if i want to go wireless on my laptop,do i need a wireless router,any other equipment?

Question

I was told that I need a wireless router and other connections to go wireless on my laptop.I want to use a usb connection.I tried to use the Cd provided to go wireless,but couldn't make a connection.Someone told me to get a usb connector to go wireless and thats all I need. i want to be sure before spending the money for something that won.t work anyway.

Answer 1

For your home use you will need a wireless router hooked into your modem you use for internet connection. Most routers you can buy like the LINKSYS comes with the eithernet cable needed to hook to the modem.

Answer 2

In order for you to use your wireless, you need a wireless router and setup security for it (MAC filtering, WEP/WPA encryption codes, etc). If you do not, you are essentially putting your own internet connection and your laptop at risk from any snoopers in your neighborhood.



Do not even consider a USB connection. It is slow, and unreliable.



Your wireless AP/router will provide a hardware firewall. Depending on what services you use on your computer, you have to set up the firewall on your router (Messenging, printing, remote connect, etc etc).



DO NOT go cheap on routers. Go with a reliable product. Linksys is a good brand to start with.



My recommendation

Make sure to get a 802.11G (not B) wireless router with WPA protection from Linksys. They have a number or products that provide these options.



look here to familiarized yourself with the terminology:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_LAN



There are links on that page that are useful in helping you with your home network.



This is all a lot easier than it sounds. But NEVER buy a wireless router if you are not going to activate WEP/WPA security and/or tweak the firewall. Never buy any other brand other than Dlink, Linksys, Netgear, or Orinoco.

Answer 3

You need a router, and a usb type wireless card/adapter. Make sure the card that connects to the laptop is compatible with your router. When you go to the store pick a router and pick a card and ask the clerk if this is compatible with this.

Answer 4

You need a modem, a router that sends and recieves wireless signal and a usb cable to connect the modem to the router.

Answer 5

short of any other issues your computer might have.. you need four basic things to do what you want.



1) an active internet connection (Cable DSL)

2) A router with wireless access

3) a wireless card (or usb to wireless device) for your computer

4) windows xp with Service Pack 2. (or vista)

right click on my computer (computer if you have vista)

click properties. you need to see vista (any adition) or xp service pack 2



if you do not have all 4 you will not get it to work.

if you do have all 4 and its still not working. let us know what you have for products and we can help more.

Answer 6

If you dont already have a wireless router, get it. It's pointless to have a laptop that could connect wireless, if you dont have a place to connect.

Answer 7

to use the internet wirelessly at home, you need a wireless router and a wifi enabled laptop or a wifi dongle for the laptop though i would prefer a pcmcia card as its better protected internally.



if however you are happy with your home setup and just want to access wifi "hot spots" from your lappy, you only need the dongle/wifi card for your lappy.

Answer 8

I used a usb the net gear wpn511 it works great all i did was Scan and found access points around me and now i have free Internet (They have no security)