An idiots guide to wired to wireless needed please

tia86

Hi all

Have tried to find posts on this but can't find exactly what I want to know so hopefully someone can help

I currently have a wired internet connection but want to now be able to have Wi Fi so I can download stuff to my kindle.

Looking around it seems I simply need a wireless router? Is that the case?
If so what exactly do I do with it? Do I keep the modem plugged into the phone line, and then plug the router into the modem?

Also some say suitable for 2 devices - is that at a time or does it mean I would set my laptop and kindle up for it, and then no one else in my family could then use a phone connected?

Thanks

closed

what have you got plugged into the phone line now (model), who is the isp

you can usually connect 4 wired devices, and as many wireless as you are likely to ever own, all at the same time

most isp's will give you a free one if you ask nicely, or twist their arm by mentioning retentions.

tia86

I am with Plus Net and the modem is the one they sent a couple of years ago - it says Thomson and Speedtouch on it. (I am clueless!!)

karatepet

can you find the model number on the router?

googler

Any device that you want to connect wirelessly to the router will have to have its own wireless capability, of course. What are you going to use?

kwikbreaks

Any router supplied by an ISP in the last couple of years is almost certainly going to support wireless. Reading the manual that came with it or finding one online would be a good place to start.

tia86

Thanks for the replies, when I signed up there was the choice of wireless or wired, and I opted for wired.
The modem didn't come with a manual - the number on it says ST6 16 v6 will have a look on google about it

In terms of connecting to the wi fi I want to connect my laptop (not sure if that has Wi Fi or not as I got it second hand and cant remember if that was the thing that was broken on it) and my kindle.

tia86

http://www.speedtouch.ca/pdf/Datasheet_516v6.pdf
http://www.plus.net/support/broadband/hardware/516v6.shtml

Ok think I typed the code in wrong in my post above - this is what I have - any ideas if you can make it wireless? thanks

grumpycrab

I assume you are using Plusnet on a monthly (contract) basis as, normally, a wireless router would be provided for free.
So you just want a "bit of kit" that plugs into the "ethernet socket" of your box and generates wireless e.g.
www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-WA5110G-54MBPS-Wireless-Access/dp/B002XKFIEI/

explained here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_access_point

EDIT: I misead your post. As a loyal Plusnet customer ring them up and ask for a wireless modem (say your old modem gets hot or something and that you don't like switching it off every night...blah blah blah OR get a free wireless router for a 12-month contract extension).

tia86

Yes with Plus Net on a monthly contract, at the time when I signed up I didn't think I would want wireless hence opting for the wired option.

From the link you have sent that is a 'wireless access point' is this what I need rather than a router?

Thanks

grumpycrab

I editted my post. Ring them up and get a free wireless modem/router. When it arrives swap your old for the new. Then come on here if you have trouble with wireless.