Do I need a wireless router?

[Spit-wad]

I'm in a dorm room. I have 1 roommate. There are only 2 ethernet ports in the room.

I have a desktop, currently connected to 1.
Roommate has a laptop, currently connected to the other.

I also have a laptop and a PS3, and he has an iPod touch.


So basically we want some wireless options here.

I want to make sure my desktop stays wired, because I play games on it and can't risk disconnecting.


I assume all I need is a wireless router?
Could I just plug the router into my port, then plug my desktop into it, and then have a wireless network for everything else?



If so, anyone recommend me a cheap wireless router that will do the trick?

 

[b1gapl]

This is probably the most common wireless router used today by regular consumers:
Newegg.com - LINKSYS WRT54GL IEEE 802.3/3u, IEEE 802.11b/g Wireless-G Broadband Router - Wireless Routers
I use it myself, and it's just so easy to setup.

If you want a little cheaper:
Newegg.com - LINKSYS WRT54G2 IEEE 802.3/3u, IEEE 802.11b/g Wireless-G Broadband Router - Wireless Routers
I think it's just a newer version of the first one I linked.

You can't just plug and play, unless you want others going onto your wireless and eat up the bandwidth. There are a few settings to tweak in order to protect yourself and your roommate.

 

[Spit-wad]

Thanks b1gapl.

Hopefully I'll be fine setting it up - if not, well then that's why I have tech-forums!


(gonna buy that 2nd one most likely)

 

[Spit-wad]

Update: Got it and it's working well.

 

[kmote]

Really really make sure you protect yourself, I imagine that in a dorm situation it is even more important.

 

[Hefemeister]

If possible use at least wpa or preferable wpa2 if you equipment supports it. I am sure there are want to be hackers who would love to crack some wep encryption in your dorm

 

[patonb]

Also ensure a very odd passkey, with numbers symbols etc.

 

[Spit-wad]

I'm using wpa2, but admittedly the password is not very strong right now. I'll change it tonight.