There are possible issues that you have to look at here.
1. Is her computer "N" capable? If not, you are wasting money buying an "N" capable router.
2. Are there other WAPs (Wireless Access Points) in the house? If you are running "G" capable WAPs, there can be huge bandwidth issues with ones running "N". The rule of thumb that I recommend is only run one or the other.

The Linksys WRT54GL is one of the best wireless routers out there. Below is the link for it at Newegg.com

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124190

Also, this router offers WPA2 security, one of the best wireless security technologies available. The guide should show you how to set this up. Let me know if you have any other questions. BTW, that router is only $57.

And one more thing, don't let anyone tell you that you should make the investment now because 802.11/N is the future. It is the future, but the final spec has yet to be agreed on. This means that what your laptop is using can be different than what the WAP is using and they won't even work. The other thing to also look at is your internet connection. Most are usually only 1 to 3 Mbits per second. An 802.11/G router can run at 54 Mbits per second, so even the slower "G" capable router is not the bottleneck in your network; it is your internet connection.

Thanks for the reply.
Both of our computers are desktop not laptop. Does that make a difference?
Both of our computers are HP running Windows XP.
Honestly, I have no clue about the G or N other than I know that the G is slower so if my computers are N capable, I want to look at that route.
Our house is 4 years old and has either cat5 or cat5e wiring.
Are routers just for creating wireless for laptops or can they be used desktop to desktop?
Thank!

Hi,

As long as lsst raised this issue and Fred provided a very informative response, may I ask a question ? How would the router mentioned by Fred compare to this one a friend suggested to me ?

Here is a link that might be useful: Linksys Router

"I currently have Earthlink DSL."
First question I might ask you is what is the modem or combo modem/router name and model number you have now? Does it have an extra ethernet port?

Too many variables to say much more.

lsst,

It doesn't matter whether the computer is a laptop or not. I assumed that since you wanted wireless connectivity that it would be for a notebook. I will say if your house is hardwired with Cat5 or Cat5e cable that you will have a much faster and secure connection than wireless (100 or even 1000 mbits per sec as opposed to 54 to max of 300), don't count on the 300 though, more like 150.

Don't worry about the security of the wireless though as long as you are using some form of WPA, and, I repeat AND, use a strong password you will be fine. If you try to use WEP, no matter how strong a password, it can be cracked in minutes. That's right, minutes. Using a weak password with WPA means that I can guess it. Don't use passwords like "password" or "admin". There, that is my wireless security lesson.

If you have to use wireless than you have to know if the wireless card in your PCs are G or N. I urge you not to use both technologies though. If one desktop is G and the other N, use G for both. The N is also G capable. If you try to use both, 9 times out of 10 there will be a conflict and you will probably see speeds in the neighborhood of 10 mbits per second. I have seen this many, many times. If you want N, wait for the final "version" to come out.

As far as routers, that is a generic term used today. Most "routers" made today for the home are technically a combination of a router, switch, and wireless access point. These three are all very different devices, but for your purpose doesn't matter.

Hope that helps.

Not2bright,

Funny name. To answer your question, the specs look the same, but your unit is cheaper in price. I haven't used it before, so I only recommend what I know works. I will say if you go to Newegg.com, that your router refurbished is only $30. That is a good price if it works. Personally, I am not a fan of Linksys, even though Cisco owns them, but most people aren't willing to spend $500 on a Cisco router.

Thanks,
I understand things better now.
Mikie,I have a Netopia 3341 ELK DSL modem supplied by Earthlink.
I saw the Belkin on sale today but did not buy it as at that time, I had not done any research.
fredferrell, I do not know if I have a wireless card in the computers. I had planned on purchasing a wirelass USB adapter for my daughter's computer.

I have a Belkin N Router that has been trouble free. It has increased the coverage area in the house from what the G used to provide. The set up is clear, not filled with too much technological jargon. When choosing a router, consider speed, range and security.

Most of my networking hardware uses the N Standard now. Some of the hardware is Belkin but not all; for example, the wireless printers are N but come with the manufacturer's wireless hardware. The Belkin N Router comes with WPA2 and that is recommended on any equipment that you get. But.... some of my work laptops use the G and so far, the mixed use has not been an issue but it could. As others pointed out, when g/n are mixed, a N router automatically works as a G Router, in order to be downwards compatible.

