ADSL modem with wireless network?

Hi,

I got a Dell E1505 last week and since I've been on dial-up decided to get DSL through Bellsouth. For $75 (free with rebate) they offer a ADSL modem but it doesn't appear I can network the connection with my girlfriends desktop.

Looking at the website, they offer another box to add wireless in addition to the modem for another $50, plus $5 extra a month.

Would I be better off getting a D-Link to take care of all of my needs? There's one on Newegg for $150.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustRatingReview.asp?Item=N82E16833127064

Are there cheaper alternatives just as good? Will this allow us to be both online without having to pay the extra $5?

I looked at the sticky but couldn't make heads or tails. All suggestions are appreciated.

 

Just buy a wireless broadband router at your local electronics store for $50.

The router you linked to you don't need - just one like this.

Edit - the router you linked to includes a built-in DSL modem. If you get one like the one I linked to above, you'd connect it to the DSL modem that your telco gave you, and then connect all your PCs to it via cables or wirelessly. There won't be an addional charge.

 

Thanks. I haven't got anything set up yet, Bellsouth wont be sending the modem until next week.

In lieu of spending extra money on a wireless router, I may just hard wire it. Again i guess i should wait until I see what they send me.

 

If you want to share the line over multiple PCs, you'll still want to use a router, even if it's not a wireless one. You'll end up saving a few bucks on the router, and probably spend just as much on network cables.

One more thing... If you get a router, don't worry about the software that comes with the DSL modem. Don't install it. The router has all the software you should need built-in, so just follow the setup instructions for the router and configure your PCs to be on the 'Local Area Network' (it'll be clearer once you get your hands on the setup guides).

 

a router isnt required to network just 2 computers. SBC/ATT right now is offering a 2wire wireless gateway (modem and router) in 1. This can be used to not only network wireless but also has 4 wired ports, cost is like $50 after rebates. contact sbc for details.
As for networking just 2 computers...Heres an idea.
Get the modem and your GFs desktop working. get a wireless unit, USB or pci(be sure its the same standard as your laptop),
connect it to your GF computer. Enable ICS (Internet connection sharing) choosing your GF computer as the host. now your latop should be able to connect to the internet as long as your gf computer is on. this will also allow you to network/share files.

 

Just buy your own, router my local bellsouth wanted to tag on an extra $5 a month for home networking, got a router and did it myself.

 

Yup, that's what I did for the same reason. Got a wireless Linksys router for $39 at Officemax. Should have my DSL modem tomorrow and will let you know how well it all works out.

Thanks all...