Wireless router and a desktop

I don't know if this can be done. Have a W7 machine connected thru a gigabyte switch and then to my wireless router. The wireless router is connected via cable modem to my isp. Can I use this wireless router to search for other wifi nets in the area and connect to the internet this way as well.? In other words, behave like my laptop does.

Yes, It can be done. It is called Access Point mode, but it also depends on the type of router it is and its functions.

A wireless router is a broadcasting device, not a receiving one. It broadcasts a signal (that comes to it from the isp via the modem) that can only be detected by wifi capable hardware such as an internal wifi card or a usb wifi dongle. The only way to get your desktop to see the wifi (yours or others) is to buy a USB dongle or a card to put into the computer.

Bill2 said:

A wireless router is a broadcasting device, not a receiving one. It broadcasts a signal (that comes to it from the isp via the modem) that can only be detected by wifi capable hardware such as an internal wifi card or a usb wifi dongle. The only way to get your desktop to see the wifi (yours or others) is to buy a USB dongle or a card to put into the computer.

Or connect it wired through the LAN connection.

My "wireless" Linksys E3000 is a "Wireless" Router that includes 4 wired LAN ports. I suppose you can't technically call it wireless but it is designed for wireless connections.

Anyway I agree

So, NO, you can't use your wireless router to "see" other wifi nets, that would be the job of the network card (the receiver).

BTW Bill I'm a big Hitchcock fan :)

sygnus21 said:

Bill2 said:

A wireless router is a broadcasting device, not a receiving one. It broadcasts a signal (that comes to it from the isp via the modem) that can only be detected by wifi capable hardware such as an internal wifi card or a usb wifi dongle. The only way to get your desktop to see the wifi (yours or others) is to buy a USB dongle or a card to put into the computer.

What he said

So, NO, you can't use your wireless router to "see" other wifi nets, that would be the job of the network card (the receiver).

BTW Bill I'm a big Hitchcock fan :)

Me too.

Let me be a little more specific, First my network is functioning as mixed wired/wireless network. My desktop is connected via lan to the switch, via lan to the wireless router and via lan/wan? to the modem. When roaming the house with my laptop, I connect via wireless. Pretty much standard connections
.
In my opinion, the wireless router is both a transmitter and receiver. Else how would my laptop connect and transfer data to the network.
If I have to resort to a wifi card or usb dongle, I want to be able to connect it to an antenna, preferably outside and directional. WIfi receivers function better when they are next to the antenna, rather than a long antenna lead to the receiver.
My city sponsors a free wifi network for us city dwellers. I have to go outside with my laptop to receive it, can not see it indoors. Tx