I have a basic wired Voyager ADSL router connected to my regular phone line (BT in the UK, when I'm not in Los).

Since I'm having a friend visit who would like to use his laptop in the same room, what would be the simplest solution: wireless, or can the network cable be split to two computers? If wireless, does it mean replacing my existing fixed-line router, or would the wireless transmitter be an add-on? Thanks.

First of all, I hope I understand well what you wrote.

If you have a router, it should have more than one lan port. Look at the back. If you don't have that, than it isn't a router.

Assuming you have a router, your friend can plug-in one end of a LAN-cable in his laptop and the other end in your router. There is his connection.

If there is nothing to plug-in an extra cable, then you don't have a router and should buy one. In your case I recommend a wireless one.

Petch01

Thanks for replying. I have a Voyager 210 ADSL router with only one LAN socket. So is there any kind of splitting device on the market? Or would any wireless router work just by replacing the Voyager?

Just use an Switch (Ether-Switch) maybe 5 port and connect the Modem-Router and all PC's/Laptop to that switch. If you use auto IP connect and switch on PC after PC eg Laptop.

http://www.voyager.bt.com/wired_routers/vo...cifications.pdf

just took a look at the specs on the above link, the voyager 210, although called a router has just one ethernet port. To use as a router proper you need to connect an ethernet hub to it, have a look for the cheapest available hub, it's probably the simplest option.

If I just bought any old secondhand wireless router from eBay, can it just replace the existing fixed-line one, or could there be compatibility problems with my ISP which is Plus Net in the U.K. ? Thanks again.

Just use an Switch (Ether-Switch) maybe 5 port and connect the Modem-Router and all PC's/Laptop to that switch. If you use auto IP connect and switch on PC after PC eg Laptop.

e.g. D-Link "DES-1005D 10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch" - which connects my PCs to the ADSL modem.