Wireless router WITH a wired router - help?

I have a BEFSR41 Linksys router. It is a wired router and three computers are currently connected to it. I recently got a new laptop (with wifi) and I want to be able to use it around the house without a cat5 cable connected to it. So.....if I buy a wireless router, can I just connect a cable from the BEFSR41 to it (like it was another computer) and then receive the signal wirelessly on my laptop? In other words, I would basically be using it like an access point. I'm pretty sure I should be able to do this, but thought I would see if anyone here has any thoughts.

Oh, before anyone asks, yes, I could connect all the computers to a new wireless router, but that would be an expense to purchase new wireless cards for the other three computers. Right now, I just want the laptop to have wireless connectivity.

Thanks in advance!

 

Check the products first but it is possible to buy a wireless router and connect the wired devices to it.

 

A wireless router is the added feature to be able to send signal without wires, but computers without wifi cards can also connect through cables.

 

All you need is a wireless access point. Connect that to an available port on your Linksys router's hub/switch and then you'll be able to connect any wireless-enabled computers to the access point and therefore to your existing LAN.

You don't need a completely new wireless router unless you want to upgrade for any reason. As has already been said, if you do get a new wireless router, get one with a built-in wired hub/switch and then you'll be able to connect your existing wired PCs to it without needing to go out and buy wireless cards for them.

 

Sometimes pricing and/or availability of a wireless router is better than a pure access point - they're higher volume items. Disable the routers DHCP server function, and you have an access point. I use a Linksys WRT54GS this way - as a pure access point.

Blue

 

Thanks everyone for the answers. I knew it was probably okay, but thought I would check with some of you. Blue, it sounds like you are already doing what I am wanting to do. Thanks for the tip on disabling the DHCP on the wireless router!

 

Someone told me today, if I don't intend to go wireless with the other computers, I might consider a Travel Router which is already configured to take a signal from another router or AP. I'm in a small house and the specs sound like it would cover the place. What do you think?
http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WGR101.php

 

On a quick look, reviews are very mixed. Most negative ones focus on dropped connections and other performance issues. Sounds like it may not be the best solution for general needs. Not sure if these problems have been resolved in the current release.

Blue

 

Update: I found the Netgear Travel Router at CompUSA for $10 after rebate! I bought it this morning and it works like a dream. Coverage over my entire house. Only had WEP, but with a firmware upgrade it is now a fully-secure WPA router. It covers the entire house, the backyard and even across the street at the neighbor's house! I'm impressed.

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

A wireless router has both a wireless and wired connections...it's not just wireless. It has a wireless antenna and also 4 "wired" ethernet ports. So you dont need to connect a router to the other router. Just simply use the new router

Connect your Laptop wirelessly and just simply connect your three computers on the three available ethernet ports on your wireless router.

 

Sounds good - and for $10 and some convenience to boot, I think I might overlook the occasional dropped connection as well, which could have been resolved as well. Time and use will tell.

Blue