerable to being crushed due to the fine wires inside. Use cable runners to protect them if you have to place them on the floor. Decide if you wish to use color coding. I would.
You can run UTP Ethernet cable up to a bit more than 300 feet between switch(router) and each node. If you have to run a longer distance run from one LAN Port on the Original Router to an Uplink Port an another Router, connecting two in order to increase distance for further away nodes. Like on a upper level.
As you wish to use the Router for your internet connection and your network I take it you will not be using Internet Connection Sharing. This is good as ICS is not as secure in my opinion as it needs the Guest Account to work which leaves it open all the time. Like a window into the network. While the Guest Account has limited access it is still access.
After you have figured out which computers will be wired, which will be wireless you can determine how much cable is needed and how many Wireless Adapters you will need and if you will need to add any Ethernet 10/100 or 10/1000 adapter cards to computers. Nowadays these come standard, but older computers may not have one. You will also need to determine if you wish to connect a printer server for wireless access or if you wish to share via a wired connection.
I suggest you just do the basic computer networking configurations first and later look into adding other types of devices to your network.
You will need to connect your Router to a computer for configuration as the configuration is via a browser. Plug the Router directly into the Ethernet port when directed by the Routers setup CD. Don't connect the Router untill directed by the setup instructions. The CD gives both instructions and loads needed drives into the comptuer and sets registry settings.
You need to duplicate the settings used by your computer in the router's configuration. To view these settings use IPConfig. Click Start-Run, type cmd click OK. Type ipconfig/all at the command prompt. Write down the following information:
Host name (computer name +DNS sufix, Adapter MAC Address, DHcP server is use, Default gateway(record only if DHCP is in use) DNS servers (record only if DHCP is not used) If DHCP is used you may only need the MAC address but write it all down so you don't have to go back looking for information in the middle of configuring your router.
Disconnect from the broadband internet device. Connect the computer to one of the LAN ports on the router. Don't connect any other computer yet.Use a standard cable as desribed above, not a cross over cable. Turn on the Router. Restart your computer. Open your web browser and enter the IP address of the Router. (you find this in the instruction manual) If a password was provided with the router put it in and log in. If no password was given leave this blank and click login. Configure your routers settings to use the same settings as the comptuer.
Enter the Host computer name and DNS Suffix if required. You should see the IP address of the router. Below that should be two different options. Select the box for "Obtain IP address automatically if you are using DHCP. If not and your ISP provided a static IP address for your computer select that and fill it in at the proper spot. Then select PPPoE and if given one enter the Username and Password to log on to your connection. (I don't use this, but many ISPs give this to customers, you may need to contact your ISP for this if needed). Select "Provide dymamic IP addresses for each computer or note on network." Some configurations require you put in the number in your network. If two computers put 2, if four put 4, etc.
Put in your MAC address if requred. Quit the configuration after selecting "apply" at each page it is required.
Now, hook up the cable for each computer. Put the cable first in the LAN port then into the computers Adapter port. Don't put the cable in the comptuer then the cable into the LAN port. Put it in the LAN port first. When ever you need to unhook, always unhook from the Router or Modem first, then unhook the computer. Otherwise you could cause damage to your hardware.
I am assumming you have already installed and configured each Adapter on each computer. If not do so before hooking up to the router. This is done by putting in the setup CD, follow all instructions, put in the Adapter when instructed, not before, decide whether you will use the Adapters configuration or Windows. I always use Wiindows as it is easier during times I need to work on my connection. But you may like to use the Adapters built in configuration over windows.
After each computer is set up and has an internet connection, then it is time to set up the security features like the firewall, WEP or WPA, and MAC adress filtering if you want. You can also change the SSID name to one you like and which will not allow others to easily guess what manufacturer you are using. The SSID is simply the name of your Router with an unique serial number of your unit following the name. If Linksys it would be Linksys-L46N9T07 or some such serial number. By changing the name you deprive crackers of an easy step in gaining access to your routers configuration page. You will also want to put in a password if none was given.
Listen, the best thing for you to do is get this book:"Absolute Beginner's Guide to Home Networking", by Mark Edward Soper. This book is about 330 pages and is full of easy to read, understand and follow instructions on all of the above and the security which needs setting. You don't put in security untill after the network is up with a connection working well.
It is just too long to write all that here. I highly suggest you utilize the book, the website tech support area on your router, the toll free tech support which comes with nearly every router, and your ISP.
This shows you it is not a simple matter of detailing the steps here. Depending upon your network setup each step can take a different route. So, it is important you obtain good information where you can have it handy for preview as you work through setting up your network. The book above is a great tool which was invaluable while I was first learning how to setup wired and wireless networks. I have a small home network and a small business with six networked computers. I also have game consoles, a security setup with cameras and I even run my washer and dryer remotely via my computer while at work. I have a VPN connecting my office to my home.
This book is a great source of informaiton and will get you up and running in a short amount of time. It does not cost much and even if it did it would be well worth the price. After this book I purchased Windows XP Inside Out, by Microsoft Press and authored by a group, one who is Ed Bott a reknowed computer expert.
For your own peace of mind, get the Absolute beginner's Guide and then if you need more (which I highly doubt) go to the local bookstore or electronics store like Fry's Electronic's and you can find other networking books. I only have six networked computers at work right now so I don't neee a server, but I am now learning about servers with the Windows Server 2003 book.
I am a small business owner, a self taught IT tech, (the sole IT administrator at my business! darn! ) and if I can be self taught so can anyone! Just stick to the basics of what you currently need so you don't get bogged down in too much unrelated info.
Oh, there is a lot of information on the web. One problem though with this informaiton. This is a rapidly changing enviroment. But sadly, many web sites which use to contain up to the time information have failed to update these sites informaiton, so it sits out there to confuse any who is trying to locate usefull informaiton. You can shuffle through page after page of useless obsolete data. So, get the book and you will be far happier and much less stressfull. Also, utilize your Routers Manufacturers website, comb through the Q&A and don't be shy of calling the tech department. Remember, the first one on the phone is always a level one. Then if they can't help you it gets bumped up to a level two, then three. So, don't get frustrated if the first person fails to fix the issue. Just be patient and go on up to the next level. Eventually they will fix your issue. They want you happy in order to keep selling their products.
Good luck in setting up your network. It is really not that difficult once you have the proper info and understand the basics. Have a really nice day!