I have a question on APs and Router

Hi, i am new to the wireless scene and just upgraded my connection to a wireless one. The whole contract comes with a wireless modem by 2WIRE and i thought by just connecting the modem to my cpu and a telephone line, im on my way to wireless connection but no. I figured out that i need a couple more things like a router?

My question is what exactly is a router in layman terms? (I tired wiki and googling but the terms were confusing) and what does it do?

Another question is what are all these psp wireless, Accessories, Networking items on eBay.com ? Does it mean that i just need one of these and plug it in my cpu USB slot and i can go wireless with my psp and itouch without the need of a router?

Sorry for the ignorance. Please enlighten me.


Thanks

In simple terms a router routes data between 2 different networks. A network being 2 different IP subnets. Typically a Public IP (an Internet IP address) and a private IP (your local network)

Now you are probably asking how come I have 2 networks. You don't, but you do have 1 network, the other network is the Internet.

So the router is used as a device to allow your computer on your home network to talk to the Internet.

Your home network is that cable that goes from your computer to the router, or if you have wireless it is the wireless link between your computer and the router.

Modems are for the most part just media converters. It converts your xDSL connection to Ethernet. Now because what is presented at the Ethernet connection is effectively raw internet it needs something that is capable of getting data into and out of that connection, that is where your router comes in.

I hope this has been of some use to you.

Regards

Fred

it needs something that is capable of getting data into and out of that connection wirelessly?

So in other words, i have to get a router in order to have wireless access? And what are those usb wifi access points adapter connector about? Can i use them w/o a router and still be able to connect to the internet wirelessly?

Thanks!

I had a quick look at the page you refer to. There are numerous devices on that page and unless you are specific about the device in question I won't go through them all and do all the work of finding out about them for you.

Regards

Fred

They are all similar devices right? Are they all wireless adaptors as in you just have to plug them into your USB slot and you can create an access point and be able to go wireless with your psp or itouch?

My question is really, can i buy one of those and do the same thing as in plug it into my USB slot w/o a router and still be able to surf net using my psp?

You will need some king of router for internet access.

This is because your home network has a private IP and the internet has a public IP.

Regards

Fred