Wireless access from a laptop

[#1]

Hi,
Both my son and daughter have recently purchased new laptops which are wireless enabled. I currently run a Solwise router connected to a small hub to provide access to the main computers but they wish to connect form their rooms via the wireless function. My question is - how can I provided this connectability? is it just a case of swapping my Solwise router for a wireless router - bearing in mind the home machines are using ethernet and do not have wireless capabilities.
Many thanks for all assistance
Ken Graham

[#2]

You could just plug a Wireless Access Point in to your existing hub. There's some listed here but you may be able to find better prices.

[#3]

You can have a mixture of ethernet and wifi connections operating simultaneously.
You can add (if you want) wireless cards to your main computers.
Wifi is much slower than ethernet  - but quite fast enough for internet access.

[#4]

Hi Ken

Quote

is it just a case of swapping my Solwise router for a wireless router

Yes
If you get one make sure it is enabled for WPA security.
I use a Netgear DG834Gv2 . It is a couple of years old now. It has four ethernet ports and wireless with WPA
For me this handles 3 wired ethernet connnections and 3 wireless connections.
If you are watching the pennies you can get very good wireless routers on Ebay for not a lot of money.
Have a look through the forum there are discussions on the pros and cons of various routers.
I hope this helps.

[#5]

I've got a Netgear WG602 (it has WPA) - but something like this would do the job: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260333883655&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.co.uk%3A...
A LOT cheaper than replacing a perfectly good router!

[#6]

Or agree to stay with Plusnet for a year, and get a nice shiny new router for free 
John

[#7]

...well 6.99 P+P 

[#8]

Many thanks to al that have responded.  In the most part you have confirmed what I was considering and that is always a good thing. Personally I cannot see me leaving Plusnet as the service is great - but I already pay £21 and I cannot see them a) giving me a new wireless router. b) letting me reduce my bill to £6.99 - lol
Once again many thanks for the help
Ken Graham
p.s. To Plusnet staffs, comment on the new wireless router? I do intend to remain for at least 12 months !!!

[#9]

@graham4x
I think we should be able to manage that, if you can just raise a ticket on your account requesting it and agreeing to the £6.99 postage charge we'll get one sent out to you. You'd need to pay the cost of the router if you did decide to leave within 12 months though.