This is such a stupid 101 question, but before I make a purchase, I want to clear up some confusion.

I'm trying to set up a wireless network at my parents/brothers' house and was wondering if just buying a Netgear/Linksys wireless router (I heard these work well with Linux, correct me if I'm wrong) would suffice or if I need another solution.

The DSL modem is a Speedstream 4200 though I'm wondering if it's actually a DSL modem or just actually a router that functions like one (or both? I'm not sure how these devices are different from dedicated DSL modems), and how that would play into factor when trying to use a purchased wireless router. I can't buy a dedicated modem since the ISP is limited in the modems it supports.

Would I be better off asking them if they support a self bought wireless DSL modem/router like the ones from D-link?

Any words of guidance?

Thanks.

The Speedstream 4200 is a cheap DSL modem. You can purchase and use just about any third party router wireless or not. The router's WAN port is where you plug the DSL modem into (consider this to be the computer as far as the DSL modem is concerned). You will need to know the primary account name and password to configure the wireless router.

The ISP may have wireless routers available (for a price of course), these work just fine and in many cases the ISP have the ability to reconfigure them for you. Which can be a blessing and a curse at the same time.

Sometimes one needs change the Ethernet device with the ISP in order for the wireless router to work. This is not hard and only takes a few minutes, the ISP tech support should be able to walk you through this over the phone.

Thanks alot. I'm hoping I can get a wireless DSL modem/router combination and ask them about that. Anyway we'll see how it goes...