Linksys Router and Linksys PCMCIA Card

I'm considering hooking up a home network with a Linksys Router and Linksys PCMCIA card. I know it's hard to tell what kind if range I will get but GENERALLY should I be able to connect within 50 ft of the router?

 

Questions...

For now my laptop is connected to WIRED Cable Internet. After I hook up the wireless network and test to see if it's working correctly, can I then disconnect my laptop from the Router, slip in the Linksys PCMCIA Card (WPC54GS) then move about the house freely OR must there be at least one computer hooked up to the Linksys Router (WRT54GS) itself?

If I don't use the Linksys PCMCIA card, can I still connect to the Linksys Router via my laptop's built in WiFi?

P.S. Ethernet would only be connected from the cable modem to the Linksys Router. With that setup would I be able to connect to the Router using my laptop's built in WiFi?

 

A) 50 feet in and open area should be acceptable / predictable. Any obstructions, restrictions could / will lower signal strength.

B) Yes, you can disconnect notebook from router.

C) NO. From a "convenience" factor, it is nice to always have "1" computer wired to the router ... just simpler for trouble shooting ... but NOT required.

D) IF you have built in WIFI, try that out first. If it performs to your needs, no need for additional hardware.
IF you "prefer" to use PCMCIA WIFI card, you may need to disable any auto-startup programs and/or BIOS settings for your onboard WIFI.

E) With all required settings in place, YES

 

Dennis L,

Your response is very much appreciated. Thanks.

Just Curious....would the Linksys PCMCIA card give better range than my laptop's internal WiFi?

 

It's been my experience that my Dell M700 Notebook with built in wireless would have almost full strength when my other notebook with a DLink pcmcia card would have no bars on the same source.
Most built in wireless cards have the antenna routed around the edge of the monitor so in short they smoke the cards. Plus the pcmcia cards always get broken from sticking out the side.

 

Thanks again. Good to hear I don't HAVE to purchase the card.