You can check Consumer Reports to see what is the latest best offering out there in the Router World. You can also check places like Zdnet.com Pcmag.com Pcworld.com; they all review PC hardware and issue list of the bests. Of course, no list is ever static. When I bought the Belkin N two years ago, it was the best of the N's on one of the magazine's list but -for example- CR now likes a Netgear Router instead.

I have the Netgear basic wireless G router that is available almost everywhere for $39. It is fully WPA2 configurable. I have it on the second floor and use my laptop wirelessly anywhere on the first floor. I have even used the laptop outside on the deck. A lot depends on how much "stuff" is between you and the router to cause interference with the radio signal.

The easy thing to do is call your Earthlink isp and have them send you a wifi replacement for your existing router/modem. They probably offer it at a discount,, maybe even free if youre within the first year.

That's a special ELK configured router/modem.

lsst,

Mikie has made a good point. You can probably get a free wireless router from your ISP and not have to buy your own. I am sure the competition would and they wouldn't want to lose you to them. Also, the USB wireless adapter should be fine. They are easy to setup too.

lsst,

Mikie has made a good point. You can probably get a free wireless router from your ISP and not have to buy your own. I am sure the competition would and they wouldn't want to lose you to them. Also, the USB wireless adapter should be fine. They are easy to setup too.

Thanks everyone! I will contact Earhlink and find out!

O.K., I went to my Earthlink account online and they offer a wireless Linksys router for $79.99 and free with a rebate.
They charge a $7.95 a month fee for the service on top of my monthly DSL fee.
I was not aware I would have to pay a monthly service to have wireless on top of my existing DSL service.

I purchased one at office depot on sale. When I had a computer tech person to come to my house and install it, the company (they called) stated in had oudated software on it. Had to return it to store>

$7.95 monthly sounds like the person you spoke with is trying to or tricking you into selling you something else too. You shouldnt have to pay anthing special for using wifi.

Think I'd call them back and see what the modem cost is from another person with and without that rebate.

Hi mikie,
The info was from the Earthlink website when I checked on sevices. I have been a member in good standing for 10 years ( when it was mindspring)and this is the info the website offered.
I did not call as I have been dissatisfied with their customer service lately.The last time I called a person did not understand what the word static meant (as in static on the phone line) and argued with me. LOL
I do think it is a ply to get more money.

Meant ploy to get more money....
I wish there was an edit button this site.

I would tell your ISP that you are able to get a free one elsewhere and if they don't give you one, then you are going to switch.

fredferrell,
What I do not understand is why they charge a monthly fee of 7.95 for up to 4 computers. I technically get the router for free with a rebate.
I am glad I asked about routers here because I may have fallen for Earthlink's wireless monthly plan had I not received the great advice from you guys!

lsst,
I shopped around for my internet because everyone wanted to charge me a fee for static IP addresses. I finally convinced Embarq that they wanted my business enough to give me one for free. Besides, as soon as IPv6 is migrated, then it won't matter anyway. In your case, I wouldn't pay it. I would buy my own router and just use it for wireless. Plus, who knows how much of a range it'll give. But if you can get it free, then that certainly is the best option.

"What I do not understand is why they charge a monthly fee of 7.95 for up to 4 computers."

It may be that the contract you have with them now allows you to connect only a single PC and that they charge extra for multiple PCs to connect. That kind of pricing used to be more common when only propeller headed geeks had home networks, but home networks are pretty common these days, so charging extra seems unusual to me.

I'd be in a bit of trouble if I were limited to 4 PCs. I think we've got 5 PCs, a Tivo, 2 game consoles, 2 handheld game systems and 2 iTouches that are all connected (or can be at various times). Fortunately, my ISP doesn't place any limit on the number of devices I connect.

I have another question.
Once I add the router to my desktop so that my daughter can use my DSL wireless on her computer, Does that make mine wireless too or will my computer stay wired the way it was before the router?
I prefer for mine to stay the same.
Thanks

Everything will stay the same with the router on. You might have a extremely slight decrease in speed due to multiple users using the same internet but it is most likely not even noticable.

lsst,

Really it wouldn't matter unless you were connecting to a server or something else. The reason why is that even your internal wireless network connection will still be faster than your internet connection.