Router Selection

I currently have a wired desktop (XP Pro SP 3) and recently my wife got a laptop (Windows 7) which I want to run wireless. They will run separately with my desktop remaining wired. Could someone help me with selecting a wireless router for the laptop. Price is not of major concern; I just don't want to buy something with features not needed.

 

I use a D-Link DI-524 but they are no longer on the market. Here's a Netgear router that I'll suggest, more or less based on reviews at newegg.com: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833150015; free shipping being offered for a limited time.

 

My IP is AT&T.

 

Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) is not an issue here. Any router should work with your DSL or cable modem. When you get a router, you'll disconnect your computer from your modem, connect the router to the modem, and then connect your desktop system to the modem via cable. The laptop will get a wireless connection once you have the router set up. At that point, you should setup WPA wireless encryption to secure your wireless connection from outside intruders.

 

Before you lash out on new kit

Does At&T provide the existing modem?
How is it wired to the desktop via usb or ethernet?

In the UK most users get their modem/router as part of the broadband package and most are wirelss capable.
Is yours and is it just a matter of switching on the wifi?
If not most users just get their ISP to change out the old modem/router for a new wifi one this does not normally cost them anything.

I don't know how this applies to the States, but check it out.

 

My mother is on AT&T's DSL, in Ohio. AT&T provided the modem, a standard wired (ethernet) modem. So, I assume that's what Jud149's has.

My mother has one computer and does not need a router. So, I'm not sure about plodr's point when he said, "One of the pieces of hardware needs to be set to bridge mode ...". He may be quite right about that. I use a wireless router with the DSL provided by my ISP. This modem is not the original one, and not the same model as the original. I recall that, with the original modem, I did have to contact my ISP's support and they guided me through the procedure of putting the modem in "bridge" mode. I don't recall doing that with the second modem, so it may be one that does not require the procedure.

Jud149, I would get the router and connect it to your modem. If you can't connect to the internet, then you'll know you need to contact AT&T and/or read the manual for the router (or visit router manufacturer's website).

Edit: If, indeed, your modem is a wireless modem, then you don't need a router.

 

The AT&T modem I have is wired. Of interest is that I checked with AT&T about a router and one thing they mentioned was that they would provide no modem support unless I purchased one from them for about $100. How 'bout that deal!