Is the wireless router the only thing you need?

Question

I recently bought a wireless router but it didn't work so well so I ask at the store and they told me that what I really needed was a USB adapter, so I bought it and now it seems that I still need the router, so I don't really know if you need both of them or it depends or if there is something else that I can ir order that the internet in my house can also be used in my laptop

Answer 1

Does your laptop have a wireless card built into it? If it doesn't have this device.. then the store was right to suggest a USB wireless adapter. If, however, your laptop comes with a wireless card built into it..then you don't.

If your laptop had this card, it would have been sold as having "Wifi", "wireless", or "802.11g"

If it is less then 5 years old, it is 99.99% likely that it does.  If it is older then that..then it might not.

The Wireless router basically takes the 1 internet connection your internet provider gives you and shares it with multiple computers.

It does this by "routing" requests from multiple computers to the internet connection and from the internet..back to the correct computer.  Hence its name "router"

Routers also "Shield" your computers from hackers on the internet thru a device called a firewall and a process called Network Address translation.  The computers connected to a router are essentially invisible to hackers who scan the internet for vulnerable computers (NOTE: you still need antivirus and antispyware software to protect you from websites and email)

Here is a basic diagram..

[Modem]-->[ROUTER]<--laptop

if your laptop lacks a wireless card then it would look like this

[Modem]-->[ROUTER]<--{USB Adapter}<--laptop

Answer 2

You'll need a wireless router and a wireless network adapter(for your laptop).  But first, check if your laptop has a built-in wireless network adapter. If you brought your laptop recently, it's likely that you laptop already has a built-in wireless network adapter.

Answer 3

If your laptop has integrated wifi, then you will still need a wireless router.  if you were getting poor reception, try placing the router in a high place, like up on a wall or in the attic.  also try to make sure that there are no microwave appliances in the way of your wireless signal.  if your laptop has no integrated wifi, then you will need a wireless usb adapter.  you will need a wireless router no matter which option you choose.  good luck

Answer 4

you connect the router to your broadband modem in order to have wireless in your house you still need the router, what they probably meant was you need the usb adapter though that makes no sense unless you dont have a ethernet port and it still doesnt make sense cause you cant send a ethernet signal though a usb connection i think they are just s******g you over guy seriously

Answer 5

You install the USB Adaptor on your laptop and then set up your Router then connect. That's all you need.

Answer 6

On the internet you need a wireless router to put the signal in the air and on your lap top you need a wireless connection to pick it up and use it.  And you have to have an internet connection to plug into the router - DSL, cable modem, etc.