Wifi Question.

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Thats what I was asking in the first place. Thanks you for the answer. So a wireless router is the only thing that can transmit a signal?

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Routers or access points. If you have cable I would suggest getting a router, as it usually works better to have a router between the devices and the modem if there's more then one device on cable.

No, no, no. No.

Lol.

You can set up an ad-hoc network using a wireless card or usb transmitter like this. It can then be used with windows' internet sharing and you can connect to it via the ipod touch and it should work all hunky dory.

thing is, a wifi ROUTER will transmit a stronger signal because they have amplifiers built in. A receiver doesnt need to amplify so it wont transmit a signal much stronger than 2dBi (in this case)

So to get a decent range out of it you might need to hang it from a wall on a 10' extension or something to that effect.

ALSO in the specs:

"You can even switch with bigger antenna (5 or 8 dBi) for better signal." so it probably has a pretty default antenna port on it that you could increase the range with by buying a bigger antenna.

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So exactly how far (in feet) does 2dBi transmit?

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Oh that is more than enough. I don't really need the expandability in the future because i'll be in college(at which point I will have a laptop) and don't mind just plugging it into the ethernet.

So 2dBi = about 30 feet. I'll try to find something with a little more power for a similar price point. If you know of something better, please link it. Thanks.

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No, you can set up Wireless Cards for Ad-Hoc.

A router is the better answer, which is why I recommended the routers.

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How MUCH better is a router for just having internet on an ipod?

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Honestly for when i had my PSP and was living on my own, using a wireless adapter worked fine. I really think in your application a router is overkill. Yes, your computer has to be on to transmit the signal. Yes, windows internet sharing has its share of issues, if you are working in an environment where someone needs the internet wirelessly from you 24/7. the reliability necessary there would warrant a router...

Obviously where i am at now, when i have a couple other computers on the network... Its nice to have a router. If you plan on expanding your rigs and getting an extra computer, then a router is a good way to go.

But for a wirelesss device like an ipod or a psp... a dongle works just fine. It doesnt need the speed or reliability because youre just using it as an added benefit. And I can guarantee you once you use it a few times you arent gonna be using the internet on it all the time. Once in a blue moon. Then youll start to question "damn, do I really need this router? Do i need to deal with the hassle of opening ports whenever I want to get data to my computer? Do I really need these extra wires and this extra power consumption?

It seems silly to get a router unless your application requires it. Plus a semi-decent router still costs like 40-50 bucks. Its a waste of money given what you want to do IMHO.

OK thanks for all the replies.

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It isn't as easy as you make it sound

I'm just going to get that rosewill dongle. My parents don't use the internet( like once a month) so I don't see them benefiting from a router when I leave for college anyways.