Wireless router questions

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  1. Posts : 45
    Windows 7 64 bit
       #1

    Wireless router questions


    I hate to sound like a dummy, but....

    If I buy a wireless router, does it go inline after the cable modem or before? And do most wireless routers come with whatever is necessary to get two different computers to work, preferably using the same modem?

    Also, any suggestions on which kind/brand to get?
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  2.    #2

    The only dumb questions are the ones you don't ask.

    The cable modem is first, then the wireless router. Wireless routers can connect as many computers as you want via the wireless connection, and usually have 3-4 LAN outputs as well. Use a router to link all the computers to the modem, that's what it's designed to do.

    Most modems provided by a cable company are older technology and I've seen all kinds of problems when people try to connect more than one computer to a cable modem.
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  3. Posts : 686
    Windows 7 x64 Ultimate SP1
       #3

    Usually, wireless routers provided by and ISP attempt to establish Internet connectivity before they start the wireless LAN. If you buy a router yourself, chances are it will probably follow the same gameplan, but it may not.

    All wireless routers have a DHCP server, a DNS relay and a NAT implementation, therefore providing you with the infrastructure to connect multiple PCs with the internet and with each other. If there are some that don't, they don't deserve the name 'router'.
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  4. Posts : 3,371
    W10 Pro desktop, W11 laptop, W11 Pro tablet (all 64-bit)
       #4

    The router would be inserted between the modem and the PC. I'm not sure how to answer your question about the router coming with everything you need to connect 2 computers, but I would have to say no. If you want to connect another computer via wireless, that computer will need to have a wireless card. Most (all?) laptops have wireless built-in, desktops usually don't. However, desktops often have a LAN card installed so you would be able to connect to the router with a LAN cable. The router most likely will not come with the required cables.

    You should be fine if you stick with the well known brands such as Linksys, D-Link, Netgear or even Belkin.
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  5. Posts : 3,612
    Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 6.01.7600 SP1 (x64)
       #5

    does this help :)

    All devices connecting to a wireless router must possess a working network adapter. As illustrated in the diagram, connecting to the router a broadband modem (that has one or more built-in adapters) enables sharing of a high-speed Internet connection.

    Wireless routers technically allow dozens of computers to connect over WiFi links. Nearly any residential wireless router will have no trouble supporting the number of wireless devices found in typical homes. However, if all WiFi computers attempt to use the network at the same time, slowdowns in performance should be expected.

    Many (but not all) wireless network routers also allow up to four wired devices to be connected via Ethernet cable. When first installing this kind of home network, one computer should be cabled to the wireless router temporarily to allow initial configuration of the wireless features. Employing Ethernet connections after that is optional. Using permanent Ethernet connections make sense when the computer, printer or other device lacks WiFi capability or cannot receive an adequate wireless radio signal from the router.

    Optional Components - Networking the router for Internet access, printers, game consoles and other entertainment devices is not required for the rest of the home network to function. Simply omit any of these components shown that do not exist in your layout.

    Limitations - The WiFi portion of the network will function only to the limit of the wireless router's range. The range of WiFi equipment varies depending on many factors including layout of the home and any radio interference that may be present.

    If the wireless router does not support enough Ethernet connections for you needs, add a secondary device like a network switch to expand the wired portion of the layout.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Wireless router questions-wireless-diagram-1.jpg  
    Last edited by brianzion; 28 Sep 2010 at 10:06. Reason: update
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  6. Posts : 3,612
    Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 6.01.7600 SP1 (x64)
       #6
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  7. Posts : 45
    Windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I would be connecting two desktop computers to the router. Is there some sort of device that would plug into the ethernet port on the back of each PC to connect to the router? It seems that having to use an ethernet cable for each PC defeats the whole "wireless" concept.
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  8. Posts : 3,612
    Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 6.01.7600 SP1 (x64)
       #8

    they look like this
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Wireless router questions-6300g_back_big.gif  
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  9. Posts : 1,035
    Vista 64 Ultimate, Windows 7 64 Ultimate, Ubuntu 9.10
       #9

    cheezit said:
    I would be connecting two desktop computers to the router. Is there some sort of device that would plug into the ethernet port on the back of each PC to connect to the router? It seems that having to use an ethernet cable for each PC defeats the whole "wireless" concept.
    The ethernet ports are used if you wish to connect the PC's via an ethernet cable, if your intent is to connect to the router in a wireless environment then the router must have wireless capability and each PC must have their own wireless adapter of which there are many types. Don't know what your carrier capability is but if it is DSL or cable via a communications company like Comcast, Time Warner etc you will probably do well with an N class wireless router and the PC's adapters should conform to the wireless N class structure.
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  10. Posts : 3,612
    Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 6.01.7600 SP1 (x64)
       #10

    and you connect wireless adapter to the pc ie: usb type or pci type that goes inside pc most laptops and desktops have wireless already installed :)
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Wireless router questions-wireless-stick.jpg   Wireless router questions-pci-wireless.jpg   Wireless router questions-laptop-wireless.jpg  
    Last edited by brianzion; 28 Sep 2010 at 10:33. Reason: update
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