Wireless router that doesn't need a desktop

Question

I have a single desktop PC here at my house, and I'm about to get a new laptop. Currently, I connect to my internet provider through a modem connected directly to my desktop, but I want to get a wireless router so that my laptop can also connect to the internet (obviously).

The thing is:
I know that some routers need to maintain a cable connection to the main desktop (which must stay on) in order to be able to provide internet connection to the other computers;
while other routers only need to be connected directly to an online modem, which means I could get a connection on my laptop even if the desktop is turned off.

I want to make sure I buy one of the latter, but I don't know how to ask (or look) for one. Is there a name for this function or something? I was just gonna ask the salesman, but I thought I'd give ait try here first.

Thanks

Answer 1

I think you're not describing a router but rather a cable modem:

Some cable modems are meant as single-computer devices and expect the login information to be sent from the computer.

The solution in such a case is to attach a router to the cable modem and have the router provide this login information. That way, the router keeps the cable modem connection alive, and it doesn't matter whether any one or more computers are on or off.

What router should you buy:

I would recommend any router that has wireless as well as (at least one) wired port, because the wired port is handy for troubleshooting when wireless fails. In particular, Linksys routers often get positive comments. Here are some that you could consider.

If you dare, there are even custom firmwares for these that enable you to control your internet connection in many good ways - see here for details.