Do I need a wireless router?

[k8de1]

Hi,
I'm looking to buy the Apple airport express so that I can play my itunes music on my stereo in another room. I currently have a DSL modem and only the one pc so I was wondering if I need a wireless router?
Any help would be really appreciated as I'm very confused. I have no experience of setting up anything like this I have never networked anything in my life!

Thanks in advance,
K8de1

[mbossman2]

most routers do more than route. many offer firewall protection or other services (VPN, wireless etc) so adding one can address more needs than just sharing internet access.

as an added plus, wireless routers are usually more cost effective than adding a dedicated access point.

[k8de1]

ok, so having one would be an advantage then.
But do I really NEED one in order to use the airport express or will it work without?

[Statica]

You dont really need an Apple Airport express per se, there are other options like : http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1137451822026&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper in conjunction with a wireless router like: this (http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1148435315453&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper). Personally I'd go with a manufacturer that specializes in networking.

[mbossman2]

ok, so having one would be an advantage then.
But do I really NEED one in order to use the airport express or will it work without?

you can set up an ad hoc wireless connection between 2 wireless devices but there is a trade off in range. so a wireless router is not required but ad hoc connections are generally shorter ranged connections (smaller antennae and lower power output).

actually after reviewing the specs on Airport Express, as it supports NAT, DHCP, FTP, PPPoE, VPN Passthrough (IPSec, PPTP and L2TP), PPP client and server (AirPort Extreme with modem only), QuickTime Streaming, DNS Proxy, SNMP (specifically NAT and DHCP) it can function as a wireless router so an additional router would be superfluous and can cause some configuration nightmares.

[k8de1]

Thanks guys,

Maybe I should consider that option Statica.... ooh decisions, decisions!
I'm thinking that being quite technically challenged in these areas the Apple device would be the easier option for me.