Do I need a router instead of my motem to get the wireless internet on my laptop? Please Help!?

I have a laptop that I JUST got and a desktop that is a 2003 model. The laptop doesn't have internet yet so I bought a Wireless G 802.11 Access Point. The desktop gets internet from a Motorola Motem that has 3 ports, But all 3 ports taken up, 1 for power, the other is a USB which goes to the tower which goes to the monitor and the last goes to the network. So I tried disconnecting the network cable, then plugged the linksys cable to there, so the lynksys was connected including its ac adapter. The lights went on ( power, act and link) and were kinda blinking. Then we went to the next step on the setup disk and it tried connecting to internet or network and then it said, Access point Wireless G did not find a network connection. Neither my laptop or my computer had internet. I kept trying and trying, but never did it come up. So now I gave up and put in the old network cable and have internet again. Do I need a router since it has many ports or can I use my motem still and change it?

Answers:
Get a wireless router, check to see if you need to get a wireless card for the laptop. Usually, the laptop will try to connect wirelessly at startup. When buying the wireless router, make sure you purchase a compatible wireless card.
Best helper out there, use the CD that came with your router to help you self up. Make sure your laptop is wireless capable - TAKE IT BACK if not! It's 2007 for real!
If you want to use wireless, you have to have a router. The modem isn't capable of sending a wireless signal to your laptop.
1) you need to connect the Modem to the Router. There's a specific port, read the Router manual to learn how to connect the modem to the router. From the router, you can connect to the desktop and read the router manual to set-up your wi-fi, including how to protect your wi-fi. If you provide the brand and model of your Modem and Router, more steps can be provided.
Unless it is a router/modem combo, you need to get a router. Or get a combo, they take up less space. Also make sure you do have a wireless card in your laptop, and that you have it turned on!! Sometimes there is a button that turns signals to your card on and off. When you set up your wireless network, pretty easy with the network wizard, make sure you encrypt (if not done already) so that people dont rip off your internet and slow you down!!

The answers post by the user, for information only, RunQA.com does not guarantee the right.


More Questions and Answers ...
  • How much would it cost to fix a shorted circuit in a laptop?
  • How do i make sure my laptop stays open all the time?
  • Does a Macbook come with iLife on the CD?
  • What laptop for engineering?
  • Laptop wont turn on?
  • Dell internet access help?
  • The Battery Icon on my laptop has disappeared and now only works off of mains power. In the control panel the
  • Can i use more than one graphics card ?
  • Wireless internet for my laptop so slow?