Connecting wifi laptop to ethernet home network

I'll be getting a laptop soon and have a query about connecting it to the internet. Ive got 3 computers running on a wired network sharing my broadband connection using a modem router and a switch hub. The laptop that I want is wireless and im wondering what i'd need to have a wireless device connect to my ethernet network?

Cheers

 

You'll need a wireless router or an all-in-one solution like a wireless modem router. The router alone will most likely be cheaper but a little more difficult to install. Belkin, Netgear and D-Link make good solutions.

 

Is there no device I can plug into my switch hub that will receive a wirelless connection? "EDIT" Just been surfing around and found these devices that appear to be what im looking for. They will allow me to connect my laptop wirelessly to my wired ethernet network right?

Linksys WAP54G 54Mbps Wireless-G Access Point

Netgear WPN802 108Mbps Wireless Access Point

 

Yes. They're routers with WiFi built in. You can have more than 1 router on a network, or you can just simply replace your current router with one that has WiFi.

 

But I shouldnt need a router that has wifi as all the computers plug into the hub which is then plugged iinto the adsl router. If I plug the wifi access point into the switch hub surely that will enable me to connect the laptop to the wired network which uses the non wifi router?

 

You are correct. As long as you have a router on your network which is running a DHCP service then a simple access point should work fine. I have a wired netgear router, which is connected to a netgear access point. On its own, the AP will not be able to act as a router, but with another router on the network the AP will work as intended.

 

Thats great thanks addis:good: