Gateway Parts

Why do you need a wired network adapter?

I went to Best Buy and purchased a wireless router. The last question I specifically remember asking the guy was do I need a network adapter. He said no. I got home and the first thing that I did was install the CD that came with it. I got to the last part of the installation. It said that my router and the host computer (wired, with no wireless capabilities (which I told the guy the day before)) were not connected. The thing is I just plugged the Ethernet Cable from my computer into Port 1 of the modem. I tried unplugging and re-plugging this thing until I just got tired of it. I go to check the instructions and one of the first things that it says I will need is a wired adapter. The thing I want to know is was there something I did wrong on my part and don't need one, or if I do need one, what does it do. -Windows XP Starlogic desktop (LAN-connected) -Windows Vista Acer Notebook (WLAN enabled-not connected) -WRT546 LinkSys wireless router -Westell 6100 DSL modem

Public Comments

1. Isn't a network adapter found in your computer? As far as i know, you need to have a network adapter in your computer so that you can plug an ethernet cable to it. If you were able to plug the cable in your computer, this means you already have a network adapter. Maybe it is not installed properly. I have a wireless router and it provides me with ethernet/ wireless/USB connection. Check yours, maybe the guy at Best Buy thought there was a USB connection too.
2. Im not an expert but im using a linksys wireless broadband modem.What I did was plug the Lan cable from the pc to the router and a Lan cable from my router to the modem which has the telephone wire attached to it.
3. You do NOT plug the computer into the modem. You pklug it into the router LAN port. The router WAN port then connects to the modem WAN port.