[SOLVED] Adding a wifi router

[BobCharlie]

I've always stuck with a single, hardwired modem connection, intentionally leaving everything but main pc online. If needed, I'll manually switch the cable to the PS4 or rarely TV (TV updates only, always offline otherwise). Need wifi to update phone (Samsung forces this) and realized a wifi router could do this as well as connect the PS4 if/when needed as well as a smart TV.

Was thinking of getting an inexpensive Linksys AC1200 or something very close to it, locally. I'd keep the PC hardwired to it, and use wifi for whatever has the capability to interact. But what if I have a non-wifi capable device? Like say an old laptop has a wonky wifi, is there a generic wireless dongle that can plug into it's usb and interact with the Linksys AC1200? Noticed they have wifi dongles but can't ascertain if they connect to an established wifi point or what they are doing.

 

[Ralston18]

Most routers have 4 wired LAN ports.

Generic connections (line diagram with ----> representing an Ethernet cable):

ISP === coax, DSL, Fiber ===> Modem ----> [WAN/Internet port] AC1200 Router [LAN Ports] -----> Wired devices and ~~~~> wireless devices.

You would use one LAN port for the PC and remaining LAN ports for other non-wireless capable network devices.

However, if that non wireless device (laptop, desktop, etc.) has a working USB port then you can certainly install a USB wireless network adapter.

Then configure the wireless device to join the router's wireless network.

Before purchasing any router, take a look at the User Manual (go online to the manufacturer's website) and preview the installation requirements and process.

For example:

https://manuals.plus/linksys/e5600-ac1200-dual-band-router-manual

You can easily find similar links and corresponding network diagrams. Do your own diagram - just a simple sketch is all that is necessary to plan things out and then verify everything.

Add devices one at a time. Start with wired to ensure that the modem/router works and that you have a basic wired network correctly configured and working.

Then add a wireless device.

 

[BobCharlie]

Thank you. Got that Linksys AC1200 today and now set up, and phone connected easily enough to it. Good to know a "usb network adapter" can be employed if needed. 👍