Do I actually need both modem and router to set up my DSL home network?

Hi,
I am to order QWest DSL and construct home network, I have 2 laptop
computers at home and I want the network to be wireless.

I was thinking I need to buy DSL modem for DSL interface and a
wireless router for the whole home wireless coverage.

But I just realize that actually I can just use one wireless DSL
modem, that should do the job, right? Maybe a seperate router have
enhanced security benifit, but I may not need it anyway.

One laptop is of Intel Centrino chip and for the other I will use a
Cisco wireless PCI card.

Any comment is extremely welcome!

On 12 May 2007 10:04:13 -0700, (E-Mail Removed) mused:

>Hi,
> I am to order QWest DSL and construct home network, I have 2 laptop
>computers at home and I want the network to be wireless.
>
> I was thinking I need to buy DSL modem for DSL interface and a
>wireless router for the whole home wireless coverage.
>
> But I just realize that actually I can just use one wireless DSL
>modem, that should do the job, right? Maybe a seperate router have
>enhanced security benifit, but I may not need it anyway.
>
> One laptop is of Intel Centrino chip and for the other I will use a
>Cisco wireless PCI card.
>
> Any comment is extremely welcome!

Netgear DG834G. ADSL modem, router and wireless access point. Plenty
of reccomendations for them in this group and others.
--
Regards,
Stuart.

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> I am to order QWest DSL and construct home network, I have 2 laptop
> computers at home and I want the network to be wireless.

> But I just realize that actually I can just use one wireless DSL
> modem, that should do the job, right?

A modem is a device that translates between "audio" frequency signals and
a digital bit stream. A router is a device that ensures your data packets
get sent "the right way". Many ADSL boxes are modem/routers, but it is
possible to get ADSL modems separately from routers. You don't (generally)
need your own modem if your phone/DSL service is delivered over cable.

So: if QWest offers DSL over a phone line, then you can use a single
box providing ADSL modem/router and wireless service.

Chris