Thread: Router + Adapter Combination

I'm moving into a new house soon and my two roommates and I are just starting to set up a wireless network. I currently use a hardwired connection so I need a new card or adapter, preferably at as little expense as possible. I'd hope for some advice from some a little more tech-savvy.

I currently have a router. It's 4 or so years old and I never found out how to work it properly. Model: Linksys WAP54G (Wireless-G access point)

Optimistically I want to get a card or USB adapter that's both cheap and compatible with this router. Doing a quick Google search for "wireless-G adapter compatible with linksys WAP54G router" this was the one real result I found: Amazon.com: Replacement 12V 1A AC Adapter for Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point - v3.1 Only, Linksys WAP54GP Wireless-G Access Point w/Power Over Ethernet, Linksys WAP54GX Wireless-G Access Point with SRX, Linksys EG008W Gigabit 8-Port Workgroup

Would that work, or does it serve a completely different purpose than I think it does? I can't tell from the description or reviews.

Alternatively, I'll go for a new router and compatible card altogether (the three of us would all pitch in for the cost of the router). This is combination I was looking at first and foremost:

Amazon.com: Cisco-Linksys Wireless-N PCI Adapter with Dual-Band (WMP600N): Electronics

Amazon.com: Cisco-Linksys E4200 Dual-Band Wireless-N Router: Electronics

There are probably cheaper routers that are similarly compatible with the card but meh. If you have suggestions I'll gladly take them.

My OS is Windows 7, sometimes I get confused but I'm pretty sure it's a 64-bit.

Also, I think I'm the only one using a desktop, if that matter. The other two guys I'm pretty sure just use laptops.

Duplicate thread posted prematurely by accident. Delete please?

Since you are the only one using a desktop, why not put the router in your room where the Desktop would be and let them connect wirelessly?

I refuse to use wireless, if you can I suggest getting a 50 foot Ethernet cable and using that.

Wraith,

The "wireless G adapter" you linked to is actually just an AC adapter for your access point.

I'm confused as to how you're using or have used the WAP54G, since it is a WAP and not a router, per se. Are you using a separate router or hub? Probably doesn't matter, because I would advise you to upgrade, regardless.

Unless I'm looking at specs for a different unit, the Linksys WAP54G supports only WEP encryption for its wireless security. WEP has been "broken" (that is, can be easily hacked into) for years. I'm not aware of any easy way to upgrade that WAP, so, if I'm correct about that unit's security, I'd suggest you purchase a new, more secure router (not a WAP) such as the Cisco router you referenced. I suspect your roommmates' laptops have built in WiFi, so they probably won't need any type of adapters (unless their laptops are pretty old). And, as Partyball suggested, you should probably just connect your deskop to the router via ethernet cable. I'd avoid a wireless PCI adapter simply because most desktops are in poor locations to connect wirelessly to a router, and it's not likely you'll need to move your desktop around the house anyway.