I have a cable modem (connected by ethernet to my laptop), but I want to go wireless. What are my next steps?

go to your local electronics store and buy a wireless router. they will all support cable modems. it will connect to your modem via the same ethernet cable you have connected to your laptop and then the signal will be sent wirelessly to your wireless card. If you have other computers, the router will allow you to connect them wirelessly or by wire.

setup is straightforward... follow instructions and install software. dlink, linksys, belkin are good routers.

just a note, if you have a portable phone on 2.4 Ghz frequency, a router will most likely interfere with the phone. you can always change phone to 900 mhz or 5.8 ghz broadband. (or maybe these days the routers operate on higher frequencies....ask the salespeople)

once setup, read the manual for securing your network so noone else can access your internet/computer.

Buy a Wireless Router, connect and configure it with your Cable modem.

The main Broadband Cable coming into your home goes to the Cable modem.

The Ethernet cable from the Cable Modem goes to your Wireless Router.

One Ethernet cable goes form the Wireless Router to your main Desktop Computer. Rest of the computers (Laptop) can be configured to receive Wireless signals from the Wireless router via a Wireless PCMCIA Card.

If there is another Desktop then, it will need a PCI Wireless card to receive Wireless signals from the Wireless Router. It can be connected ( to the Wireless Router ) using a Ethernet cable and adapter( in side of the desktop) also but this will then be a wired connection.

Actually, you can just get a wireless router. You'll still have to have your cable modem connected into the coax cable. With a wireless router, you can take your computer anywhere in your house and have internet service. They are pretty easy to configure and relatively inexpensive.

Yes you need to buy a wireless router. I recommend Lynxsis. Get a router/cable modem... that way you can have one computer hooked to the modem and your laptop can pick up the signal. Its great! BUT you must must MUST password protect it... learn how to. I can pick up someones signal hundreds of feet away.

Get a wireless router. I'm using one right now. :]]