Wireless source

[JRSechrest]

Is it possible to create a wireless connection for my laptop without having to go through a computer that is hardwired to my network? The problem is, that I have a shop that is a ways from my house and I want to use my laptop down there with a wireless connection. Is there a way to do that without having to have two computers down there?

[PrntRhd]

Yes,
The easiest is to have a wireless access point or router. Either PC can be on without affecting the connection for the other.
How far is the shop away from the house/internet connection?

[JRSechrest]

The shop is about 150 feet away from the house. So if I use the access point or router, I don't have to have a computer directly wired into it?

[Whyzman]

A router, for example, plugs directly into your modem. A Linksys WRT54G, for example has both wired and wireless capabilities. You would actually be able to connect the 2 computers you already have to this also and be protected behind its hardware firewall...

The router has firmware within it that is programable. It needs a hardwired computer to set up, but once it knows what it is supposed to do, it is totally independent. It gets the internet directly from the modem and dishes it out either hardwired (4 ports) or wirelessly...

[PrntRhd]

So if I use the access point or router, I don't have to have a computer directly wired into it?
Yes, the device uses radio signals (wireless networking) to communicate to and from the wireless notebook. What type of notebook do you have, does it have wireless built in?
And finally, what type of construction is used for the shop and house?

[Whyzman]

Also, how are your 2 other computers you mentioned currently connected to the internet?

[JRSechrest]

Currently, I have a main computer that is connected to the internet through my router with ethernet cables and a laptop that has a built-in wireless connection. The 2nd laptop that I am trying to set up has a pcmcia wireless adapter. So, if I buy a second router and set it up with my current computer, I could then unhook it from there and it should work independently?

[PrntRhd]

Not a second router, just a wireless one. The wireless one can do what the old one does and more.
Each PC is then accessing the router and the Internet independently.

[Whyzman]

So, of the two you already have connected, the laptop (although it has wireless capability) is connected to the router with an ethernet cable (both are hardwired)?