Wireless router

[jay]

My modem is USB type,are there any wireless routers that will connect to this? The ones I have seen all use ethernet connection.

[-pops-]

Most routers now have a modem with them so the whole wireless Internet connection can be independent of the computer. You then need a USB wireless adapter on your computer.

Personally, I think it is best to have one computer (your prime one) with a wired Internet connection as this method is more reliable than wireless.

If you have only one computer, why bother with wireless at all? It seems de rigeur now to have a wireless connection whether it is necessary or not. If you only have one machine, or even two machines in close proximity, use a router by all means but forget about connecting it wirelessly. I know a number of people who have swapped their modem and gone wireless for no reason whatsoever and when asked why the reply is to the effect that everyone else is wireless so we must be as well.

I have a wireless setup because I have three computers which are in different rooms in a large house. My main machine is still hard wired into the router, though.

[catgate]

It seems de rigeur now to have a wireless connection whether it is necessary or not.

But isn't the whole computer world a bit like this?

Well, on reflection, ALL the world :(

[jay]

The idea of going wireless is for my wifes' laptop, main PC would not be wireless.The question is, is there such a thing as a

USB router as my modem is connected to PC via USB.

Thanks

Most routers now have a modem with them so the whole wireless Internet connection can be independent of the computer. You then need a USB wireless adapter on your computer.

Personally, I think it is best to have one computer (your prime one) with a wired Internet connection as this method is more reliable than wireless.

If you have only one computer, why bother with wireless at all? It seems de rigeur now to have a wireless connection whether it is necessary or not. If you only have one machine, or even two machines in close proximity, use a router by all means but forget about connecting it wirelessly. I know a number of people who have swapped their modem and gone wireless for no reason whatsoever and when asked why the reply is to the effect that everyone else is wireless so we must be as well.

I have a wireless setup because I have three computers which are in different rooms in a large house. My main machine is still hard wired into the router, though.

[-pops-]

Ahhhh!

OK.

At the moment I have a BT Home Hub which connects wirelessly, by Ethernet and by USB.

Just checked two Netgear routers which I am about to install for friends* and they have USB, Ethernet and wireless.

I've not particularly looked for USB connectors on routers before but it seems fairly standard. Do check before you buy, though.

Having said that, an Ethernet connection to your main computer is generally thought to be better than USB so, if you can do it, I suggest that you connect in that way. Modem routers usually come supplied with Ethernet cables and most modern computer have an Ethernet connector.

*Friends who want to join the wireless fraternity even though they only have a single machine.

[jay]

I think I'll just remove my modem and buy a modem/router and connect ethernet to main PC as you suggest.

Thank you.

Ahhhh!

OK.

At the moment I have a BT Home Hub which connects wirelessly, by Ethernet and by USB.

Just checked two Netgear routers which I am about to install for friends* and they have USB, Ethernet and wireless.

I've not particularly looked for USB connectors on routers before but it seems fairly standard. Do check before you buy, though.

Having said that, an Ethernet connection to your main computer is generally thought to be better than USB so, if you can do it, I suggest that you connect in that way. Modem routers usually come supplied with Ethernet cables and most modern computer have an Ethernet connector.

*Friends who want to join the wireless fraternity even though they only have a single machine.

[-pops-]

Should be easy to set up but, if you have any problems, come back and we will try to help out.

One thing to be aware of - during the setting up you will be asked to type in the address box of your browser something like 192.168.0.1 - although it looks like a numeric web address, it isn't. All it does is connect you to the inner workings of the router to enable you to set things up properly. You are not connected to the Internet by using this.

Please, please ensure that you have an encrypted connection for your wireless system otherwise you are open to anyone nicking your bandwidth.

[jay]

Just had a look at back of PC- No socket,only a LAN socket. Would that do? If not I'll get a PCI card

Should be easy to set up but, if you have any problems, come back and we will try to help out.

One thing to be aware of - during the setting up you will be asked to type in the address box of your browser something like 192.168.0.1 - although it looks like a numeric web address, it isn't. All it does is connect you to the inner workings of the router to enable you to set things up properly. You are not connected to the Internet by using this.

Please, please ensure that you have an encrypted connection for your wireless system otherwise you are open to anyone nicking your bandwidth.

[-pops-]

As far as I'm aware, they are the same thing but, you've made me doubt it now - wait until someone else comes on to confirm.