a question

If you have a router that connects to the cable modem, then you need an Access Point that will connect to one of the ports on the router plus you will need either a laprop with built in wireless, or a PMCIA wireless card, or if its for a destop PC, a PCI wireless adapter.

If you dont have a router, then you could buy a Wireless router that will connect to the cable modem.. an example would be a Linksys WRT45g.

You could use a switch or a hub instead of a router, but then you have to manually configure IP addresses, plus most routers have firewall protection.

You need 1) A wireless access point which you will connect via Ethernet cable to your cable modem (instead of your PC's Ethernet cable). If you get an access point with integral 4-port Ethernet switch, you can still connect PCs via Ethernet cables.

Suggest you go with 802.11g devices, which have come down in price. In today's Sunday newspaper, CompUSA list a Belkin Access Point for $25 and PC cards for $20.

Check out pricing at local stores such as BestBuy and similar as well as web based retailers. Prices do vary. Also consider other widely used brands such as Linksys and D-Link, among others.

The G devices allow a maximum of 54 Mbps. In practice the throughput is much lower. However, with cable modems maxing at about 4 Mbps, you will likely have more than enough wireless bandwidth except at the far range of the AP.

Do some reading on where to place the Access Point. That can make a difference in the range you achieve.